YearToAvoid

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Airbags Problems

Airbag-related complaints make up 46 of 84 total complaints (55%) for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan, the highest share of any Tiguan model year. Most center on a failing steering column clock spring, with a median failure mileage of 50,500. A related recall (15V483000) exists but many owners report their VIN was not covered.

Airbags complaints
46
55% of 84
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
50,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

  • Airbag warning light illuminates suddenly while driving, often paired with a clicking or ticking noise from the steering column.
  • Steering wheel controls for the horn, cruise control, and Bluetooth stop working when the clock spring deteriorates or fails.
  • Owners report the airbag control module itself is diagnosed as faulty and in need of replacement.
  • Some owners with a 2014 Tiguan say NHTSA recall 15V483000 does not cover their VIN even though the failure matches the recall description.
  • A loud noise from the front of the vehicle is reported alongside the airbag indicator turning on while driving at highway speed.
  • Failures are reported at low mileage in some cases, including one at 17,534 miles on a three-year-old car.

When 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 3, 2016, latest Feb 27, 2025.

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan airbags complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2016Dec 2017Jun 2018Nov 2018May 2021Apr 2022Sep 2022Jun 2024
46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2016 to Feb 2025; peak May 2018 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan

  1. NHTSA 15V483000Aug 4, 2015Airbags415,825 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

    Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

Airbags complaints by Tiguan model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20103 (3%)
  2. 201130 (19%)
  3. 201233 (22%)
  4. 201363 (45%)
  5. 201446 (55%)
  6. 201528 (45%)
  7. 201637 (39%)
  8. 201730 (40%)
  9. 201815 (5%)
  10. 20197 (4%)
  11. 20201 (1%)
  12. 20212 (1%)
  13. 20224 (1%)
  14. 20232 (3%)
  15. 20241 (1%)
  16. 20255 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

Are airbag problems common on the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Yes. NHTSA lists 46 airbag-related complaints for the 2014 Tiguan out of 84 total complaints, a 55% share, the highest of any Tiguan model year in this data.
What is the median mileage when airbag problems occur on the 2014 Tiguan?
NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 50,500 miles at the time of failure.
Is there a recall for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan airbag issue?
Yes, recall 15V483000 covers certain 2010-2014 Tiguan and other VW models for a steering wheel clock spring cover, though several owners report their 2014 Tiguan VIN was not included in the recall.
Did the airbag problems cause any crashes or injuries?
No. NHTSA data for this component and year lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the reported complaints.
What exactly fails in the airbag system on the 2014 Tiguan?
Most complaints describe a failing clock spring in the steering column, which triggers the airbag warning light and disables horn and steering wheel controls.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.