
Before using your vehicle for the first time, please read and observe the information in this 
owner's manual. It will quickly help you to become familiar with your vehicle and all of its 
functions as well as making you aware of dangers to yourself and others and of how these 
dangers can be avoided.
If you have any further questions about your vehicle, or if you think that the vehicle wallet has not 
covered everything, please get in touch with your Volkswagen dealership. They will always be 
happy to deal with your questions, suggestions or problems.
We hope you enjoy driving your new vehicle. Happy motoring.
Volkswagen AG
•This owner's manual is valid for all models and versions of the Tiguan.
•An alphabetical index is included at the end of this manual.
•A list of abbreviations at the end of the manual explains the abbreviations used.
•Directions and positions such as left, right, front and rear are normally relative to the vehicle's 
direction of travel, unless otherwise indicated.
•Illustrations help with orientation and should be regarded as a general guide.
•This owner's manual was written for left-hand drive vehicles. In right-hand drive vehicles the 
controls may sometimes be different to those displayed in illustrations or described in the text 
⇒ Overview of driver side.
•Values given in miles instead of kilometres or mph instead of km/h refer to the country-specific 
instrument clusters or Infotainment systems.
•Short definitions appear in a different colour before some sections of this manual. They provide 
a summary of the function and use of a system or feature. More detailed information about the 
features, conditions and limitations of systems and equipment can be found in the relevant 
sections.
•Any technical changes that may be made to the vehicle after publication of this booklet are 
contained in a supplement that is included with the vehicle wallet.
All equipment and models are described without indicating whether the equipment is optional or 
specific to the model type. This means that your vehicle may not have some of the equipment 
described, or it may only be available in certain markets. The scope of equipment fitted in your 
vehicle can be found in the sales documentation and you can contact your Volkswagen dealership 
for further information.
All data in this owner's manual correspond to the information available at the time of going to print. 
Because the vehicle is constantly being developed and further improved, there may be differences 
between your vehicle and the data in this owner's manual. No discrepancy in data, illustrations or 
descriptions shall form the basis for any legal claim.
Please ensure that the complete vehicle wallet is always in the vehicle if you lend or sell the vehicle 
to someone else.
Standard booklets in the vehicle wallet:
•Owner's manual
Additional booklets in the vehicle wallet (optionalyf :
•Supplements
•Infotainment system
•Other supplements
Refers to a section within a chapter that contains important information and safety 
notes  that should always be observed.
Indicates that the section is continued on the next page.
Indicates the end of a section.
Indicates situations in which the vehicle must be stopped as quickly as possible.
®The symbol indicates a registered trademark. However, the absence of this symbol 
does not constitute a waiver of the rights concerning any term.
⇒Symbols like these refer you to warnings within the same section or on a given 
page. They draw your attention to possible risks of accident or injury and explain 
how they can be avoided.
⇒Cross reference to potential risks of damage to property in the same section or on 
the page specified.
About this owner's manual
About this owner's manual 

Automatic ignition switch-off
The ignition switches off automatically after a short time if the driver moves away from the vehicle 
with the vehicle key when the ignition is switched on. If the dipped beam headlights were switched 
on at the time, the side lights will remain switched on for approximately 30 minutes. The side lights 
can be switched off manually ⇒ Lights or by locking the vehicle ⇒ Central and manual locking.
Once the vehicle detects that the driver is absent when the engine stop is active, the ignition will 
switched off automatically after a certain period of time.
Automatic ignition switch-off in vehicles with a start/stop system
When all the following conditions are fulfilled at the same time, the vehicle ignition will be switched 
off automatically when engine stop is active and when the vehicle is stationary:
•The driver removes their seat belt.
•No pedals are depressed.
•The driver door is opened.
If the ignition is deactivated automatically while the dipped beam headlights are switched on , 
the side lights remain switched on for around 30 minutes.
The side lights can be switched off manually or will go off when the vehicle is locked.
Engine restart function
If no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior once the engine has been switched off, the 
engine can be restarted within approximately 5 seconds. A corresponding message appears on the 
instrument cluster display.
After this time, the engine cannot be re-started without a valid vehicle key in the vehicle interior.
Before leaving the vehicle, always switch off the ignition manually and observe any 
information shown in the instrument cluster display.
Leaving the vehicle stationary for long periods with the ignition switched on can discharge 
the 12-volt vehicle battery so that the engine can no longer be started.
The engine cannot, for example, be started with the starter button if the button cell in the 
vehicle key is weak or flat. In this case, use the emergency start function ⇒ Emergency start 
function.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with ignition lock: Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 118①. 
The ignition is switched on.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a starter button: Press the starter button once. The ignition is 
switched on.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with a diesel engine: During the diesel engine preheating phase, 
the indicator lamp  in the instrument cluster lights up.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal until the electronic parking brake has been switched off.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with manual gearbox: fully depress the clutch pedal and hold it 
until the engine has been started. Move the gear lever to neutral position.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: move the selector lever to 
position P or N.
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•Do not depress the brake or clutch pedal when switching on the ignition as the engine 
will then start immediately.
WARNING
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or third 
parties could lock the vehicle, start the engine, switch on the ignition or operate 
electrical equipment such as the electric windows.
WARNING 

The driver can use 4MOTION Active Control to activate a variety of vehicle settings in an all-wheel 
drive vehicle as required ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf.
Checklist
Before driving for the first time, take the following steps so you can operate and drive the 
vehicle safely off-road:
Observe the basic safety notes Safety notes for driving off-road.
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle controls.
Check and adjust the seat position Sitting position and fasten the seat belts Seat belts.
Check distance to steering wheel and adjust Steering.
Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the 
pedals.
Safety notes for driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions 
only within the limits of the system. Despite input from the ABS, adverse terrain can cause 
instability through locked wheels – e.g. if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel 
road. The ESC system will have difficulty stabilising the vehicle in these circumstances.
WARNING
Driving off-road can be dangerous and could cause accidents, serious injury, damage to 
the vehicle and also a vehicle breakdown far from any assistance.
•Never select a dangerous route and never take risks that could endanger you and your 
passengers. If you cannot drive on or if you are in any doubt about the safety of the 
route, turn round and choose another route.
•Even terrain that looks harmless can be difficult and dangerous, and could get you and 
your passengers into difficulties. It is preferable to walk over the terrain before driving 
over it.
•You should drive particularly carefully and think ahead when driving off-road. If you 
drive too fast or if a driving manoeuvre is unsuccessful this could result in serious 
injuries and vehicle damage.
•Never drive faster than the current terrain, road conditions, traffic and weather allow.
•Never drive too fast along embankments, ramps or slopes. This could cause the 
vehicle to lose contact with the ground. If this happens, you will be unable to steer and 
will lose control of the vehicle.
•If the vehicle does lose contact with the ground, always point the front wheels straight 
ahead. If the wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll 
over.
•Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows, 
ditches, precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not 
recognisable as such and can be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or 
branches lying on the ground. Inspect terrain on foot.
WARNING
Sporty SUVs are subject to a considerably higher risk of rolling over than normal road 
passenger vehicles ⇒ Explanation of some technical terms.
•In the event of an accident, vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are subjected to a 
considerably higher risk of fatal injury than those wearing seat belts.
•The vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and is more prone to rolling over than a 
normal on-road vehicle which is unsuited for off-road driving.
•Never drive too fast, especially when driving through bends, or carry out any extreme 
driving manoeuvres.
•Always adjust your speed and driving style to the terrain.
•Luggage and other items transported on the roof of the vehicle raise the centre of 
gravity and will make the vehicle more likely to roll over.
WARNING 

•Switch off TCS: press the  button for around one second.
•Switch on ESC Sport: press the  button for longer than three seconds.
•Switch on TCS: press the  button again. ESC Sport is switched off.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the event of faults
Do not drive on! Brake system fault. Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒.Lit 
up: ABS failure or defect. Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Lit up: ESC switched off by the system. Switch the ignition on and off. Drive a short distance at a 
speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mphyf  L I  Q H F H V V D U \   , I   still lights up, seek expert assistance.
Notes on the brake support systems
If you suspect that there is a malfunction in the systems, read and observe the following notes:
•The ESC and TCS can function properly only if all four wheels are fitted with the same tyres. 
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power 
unexpectedly.
•If there is a fault in the anti-lock brake system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also stop working.
•Operating noises may be heard during the self-regulation processes of the systems explained 
above.
Practical equipment
Stowage areas
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowage compartment on the driver side
⇒ Stowage compartment on the front passenger side
⇒ Stowage compartment in the dash panel
⇒ Stowage compartment in the front centre armrest
⇒ Stowage compartment in the roof console (glasses compartmentyf
⇒ Folding table
⇒ Drawers
⇒ Coat and bag hooks
Use stowage compartments only to stow light or relatively small objects.
A factory-fitted CD changer, Apple iPod adapter, USB connection or multimedia socket 
(MEDIA-INyf may be located in the stowage compartment in the centre armrest.
•If the brake warning lamp  lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the 
control function of the anti-lock brake system may have failed. This can cause the rear 
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of 
control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed 
to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid 
sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way.
•The anti-lock brake system is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp 
does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped 
using the normal brakes only (without the anti-lock brake systemyf   7 K H  S U R W H F W L R Q  
provided by the anti-lock brake system is no longer available. Go to a qualified 
workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING
® 

Fig. 231 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged 
if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably 
reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake 
system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably 
increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety 
and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times 
⇒.
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the 
vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen expressly recommends the 
use of brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container 
correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead, 
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can 
be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 
DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals 
that can damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with 
VW standard 501 14 to ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925 
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
Brake fluid level is too low. Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid 
reservoir or above the MIN marking ⇒.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may 
partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go 
to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the 
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a 
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required 
specification should be used. 

If the tyre pressure is too low, this will increase fuel consumption and tyre wear.
When new tyres are driven at high speeds for the first time, they can expand slightly and 
trigger a one-off pressure warning.
Old tyres should only be replaced by tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen for the 
vehicle type.
Do not rely solely on the tyre monitoring system. Check your tyres regularly to ensure that 
they are properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and 
blisters. Remove any objects that become embedded in the tyre tread but have not penetrated into 
the body of the tyre itself.
Types of tyre monitoring systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
There are two different tyre monitoring systems available for this vehicle. Their differing features are 
described below:
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
•Monitoring of various parameters (for example rolling circumferenceyf  R I  D O O  Z K H H O V  X V L Q J  $ % 6  
sensors (indirect measurementyf .
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
•Monitoring of the tyre pressure by means of pressure sensors on each tyre valve (direct 
measurementyf   7 \ U H  Y D O Y H  P D G H  R I  P H W D O .
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Functional description
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator uses data from the ABS sensors and other functions to check the 
speed of rotation and the rolling circumference of the individual wheels.
The rolling circumference can change:
•If the tyre pressure has been changed.
•If the tyre pressure is too low.
•If the tyre has structural damage.
•If the vehicle is loaded more heavily on one side.
•If snow chains have been fitted.
•If a temporary spare wheel has been fitted.
•If one wheel per axle has been changed.
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator  may react with a delay or not display anything at all in the 
event of a sporty driving style, when driving on snow-covered or icy roads or unpaved roads or 
when driving with snow chains.
Synchronising the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the  button or function button, depending on version ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
The intelligent tyre monitoring system technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, 
and functions only within the limits of the system. Incorrect handling of the wheels and 
tyres can lead to a sudden loss of pressure in the tyres, tread separation and even tyre 
blow-out.
•Check tyre pressures regularly and always maintain the specified tyre pressure value 
⇒ Tyre pressure. If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature 
will increase to such an extent that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Always maintain the correct cold tyre pressure as specified on the sticker ⇒ Tyre 
pressure.
•Check the tyre pressure regularly when the tyres are cold. If necessary, adjust the tyre 
pressure in the cold tyre to the recommended tyre pressure for the tyres installed on 
your vehicle ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Check your tyres regularly for signs of wear or damage.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
WARNING 

•Open the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Tyres function button.
•Touch the SET function button.
•When all four tyre pressures correspond to the required values, touch the Confirm function 
button.
After an extended driving time with driving at different speeds, the system will automatically learn 
the new values and monitor them.
•If the tyre pressures have been changed.
•If one or more wheels have been changed.
•If the wheels have been swapped round, e.g. from front to rear ⇒ Rotating wheels front to rear.
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator stops working if there is a fault in the ESC or ABS ⇒ Brake 
support systems.
After a warning about the tyre pressure being too low, switch the ignition off and then back 
on again. The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator can only then be re-synchronised.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Fig. 234 Typical display in the instrument cluster: current tyre pressures.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 234:
Target pressure in bar.
Actual pressure in bar.
Loss in pressure in front left.
System fault for rear right tyre.
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMSyf  P R Q L W R U V  W K H  W \ U H  S U H V V X U H  R I  W K H  I R X U  Z K H H O V  Z K L O H  
the vehicle is in motion using pressure sensors on the tyres. The system warns the driver in the 
event of a pressure loss.
Display of tyre pressures on the instrument cluster
Open the menu Vehicle status in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Instrument cluster. The vehicle 
is displayed with the target and actual pressures of all the wheels ⇒ Fig. 234.
When the ignition is switched on, the last measured tyre pressures will be displayed first; these 
values will be updated when the journey is started. If the tyre pressure is too low, the respective 
actual values and the affected tyres will be marked ⇒ Fig. 234.
If the tyres are in rest state, the sensors will not transmit any tyre pressures. This stops the sensor 
batteries discharging.
If no tyre pressures are transmitted, the last received values are shown in grey.
Switching the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System on and off
Observe any country-specific legal requirements for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
If a set of tyres is fitted to the vehicle where the tyres either do not have wheel sensors or have 
wheel sensors that are not compatible with the vehicle, the indicator lamp  will flash for 
approximately one minute and then light up steadily. The tyre pressures will not be monitored. The 
system cannot be switched off.
Adjusting the tyre pressure
Following any relevant change in the vehicle load, the tyre pressure must be checked and altered 
as necessary. The tyre pressures recommended for the vehicle are on a sticker on the driver door 
pillar or on the inside of the tank flap ⇒ Tyre pressure.
1yf 

Scope of service
The scope of service includes all maintenance work that is necessary in order to keep your vehicle 
roadworthy (depending on the operating conditions and vehicle equipment, e.g. engine, gearbox or 
service fluidsyf   7 K H  P D L Q W H Q D Q F H  Z R U N  L V  G L Y L G H G  L Q W R  inspection work and servicing work. You can 
find out what work is required in detail for your vehicle:
•From your Volkswagen dealership.
•From your qualified workshop.
•In the electronic repair and workshop information system erWin at https://erwin.volkswagen.de.
Inspection work
Electrics
•12-volt vehicle battery: check and replace if necessary.
•Lighting: check.
•High-voltage components: check.
•Horn: check.
•Headlight setting: check.
•Service interval display: reset.
Engine/gearbox
•Exhaust system: check.
•Gearbox and final drive: check.
•Gas system: check.
•Poly V-belt: check.
•Cooling system: check.
•Engine and components in engine compartment: check.
•Engine oil level: check.
Running gear
•Swivel joints/track rods: check.
•Tyres: check.
•Brake system: check.
•Brake pads/discs: check.
•Brake fluid level: check.
•Boots: check.
•Coupling rod and stabiliser bearings: check.
•Pneumatic suspension: check.
•Breakdown set: check.
•Tyre pressure on all wheels: check.
•Power steering: check.
•Shock absorbers/coil springs: check.
Body
•Roof systems: check.
•Windscreen: check.
•Body: check for corrosion.
•Wiper blades: check.
•Window wiper and washer system: check.
•Door arresters: lubricate.
•Underbody: check.
Inadequate servicing, no servicing at all, or failure to adhere to service intervals can result 
in breakdowns, accidents or serious injury.
•Have your service work carried out by an authorised Volkswagen dealership or 
workshop.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by inadequate service work 
or the lack of part availability.
NOTICE