
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 

Switching on and off
The Driver Alert System can be activated or deactivated using the  button or function 
button and the Vehicle,  and Driver assistance function buttons in the 
Infotainment system ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
Function limitations
The Driver Alert System has system-related limitations. The following conditions can limit the 
function of the Driver Alert System, or prevent it from working altogether:
•Speeds less than 60 km/h (37 mphyf .
•Speeds of more than 200 km/h (125 mphyf .
•Roads with bends.
•Poor roads.
•Adverse weather conditions.
•Sporty driving style.
•Towing a heavy/long trailer.
•The driver is distracted.
The Driver Alert System is reset in the following situations:
•The ignition is switched off.
•The driver seat belt is unfastened and the driver door is open.
•The vehicle has been stationary for longer than 15 minutes.
The Driver Alert System is automatically reset in case of long slow drives (speed less than 60 km/h 
(37 mphyf \f. If the speed is increased, the system evaluates the driving behaviour again.
The Driver Alert System has been developed for use only while driving on highways and 
good roads.
If there is a system fault, proceed to a qualified workshop immediately to have the system 
checked.
Dynamic Road Sign Display (Sign Assistyf
Fig. 19 On the instrument cluster display: examples of recognised speed limits or overtaking 
restrictions with accompanying additional signs.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Dynamic Road Sign Display uses a camera in the base of the interior mirror to monitor standard 
road signs in front of the vehicle and notifies the driver of any detected speed limits or overtaking 
restrictions. Within the limits of the system, the system also displays additional signs, e.g. 
temporary restrictions, signs related to towing a trailer ⇒ Trailer towing or restrictions in wet 
weather conditions. In some cases the system can also display the current speed limits on non-
signposted routes.
The intelligent technology used in the Driver Alert System cannot overcome the laws of 
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Do not let the extra 
convenience afforded by the Driver Alert System tempt you into taking any risks when 
driving – this can cause accidents. During a long trip, plan regular and sufficient breaks.
•The driver is responsible at all times for their fitness to drive.
•Never drive a vehicle when you are tired.
•The system cannot always detect the driver's level of alertness. Observe the 
information in the section Function limitations ⇒ Function limitations.
•In certain situations, the system may wrongly interpret intentional driving manoeuvres 
as a lack of alertness from the driver.
•No urgent warning will be given in the event of the phenomenon known as microsleep.
•Follow the information on the instrument cluster display and respond according to the 
commands.
WARNING 

•Once you have set the hour, wait until the minutes display in the instrument cluster is marked.
•Then press the  button repeatedly until the required minute is displayed. Press and hold 
the  button to scroll through quickly.
•Release the  button to finish setting the clock.
The analogue clock adjusts itself a few seconds after ignition is switched on.
You can also use the Infotainment system to adjust the time ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 20 In the instrument cluster: fuel gauge for petrol and diesel.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fuel gauge
Lit upPossible cause/remedy ⇒
Fuel tank almost empty. Reserve volume, red marking ⇒ Fig. 20, is 
consumed ⇒ Fuel tank capacity.
Fill the tank as soon as possible ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
Water in fuel in vehicles with a diesel engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed immediately and drive to the nearest qualified 
workshop at a medium engine speed and avoiding high engine loading.
OR: if the warning lamp lights up immediately after filling the tank, switch off 
the engine and seek expert assistance.
When the indicator lamp  lights up, the auxiliary heater and the fuel-powered supplementary 
heater switch off automatically ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation.
The small arrow next to the petrol pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows you the side of the 
vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
Coolant temperature display
Fig. 21 In the instrument cluster: coolant temperature display (illustrationyf .
Driving when the fuel level is too low can lead to the vehicle coming to a standstill in 
traffic, potentially causing accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, 
especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if 
the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel 
and breaking down.
WARNING
Do not run the tank empty. Irregular filling periods can cause backfiring and allow unburnt 
fuel to enter the exhaust system. The catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter could be 
damaged as a result!
NOTICE 

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In normal driving conditions, the needle will be in the middle section of the scale. The temperature 
may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high ambient temperatures.
FlashesNeedle 
position
Possible
⇒ Fig. 21Cause/remedy
Ⓒ
Warning area
Coolant temperature too high.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. 
Switch off the engine and leave the engine to cool down.
Until the indicator is back in the normal range. Checking the 
coolant level
⇒ Engine coolant.
Ⓑ
Normal area
Coolant level too low.
After the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level and 
refill if the level is too low.
⇒ Engine coolant.
If the warning lamp does not go out but the coolant level is 
adequate, the problem lies in a fault in the coolant system.
–
Fault in the cooling system.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. 
Switch off the engine.
Seek expert assistance.
–Ⓐ
Cold area
The engine has not yet reached operating temperature.
Avoid high engine speeds and high engine loads until the 
engine is warm.
Service interval display
Fig. 22 In the instrument cluster display: example of a display in the instrument cluster when a 
service is due (illustrationyf .
Fig. 23 In the Infotainment system: example of a display containing service information (illustrationyf .
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The service displays are shown on the instrument cluster ⇒ Fig. 22 and in the Infotainment system 
⇒ Fig. 23.
Versions and displays can vary as different versions of the instrument cluster and of the 
Infotainment system are available.
In vehicles with fixed oil change service, services take place at predefined intervals.
The service intervals are calculated on an individual basis in vehicles with flexible oil change 
service. Advances in technology have brought about a considerable reduction in servicing 
requirements. An oil change service need be carried out only when required by the vehicle. The 
individual conditions in which the vehicle is used, as well as the driver's personal driving style, are  

taken into account. The service reminder is displayed 30 days before the service is due. The 
distance is rounded to the nearest 100 km; the remaining time is rounded to full days.
Service alert
If a service or inspection is due soon, a service alert will appear when the ignition is switched on.
The number of kilometres or amount of time shown correspond to the maximum number of 
kilometres or maximum time that can still be driven before the next service.
Service event
For a scheduled service or a scheduled inspection, a signal tone will be given when the ignition 
is switched on and the spanner symbol  will be displayed for several seconds on the 
instrument cluster display. One of the following displays will also appear ⇒ Fig. 22:
Inspection now!
Oil service now!
Oil service and inspection now!
Viewing service appointments
You can access the current service schedule when the ignition is switched on, the engine is not 
running, and the vehicle is stationary:
•Press and hold button  in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster until the text 
Service appears in the display.
•Release the  button. Information on the current scheduled service will be shown in the 
display.
Service information ⇒ Fig. 23 can also be displayed in the Infotainment system by pressing the 
 button or function button and the Vehicle,  and Service function 
buttons ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Resetting the service interval display
If the service or the inspection was not performed by a Volkswagen dealership, the display can be 
reset as follows:
•Switch off the ignition.
•Press and hold the  button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster.
•Restart the ignition.
•Release button  if one of the following messages appears on the instrument cluster 
display:
Reset oil change service?
Reset inspection service?
•Press the  button on the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster to confirm.
Do not reset the service interval display between service intervals otherwise incorrect data may be 
shown.
If the oil change service was manually reset, the service interval display then also changes to a 
fixed service interval in vehicles with flexible oil change service.
The service message will disappear after a few seconds, when the engine is running, or 
when the  button on the windscreen wiper lever or the  button on the 
multifunction steering wheel is pressed ⇒ Instrument cluster operation.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods in vehicles with flexible 
service, the system cannot calculate the time at which the next service is due. The information 
shown in the service interval display may therefore be incorrect. If this is the case, please observe 
the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ Service.
Instrument cluster operation
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating using the wiper lever
⇒ Operating using the multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Button for driver assist systems
⇒ Additional displays and display options
Some menu options can only be opened when the vehicle is stationary.
There are no buttons on the wiper lever in vehicles equipped with a multifunction steering wheel 
⇒ Operating using the wiper lever.