YearToAvoid

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 30 airbag complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, 40% of all complaints filed for that model year, with 5 crashes and 3 injuries reported. A related recall (campaign 18V102000) covers a front driver airbag module not intended for U.S. sale, remedied by replacing the steering wheel and airbag module.

Airbags complaints
30
40% of 75
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
27,749 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

  • Airbags failed to deploy in a crash despite front or side impacts, sometimes leading to injuries.
  • Airbag warning light illuminates for no apparent reason, often paired with a non-working horn and steering wheel controls.
  • Broken clock spring causes airbag, horn, and steering wheel control failures, sometimes recurring after an earlier repair.
  • Loss of steering control accompanied by dashboard warning lights flashing and the vehicle stalling.
  • Owners report receiving recall notices for the driver airbag but finding replacement parts unavailable at dealerships.

When 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 19, 2018, latest Jun 19, 2026.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan airbags complaints: complaints filed per month3Apr 2018Feb 2020Jan 2022Jun 2022Sep 2022Aug 2023Apr 2025Jun 2026
30 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2018 to Jun 2026; peak Apr 2022 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

  1. NHTSA 18V102000Feb 9, 2018Airbags3,768 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk: In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel and front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69V2.

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

How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA lists 30 airbag complaints for the 2017 Tiguan, which is 40% of the 75 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for airbag problems on the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Yes. Recall campaign 18V102000 covers 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles where the front driver airbag module was not intended for U.S. use. Volkswagen replaced the steering wheel and airbag module free of charge.
Have airbag issues led to crashes or injuries in the 2017 Tiguan?
NHTSA data shows 5 crashes and 3 injuries linked to airbag complaints for the 2017 Tiguan.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up on the 2017 Tiguan?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for airbag complaints on the 2017 Tiguan is 27,749 miles.

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.