2013 Volkswagen Tiguan: broken coil spring

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Engine light on at around 50K - dealership said it was just an "issue with the warning lights" don't worry unless it blinks. At 74K I found out the turbo boost was the reason for this and I should have been told when the car was still under warranty. Realized in December of 2020 the car was soaking wet inside. Front and Back carpet was soaked like a sponge. Thought it was from driving in slush - turns out it's the moonroof drains. Repaired by VW dealership - all carpet and padding was ripped out and had to dry and then be reinstalled. Dealership ripped the interior moonroof headline while installing and didn't tell me. Huge fight with insurance - finally got fixed. Was told Cam cover leaking, and needed manifolds cleaned because of direct injection engine. Car has no power anymore. Car towed multiple times for jerking and flashing engine light. 2 engine coils replaced within 6 months. Even with moonroof drains cleaned yearly - car still gets wet inside and visible moisture on dashboard. Both back coil springs broke Aug 2026. Didn't realize until I saw the 2nd one laying in the driveway. $800 to repair those. Known recall issue with 2015 coil springs breaking by VW. But did include 2013 models. Dangerous to drive not knowing they have broken. No light indicator. Engine light always on because of Turbo boost. Now constantly needing coolant. Washer fluid, tire air pressure lights & gas cap light always on even when full of fluid. Broken tether to gas cap. Not even 90K miles and this car is constantly being towed to the shop. ABS brakes slightly jumpy at very low speed. Knocking sound in engine. Constant fear when driving this vehicle

Filed Feb 5, 2020 · Suspension · 89,000 miles · PA

Both front and rear coil springs broke from secure position creating a safety hazard as spring could come in contact with moving tires. Rear spring separated in july 2019, followed by front spring in february 2020. Vehicle was in motion both times, being at highway speeds when front spring broke.

Filed Sep 29, 2018 · Airbags, Electrical · 50,000 miles · CA

An airbag error message went on while my wife was driving in june 2018. She noticed that the after the airbag error cane on that the controls on the steering wheel and the horn stopped working as well. We took the vehicle to dirito brothers vw for servicing and they said the clock spring failed and needed to replaced. They replaced the part which resolved the issues until today when the airbag error light came on again and the steering controls and horn stopped working again. That is a second failure in 3 months. My wife drives my kids in this vehicle and it's unsettling to think that there is an obviously defective part that renders her airbag and horn useless putting them in harms way. I have an appointment with dirito brothers to replace the part again but have lost confidence. I noticed many articles and blog posts about this issue as well as an the federal safety agency investigation into it. Please re-investigate this issue. I can't imagine that I'm the only person complaining. Thank you.

Filed Jul 3, 2018 · Airbags · 38,000 miles · MA

The clock spring failed within two years of the recall, and based on my internet research, almost 100 other people have had the same issue. The dealer told me the original "fix" was just to put a cover over the clock spring unless the clock spring failed beforehand. In my case it failed after the cover was added, and for some reason I didn't get the benefit of an actual replacement part as part of the recall. It seems to me that others are having the same problem and the "fix" for all of the cars in question should have been clock spring replacements vs. A cover.

Filed Oct 14, 2017 · Airbags · 21,830 miles · TX

Vw recalled this vehicle for a defect in the clockspring which controls the driver side airbag. This repair was made in july 2016. Just 15 months later and less than 3000 miles later the clockspring failed again in the exact same fashion. The same classic clockspring failure mode as reported by vw. I had it replaced again this morning.

Filed Jun 6, 2017 · Airbags · 48,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen tiguan. After driving 20 MPH, the driver side air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (paramount automotive group located at 1234 s center st, hickory, nc 28602) where it was diagnosed that the clockspring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2017 · Airbags · 37,200 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen tiguan. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated without warning. The dealer diagnosed that the air bag clock spring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer did not have the parts available. Due to the safety concern, the contact left the vehicle at the dealer. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v483000 (air bags). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure on april 4, 2017. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall and that they would submit a request for the vehicle; however, they could not guarantee a recall and that the vehicle would be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 37,200.