2021 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Rear

Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retractor
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full
freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle
is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking,
during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.
Fastened seat belts on the front seats may be tensioned automatically by the proactive occupant
protection system in critical situations, for example during emergency braking or as a result of
oversteering or understeering. Both seat belts are slackened if the accident does not happen, or
when the critical situation has passed. The proactive occupant protection system is ready to be
triggered again ⇒ Proactive occupant protection system.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the front seat vehicle occupants, and in some cases those on the outer rear
seats, are equipped with belt tensioners.
The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They
tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. Any slack in the seat belt is
retracted, which can reduce the passenger's movement forwards or in the direction of the impact.
The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the vehicle rolls over, the belt
tensioners will not be activated if the side airbags are not triggered.
A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not
mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
Reversible belt tensioning (proactive occupant protection systemyf
Reversible belt tensioning may trigger in certain driving situations. For example:
•Heavy braking,
•Oversteer or understeer,
•Minor collisions.
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an
accident.
All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are
scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt 
tensioners.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or
refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be
noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not
function at all, in the event of an accident.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced
and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops
are familiar with these requirements.
Never adjust the seat belt height when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING

Types of front passenger front airbag system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Never rely solely on the airbag system for your protection.
•Even if an airbag is triggered, it only offers auxiliary protection.
•The airbag system offers the best level of protection, and reduces the risk of injury,
when seat belts are properly worn ⇒ Seat belts.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position,
correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly
throughout the trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.
WARNING
The risk of injury increases if there are any objects between the vehicle occupants and the
deployment area of the airbag when it is triggered. This will alter the deployment zone of
the airbag, or the objects will be flung against the body.
•Never hold any objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never transport any objects on the front passenger seat. The objects could enter the
deployment zone of the airbag during sudden braking or driving manoeuvres and then
be flung dangerously through the vehicle interior if the airbag is activated.
•Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any
people, pets or objects in the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags.
Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.
WARNING
The airbag system can only be triggered once. The system will have to be replaced if the
airbags have been triggered.
•Airbags that have been triggered, and any affected system parts, must immediately be
replaced with new parts that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop. Qualified workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair
information and qualified personnel.
•Never use recycled airbag components or components that have been taken from end-
of-life vehicles in your vehicle.
•Never alter any components of the airbag system.
WARNING
Fine dust particles or steam may be released when the airbags are triggered. This is
normal and does not mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
•The fine dust can cause irritation to the skin and eye membranes and cause breathing
difficulties, particularly for people suffering from asthma or people who have (hadyf
other respiratory problems. To help reduce breathing difficulties, get out of the vehicle
or open the windows or doors for more fresh air.
•If you come into contact with the dust, you should wash your hands and face with a
mild soap and water before eating.
•Do not let the dust get into your eyes or into open wounds.
•If dust has entered your eyes, rinse them with water.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious
injury.
•Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING

Description and function of the airbags
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their
movement in the direction of the collision.
When an airbag is triggered, it is inflated by a gas generator. This causes the airbag covers to
break, and the airbags inflate forcefully to cover their deployment zones within milliseconds. Once a
vehicle occupant wearing a seat belt starts to sink into the inflated airbag, the gas inside the airbag
starts to escape to cushion the occupant and slow down their movement. This can reduce the risk
of severe and fatal injuries. A triggered airbag will not always prevent other injuries from occurring,
such as swelling, bruising, burning and grazing. The deployment of the airbag can also produce
frictional heat.
Airbags provide no protection for the arms or lower body. Exception: in vehicles with a knee airbag,
the knee area of the driver will be protected.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident, the angle of impact,
the vehicle speed and the type of object with which the vehicle collides. Therefore, visible damage
to the vehicle does not always mean that the airbag should have been triggered.
Whether or not the airbag triggers is determined by the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the
collision and registered by the electronic control unit. If this rate is below the reference value
programmed into the control unit, the airbags will not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be
badly damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of vehicle
damage in an accident do not necessarily give an indication of whether an airbag should inflate or
not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds and reference values, since the
circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. It is therefore impossible to
cover every possible kind and angle of impact that would trigger the airbags. Important factors in
the triggering of the airbag include the nature (hard or softyfRIWKHREMHFWWKDWWKHYHKLFOHKLWVWKH
angle of impact, and the vehicle speed.
Airbags only serve as a supplement to the three-point seat belt in some accident situations when
the vehicle braking is sufficient to trigger the airbags. Airbags can only be triggered once and only
in certain situations. The seat belts are always there to provide protection in situations in which the
airbags are not triggered or have already been triggered. For example, if the vehicle collides with a
further vehicle following the initial collision, or is hit by another vehicle.
The airbag system is part of the vehicle's overall passive safety concept. The airbag system can
only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly and have assumed a
proper sitting position ⇒ Sitting position.
Components of the vehicle safety concept
The following vehicle safety equipment makes up the vehicle's safety concept to reduce the risk of
severe and fatal injuries. Some of this equipment may not be fitted in your particular vehicle. It may
not be available at all in some countries.
•Optimised seat belts for all seats.
•Belt tensioners for the driver and front passenger and also on the rear outer seats if in
conjunction with side airbags.
•Belt tension limiter for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Belt height adjuster for the front seats.
•Warning lamp and belt status display.
•Front airbags for driver and front passenger.
•Side airbags for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Curtain airbags on the left and right.
•If applicable, knee airbag for the driver.
•Airbag indicator lamp .
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console.
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console.
•Control units and sensors.
•Whiplash-optimised and height-adjustable head restraints.
•Adjustable steering column.
•If applicable, anchor points for child seats on the rear outer seats and on the front passenger
seat.
•If applicable, securing points for the top tether for child seats.
Situations when the front, knee, side and curtain airbags will not be
triggered:
•If the ignition is switched off during a collision.
•If the level of deceleration measured by the control unit is too low during a collision at the front
of the vehicle.
•During a minor side collision.
•During rear collisions.

Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off
Fig. 46 In the dash panel on the front passenger side or in the stowage compartment: key-operated
switch for switching the front passenger front airbag on and off.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger front airbag must be disabled if you fit a rear-facing child seat to the
front passenger seat.
Enabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the fully folded-out key bit of the vehicle key into the key-operated switch in the dash
panel ⇒ Fig. 46 to the second point of resistance. Around three quarters of the key bit should
be inserted in the key switch at this point ⇒.
•Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to the position.
•Remove the vehicle key from the key-operated switch and fold away the key bit ⇒.
•The indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper part of the centre console
lights up and goes out after approximately 60 seconds ⇒ Indicator lamp.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•Check that the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the upper section of the
centre console does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ Indicator lamp.
Disabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the fully folded-out key bit of the vehicle key into the key-operated switch in the dash
panel ⇒ Fig. 46 to the second point of resistance. Around three quarters of the key bit should
be inserted in the key switch at this point ⇒.
•Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to the position.
•Remove the vehicle key from the key-operated switch and fold away the key bit ⇒.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•When the ignition is switched on, the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG will light
up steadily in the upper section of the centre console ⇒ Indicator lamp.
Ensuring that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated
The only sure sign that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated is when the
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp is displayed continuously in the upper section of
the centre console ( lights up yellow steadilyyf ⇒ Indicator lamp.
If the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console is
not lit up steadily, or if it lights up together with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster,
do not attach any child restraint system to the front passenger seat for safety reasons. The front
passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident.

Side airbags
Fig. 47 On left-hand side of vehicle: deployment zones of side airbags.
Fig. 48 On the side of the front seat: location and deployment zone of the side airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, side airbags may also be fitted for the front seats and
rear outer seats ⇒ Fig. 47.
•The side airbags for the front seats are located in the outer seat backrest cushions of the driver
seat and front passenger seat ⇒ Fig. 48.
•If fitted, the side airbags for the rear outer seats are each located between the door entry and
the individual rear seat backrests.
The side airbag locations are identified by the text AIRBAG.
The areas inside the red lines ⇒ Fig. 47 and ⇒ Fig. 48 are covered by the side airbags when
triggered (deployment zonesyf<RXPXVWQHYHUOHDYHRUDWWDFKDQ\REMHFWVLQWKHVHDUHDV ⇒.
During a side collision, the side airbags will be deployed on the side of the vehicle which is
impacted, thus reducing the risk of injury to the areas of the occupants' bodies facing the impact.
The front passenger front airbag should only be switched off in exceptional
circumstances.
•To prevent damage to the airbag system, only switch the front passenger front airbag
on and off when the ignition is switched off.
•It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated switch is set to the
correct position.
•Only switch the front passenger front airbag off if, in exceptional circumstances, a
child seat has to be attached to the front passenger seat.
•Switch the front passenger front airbag back on again as soon as the child seat on the
front passenger seat is no longer being used.
WARNING
If the key bit is not inserted far enough, the key switch could be damaged when the key is
turned.
NOTICE
Do not leave the vehicle key in the key switch, as this could result in damage to the interior
door trim, dash panel, key switch or vehicle key when the front passenger door is closed.
NOTICE

Curtain airbags
Fig. 49 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: location and deployment zone of the curtain airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In the interior, a curtain airbag is fitted above the doors on both the driver and front passenger sides
⇒ Fig. 49.
The curtain airbag locations are identified by the text AIRBAG.
The area in the red frame ⇒ Fig. 49 is covered by the curtain airbag when triggered (deployment
zoneyf)RUWKLVUHDVRQ\RXPXVWQHYHUOHDYHRUDWWDFKDQ\LWHPVLQWKLVDUHD ⇒.
In a side collision the curtain airbag is triggered on the impact side of the vehicle.
In a side collision, the curtain airbags reduce the risk of injury to the areas of the body facing the
impact for vehicle occupants on the front seats and outer rear seats.
Knee airbags
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Always leave the deployment zones of the side airbags clear.
•Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any
people, pets or objects in the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags.
Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.
•The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any
heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.
•Do not fit any accessories to the doors.
•Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been
expressly approved for use in the vehicle. Otherwise the side airbag may not be able to
inflate once triggered.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the driver and front passenger seat could hinder the proper function of
the side airbag and cause serious injury.
•Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or alter any components of these seats.
•If too much pressure is applied to the backrest side bolster, the side airbags may not
be triggered correctly, may not trigger at all, or may trigger unexpectedly.
•Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the side airbag
units must be repaired immediately by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Always leave the deployment zones of the curtain airbags clear.
•Never secure any items to the cover or in the deployment zone of the curtain airbag.
•Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any
people, pets or objects in the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags.
Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.
•The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any
heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.
•Do not fit any accessories to the doors.
•Do not install any sun blinds onto the side windows unless they have been expressly
approved for use in your vehicle.
•Only push the sun blinds over to the side windows if no items are attached to them
(e.g. pens or the remote control for a garage dooryf.
WARNING

Fig. 50 On the driver side: location of the knee airbag
Fig. 51 On the driver side: deployment zone of the knee airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The knee airbag on the driver side is located in the lower part of the dash panel.
The location of the knee airbag is indicated by the AIRBAG label ⇒ Fig. 50.
The area in the red frame ⇒ Fig. 51 is covered by the knee airbag when triggered (deployment
zoneyf)RUWKLVUHDVRQ\RXPXVWQHYHUOHDYHRUDWWDFKDQ\LWHPVLQWKLVDUHD ⇒.
Safe transport of children
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of child seat
⇒ Installing and using child seats
⇒ Securing systems
⇒ Securing child seats with ISOFIX
⇒ Securing child seats with top tether upper strap
⇒ Securing child seats with a seat belt
Using child seats can reduce the risk of injury to the child if there is an accident. Always use child
seats when driving with children.
Note the following:
•Child seats are classified into groups depending on the size, age and weight of child for which
they are designed.
•Various securing systems are used to secure child seats in the vehicle.
For safety reasons, child seats should always be fitted to the rear seats ⇒ Installing and using child 
seats.
Volkswagen recommends child seats from the Volkswagen range of accessories. These child seats
have been developed and approved for use in Volkswagen vehicles.
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Do not use any objects, e.g. key rings, that could interfere with the deployment zone of
the knee airbag.
•Never secure any items on the cover or in the deployment zone of the knee airbag.
•The knee airbag is deployed in the area in front of the driver's knees. Adjust the driver
seat so there is at least a 10 cm gap between the knees and the location of the knee
airbag. Contact a qualified workshop if your physical build makes this impracticable.
WARNING

•Weight class 0/0+: group 0/0+ or 0/1 rear-facing infant carriers ⇒ Fig. 52 are the best option
for the period from birth to about 18 months.
•Weight class 1: group 1 (up to about four years oldyfRUJURXSXSWRDERXWVHYHQ\HDUVROG\f
with an integral belt system are best for children over the relevant weight limit.
•Weight classes 2/3: groups 2 and 3 include child seats with a backrest, and booster seats with
no backrest. Child seats with a backrest have integrated seat routing and side cushions, and so
provide better protection than booster seats with no backrest. Volkswagen therefore
recommends the use of child seats with a backrest. Group 2 child seats are for children up to
the age of about seven, group 3 child seats for those older than seven.
Not every child will fit in the child seat specified for their weight group. Likewise, not every seat will
fit in every vehicle. Therefore it is vital to check that the child fits properly in their child seat and that
the child seat can be securely fastened in the vehicle.
Child seat approval categories
Child seats can be classified as universal, semi-universal or vehicle-specific (all in accordance with
regulation ECE-R 44yfRUDVL6L]HLQDFFRUGDQFHZLWKUHJXODWLRQ(&(5\f.
•Universal: child seats with universal approval are approved for use in all vehicles. No type list
is required. ISOFIX child seats with universal approval must also be securing using a strap over
the top of the vehicle seat (top tetheryf.
•Semi-universal: semi-universal approval requires other safety devices for attaching the seat
(that require additional testingyfLQDGGLWLRQWRWKHVWDQGDUGUHTXLUHPHQWVIRUXQLYHUVDODSSURYDO
Child seats with semi-universal approval come with a type list. The seats should only be used in
vehicles that are included on this list.
•Vehicle-specific: child seats with vehicle specific approval must have undergone dynamic
testing in each model of vehicle for which it is approved. These child seats also come with a
type list.
•i-Size: child seats classified as i-Size must conform to the installation and safety requirements
prescribed in regulation ECE-R 129. Contact the child seat manufacturer to find out which child
seats are approved for this vehicle in accordance with i-Size.
Regulation ECE-R 129 has not yet been implemented by the state authorities in all countries.
Installing and using child seats
Fig. 53 A typical airbag label on the sun visor.
Fig. 54 A typical airbag label on the B-pillar.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Country-specific regulations
The standards and regulations governing the use of child seats and child seat securing
mechanisms differ from country to country. Not all countries allow you to transport children on the
front passenger seat. Legislation and legal requirements take precedence over the information
given in this owner's manual.
Information on fitting a child seat
Observe the following general information when fitting a child seat. This information is relevant
whatever child seat securing system is being used.
•Read and follow the instructions provided by the child seat manufacturer ⇒.
•Whenever possible, fit all child seats to the rear seat behind the front passenger seat so that
children can exit the vehicle on the kerb side.
•Move the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
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