
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 

•Time ⇒ Time.
•Radio and navigation information ⇒BookletInfotainment system,.
•Telephone information ⇒BookletInfotainment system,.
•Outside temperature
•Compass display
•Selector lever positions
•Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
•Driving data display (multifunction displayyf  D Q G  P H Q X V  I R U  Y D U L R X V  V H W W L Q J V  ⇒ Instrument cluster 
menus.
•Service interval display ⇒ Service interval display.
•Speed warning function ⇒ Instrument cluster menus.
•Speed warning for winter tyres.
•Start/stop system status display ⇒ Start/stop system .
•Status display for Active Cylinder Management (ACTyf  ⇒ Driving economically.
•Economical mode .
•Engine code (ECyf
•Personalisation: welcome and user selection.
•Road signs detected by the Dynamic Road Sign Display system ⇒ Dynamic Road Sign Display 
(Sign Assistyf.
Open doors, bonnet and boot lid
The instrument cluster display indicates if any doors, the bonnet or boot lid are open once the 
vehicle has been unlocked, and while the vehicle is in motion. In some cases, a signal tone is also 
given. Different instrument cluster designs will have different displays.
Selector lever positions (DSG dual clutch gearboxyf
The gear selected is displayed on the side of the selector lever and on the display in the instrument 
cluster. The instrument cluster display may show which gear has been selected if the selector lever 
is in D/S position or in Tiptronic mode ⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
Outside temperature display
If the outside temperature falls below approximately +4°C (+39°Fyf   W K H  W H P S H U D W X U H  G L V S O D \  D O V R  
shows a snowflake symbol . This symbol remains lit up until the outside temperature rises 
above +6°C (+43°Fyf  ⇒.
Heat radiated from the engine may cause the temperature display to show a slightly higher value 
than the actual outside temperature if the vehicle is stationary, the auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary 
heater and ventilation is switched on or the vehicle is travelling at a very low vehicle speed.
The measuring range lies between -45°C (-49°Fyf  D Q G     

Country availability
At the time that this owner's manual went to print, Dynamic Road Sign Display was available in the 
following countries:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, 
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, 
Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, 
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
Displays
in addition to speed limits and overtaking restrictions, Dynamic Road Sign Display also detects the 
sign which indicates that all restrictions have been lifted on motorways and main roads in Germany. 
In all other countries, the current speed limit is displayed instead.
The road signs detected by Dynamic Road Sign Display are displayed on the instrument cluster 
⇒ Fig. 19 and, depending on the version installed in the vehicle, also on the Infotainment system 
⇒ Vehicle settings menu. In some equipment levels a notification also appears on the Head-up 
Display ⇒ Instrument cluster.
Dynamic Road Sign Display textsCause and solution
No road signs available
The system is in the initialisation phase. 
OR: the camera has not detected any 
regulatory or warning signs.
Error: Dynamic Road Sign Display
System fault. 
Go to a qualified workshop and have the 
system checked.
Speed warning currently not available.
Fault in the Dynamic Road Sign Display system 
speed warning. 
Go to a qualified workshop and have the 
system checked.
Dynamic Road Sign Display: clean 
windscreen!
The area around the camera on the windscreen 
is dirty. 
Clean the windscreen.
Dynamic Road Sign Display is currently 
restricted.
No data transmission from the Infotainment 
system. 
Check whether valid map data is loaded on the 
Infotainment system. 
OR: the vehicle is located in an area that is not 
covered by the map stored on the Infotainment 
system.
No data availableDynamic Road Sign Display is not supported in 
the country in which you are currently travelling.
Switching Dynamic Road Sign Display on and off in the instrument 
cluster display
The continuous display of road signs in the instrument cluster can be activated and deactivated in 
the Infotainment system using the  button or function button and the Vehicle, 
 and Driver assistance function buttons.
Display of road signs
After validation and evaluation of the information from the camera, the Infotainment system and the 
current vehicle data, the activated Dynamic Road Sign Display shows up to three valid road signs 
⇒ Fig. 19 with the accompanying additional signs:
1st position:The road sign that currently applies for the driver is shown on the left-hand side of the 
display, e.g. a speed limit of 130 km/h (80 mphyf  ⇒ Fig. 19.2. position:traffic signs that do not 
always apply (e.g. 100 km/h (60 mphyf  L Q  Z H W \f are shown in second place.Additional sign:if the 
windscreen wiper is active while the vehicle is in motion, any road sign, for example with the 
additional In wet conditions sign that now applies will be moved left to the first position.3. 
position:Further road signs that do not always apply will be displayed in the third position, e.g. 
overtaking temporarily not permitted ⇒ Fig. 19.
Speed warning function
When the Dynamic Road Sign Display detects that an applicable speed limit has been exceeded, it 
will issue an acoustic warning signal and display a message on the instrument cluster display.
The speed warning can be set or completely deactivated in the Infotainment system using the 
 button or function button and the Vehicle,  and Driver assistance
function buttons ⇒ Vehicle settings menu. The settings can be adjusted in increments of 5 km/h (3 
mphyf  Z L W K L Q  D  U D Q J H  E H W Z H H Q    N P  K   P S K \f and 15 km/h (9 mphyf  D E R Y H  W K H  S H U P L W W H G  P D [ L P X P  
speed.
Trailer mode
In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket and a trailer with an electrical connection to the 
vehicle, the display of road signs that may apply to the vehicle when towing a trailer, e.g. applicable 
speed limits and no-overtaking signs, can be activated or deactivated in the Infotainment system  

using the  button or function button and the Vehicle,  and 
Driver assistance function buttons ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
In trailer mode, the speed warning function display can be adjusted to the type of trailer or to legal 
requirements. The settings can be adjusted in increments of 10 km/h (5 mphyf  Z L W K L Q  D  U D Q J H  
between 60 km/h (40 mphyf  D Q G      N P  K      P S K \f. If a higher speed is set than is permitted for 
driving with a trailer in the country in which you are currently travelling, Dynamic Road Sign Display 
automatically issues a warning at the usual speed limit, e.g. at 80 km/h (50 mphyf  L Q  * H U P D Q \ .
If the speed warning for the trailer is deactivated, Dynamic Road Sign Display issues warnings as if 
the vehicle was being driven without a trailer.
Functional limitations
Dynamic Road Sign Display is subject to system-related limitations. The following conditions can 
restrict the function of Dynamic Road Sign Display, or prevent it from working altogether:
•Poor visibility, e.g. snow, rain, fog or heavy spray.
•Dazzling, e.g. from oncoming traffic or sunlight.
•High speeds.
•Covered or dirty camera.
•Traffic signs located outside of the camera's field of view.
•Partially or fully hidden traffic signs, e.g. by trees, snow, dirt or other vehicles.
•Non-standard traffic signs.
•Damaged or bent traffic signs.
•Variable traffic signs on gantries (changeable traffic sign display using LEDs or other light 
sourcesyf .
•Out-of-date map material in the Infotainment system.
•Vehicles with traffic sign stickers, e.g. speed restrictions on trucks.
Some settings can be saved in the user accounts of the personalisation function and can 
therefore change automatically when the user account is changed ⇒ Personalisation.
Time
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•To set the time (on all vehicle clocksyf   S U H V V  D Q G  K R O G  W K H   button in the instrument 
cluster while the doors are closed until the word Time appears in the instrument cluster display 
⇒ Analogue instrument cluster or ⇒ Digital instrument cluster (Active Info Displayyf.
•Release the  button. The time is shown in the instrument cluster display and the hour 
setting is marked.
•Then press the  button repeatedly until the required hour is displayed. Press and hold 
the  button to scroll through quickly.
The intelligent Dynamic Road Sign Display technology cannot overcome the laws of 
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Do not let the extra 
convenience afforded by Dynamic Road Sign Display tempt you into taking any risks when 
driving, as this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full 
concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic 
conditions.
•Poor visibility, darkness, snow, rain and fog can cause road signs to be not displayed 
or be incorrectly displayed by the system.
•If the camera's field of view is dirty, covered or damaged, the function of the Dynamic 
Road Sign Display system may be impaired.
WARNING
Driving recommendations and traffic symbols displayed by the Dynamic Road Sign 
Display system may differ from the current traffic situation.
•Not all road signs can be recognised by the system and displayed correctly.
•Road signs and traffic regulations have priority over the recommendations and 
displays provided by the Dynamic Road Sign Display system.
WARNING
Availability of the Dynamic Road Sign Display system is restricted in 
waypoint navigation mode (waypoint navigationyf  R I  W K H  , Q I R W D L Q P H Q W  V \ V W H P .
NOTICE 

MenuSubmenuSetting optionsFurther 
information
– Travel mode (right-hand or left-hand 
driveyf
Interior lighting– Instrument and switch lighting 
– Footwell lighting
Coming 
Home/Leaving 
Home function
– Duration that the Coming Home 
function is switched on 
– Duration that the Leaving Home 
function is switched on
Background 
lighting–
– Overall brightness of the 
background lighting 
– Brightness of individual areas of the 
background lighting 
– Colour of certain areas of the 
background lighting
⇒ Lights
Mirror and 
wiper settings
Mirrors
– Synchronous adjustment of the 
exterior mirrors 
– Front passenger exterior mirror 
lowering function in reverse gear 
– Folding in when parked
⇒ Mirrors
Wipers
– Automatic wipe function when 
raining 
– Rear window wiping in reverse gear
⇒ Wipers
Settings for 
opening and 
closing
Window 
operation
Activation and deactivation of the 
convenience opening function for the 
windows.
⇒ Windows
Central locking
Setting door unlocking.
⇒ Central locking 
system
Activation or deactivation of automatic 
locking.
Activation and deactivation of the 
Easy Open function.
Luggage 
compartment 
cover
Activation or deactivation of automatic 
opening of the luggage compartment 
cover (vehicle-dependentyf .
⇒ Luggage 
compartment 
cover
Instrument 
cluster 
settings
Multifunction 
display
– Current consumption 
– Average fuel consumption 
– Refuel quantity 
– Convenience consumers 
– Eco tips 
– Driving time 
– Distance covered 
– Average speed 
– Digital speed display 
– Speed warning 
– Oil temperature 
– Dynamic Road Sign Display
⇒ Instrument 
cluster
– Since start driving data 
– Long-term driving data
Head-
up Display 
settings
Display– Brightness 
– Colour scheme
⇒ Instrument 
cluster
Contents
– Cruise control system 
– ACC 
– Dynamic Road Sign Display 
– Route guidance 
– Lane keeping system (Lane Assistyf
Time and date 
settings–
– Clock time source (manual, GPSyf  
– Time 
– Set summer time automatically 
– Time zone 
– Time format (12h, 24hyf  
– Date 
– Date format
–
Unit settings–
– Distance 
– Speed 
– Temperature 
– Volume 
– Consumption 
– Pressure
–
Service–
– Vehicle identification number 
– Date of next inspection 
– Date of next oil change service
⇒ Instrument 
cluster
Factory 
settings–
– All settings 
– Driver assistance 
– Parking and manoeuvring 
– Light 
– Mirrors and wipers 
– Opening/closing 
– Multifunction display (driving datayf
– 

Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.
Check the tyre pressure and fuel level Wheels and tyres, Fuel types and refuelling.
Ensure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows.
Air intake to the engine must not be obstructed, and the engine must not be covered with 
any kind of insulating materials In the engine compartment.
Secure any objects and luggage in the stowage compartments, the luggage compartment 
or on the roof Transporting.
Ensure that you are able to operate the pedals freely at all times.
Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight 
and size Safe transport of children.
Adjust the front seats, head restraints and mirrors properly in accordance with the size of 
the occupants Sitting position, Mirrors.
Wear shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.
The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must leave the pedal area free and must be 
securely fastened.
Assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position while driving. 
This also applies to all passengers Sitting position.
Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout 
the journey. This also applies to all passengers Seat belts.
Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt.
Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, e.g. by medication, alcohol or drugs.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, e.g. by passengers, telephone calls, 
opening menus and making adjustments to settings.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic 
conditions.
Observe traffic regulations and speed limits.
Take regular breaks when travelling long distances – at least every two hours.
Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.
Does the vehicle need any technical modifications for driving abroad, e.g. masking or 
switching the headlights over?
Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and 
repair work?
Are there any Volkswagen dealerships in the destination country?
•Vehicles without Keyless Access: vehicle key used to unlock the vehicle.
•Vehicles with Keyless Access: vehicle key that is identified first by the personalisation function 
upon opening the driver door.
Personalised vehicle setup
The vehicle equipment and functions that can be personalised include the following:
•Open and close (single door unlocking, window convenience opening etc.yf
•Light and vision (daytime running lights, cornering light, convenience turn signal etc.yf
•Air conditioning system (temperature settings, ventilation etc.yf
•Assistance systems (Park Distance Control, ACC, Dynamic Road Sign Display etc.yf
•Driver profile selection (driver profiles etc.yf
•Multifunction display and instrument cluster (selection of displaysyf
•Infotainment system (brightness and saved stationsyf
•Seat setup (seat positionyf
A new vehicle key will be assigned to the current user account. To assign the vehicle key to 
a different user account, select the user account you want and manually assign it to the vehicle key.
Safety
General notes
Checklist
Observe the following information both before and during every journey to ensure your own 
safety, and the safety of all passengers and other road users ⇒:
Checklist
In some countries, special safety standards and emissions-related regulations apply that the 
vehicle may not comply with. Volkswagen recommends that you visit your Volkswagen 
dealership before travelling abroad to find out about any legal requirements and the 
following issues at your destination: 

If fuel in the adequate quality available Fuel and emission control?
Are the correct service fluids that comply with Volkswagen specifications available in the 
destination country Service fluids and consumables?
Will the navigation function in the factory-fitted Infotainment system and the navigation 
data available work in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Is a fire extinguisher prescribed in your destination country?
Which requirements must be observed regarding reflective vests?
Windscreen washer fluid level Wipers.
Engine oil level Engine oil.
Engine coolant level Engine coolant.
Brake fluid level Brake fluid.
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres.
Checklist
Therefore, do not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to 
carry out the jobs, are aware of the general safety procedures and have the correct 
equipment, service fluids and suitable tools to hand ⇒ In the engine compartment! In any 
other case all work must be carried out by a qualified workshop. Make sure that the 
following are checked regularly:
Vehicle lighting Lights required for the vehicle to be roadworthy:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light
- Number plate light.
Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your 
vehicle remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. You should therefore have your vehicle 
serviced according to Volkswagen guidelines. Some work may have to be carried out before the 
due date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe 
operating conditions are, for example, regular stop and go driving or driving in areas with high 
levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or a qualified 
workshop.
Sitting position
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
⇒ Correct sitting position
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious 
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction 
times and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving. 
Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching 
your destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, 
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval 
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicleyf.
NOTICE 

Number of seats
The vehicle has a total of five seats: two seats at the front and three seats at the rear. Each seat is 
equipped with a seat belt.
Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If the seat belts are not worn or are worn incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries increases. 
Seat belts can only provide optimal protection if the seat belt routing is correct. Assuming an 
incorrect sitting position considerably impairs the level of protection provided by a seat belt. This 
could lead to severe or even fatal injuries. The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased 
when a deploying airbag strikes a vehicle occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position. 
The driver is responsible for all occupants transported in the vehicle, especially children.
The following list contains examples of sitting positions that can be dangerous for all vehicle 
occupants.
Whenever the vehicle is in motion:
•Never stand in the vehicle.
•Never stand on the seats.
•Never kneel on the seats.
•Never tilt the backrest too far to the rear.
•Never lean against the dash panel.
•Never lie on the rear bench seat.
•Never sit on the front edge of a seat.
•Never sit sideways.
•Never lean out of a window.
•Never put your feet out of a window.
•Never put your feet on the dash panel.
•Never place your feet on the seat cushion or seat backrest.
•Never travel in a footwell.
•Never sit on the armrests.
•Never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.
•Never travel in the luggage compartment.
Correct sitting position
Assuming an incorrect sitting position in the vehicle can increase the risk of severe or 
fatal injuries during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, in the event of a collision or 
accident, or if the airbags are triggered.
•All vehicle occupants must assume a correct sitting position before setting off and 
maintain this position throughout the trip. This also applies to the fastening of seat 
belts.
•The number of vehicle occupants must never exceed the number of seats with seat 
belts in the vehicle.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in an authorised restraint system which is 
suitable for their height and weight ⇒ Safe transport of children and ⇒ Airbag system.
•Always keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion. Never place your 
feet on the seat or dash panel, for example, and never ride with your feet out the 
window. When you are sat like this, the airbag and seat belt cannot provide optimal 
protection and could actually increase the risk of injury during an accident.
WARNING
Every incorrect sitting position in the vehicle increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries 
in the event of an accident or sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
•All vehicle occupants must maintain a correct sitting position and wear their seat belt 
properly while the vehicle is in motion.
•Sitting in an incorrect position, not fastening the seat belt, or not leaving adequate 
space between the occupants and the airbags could result in critical or fatal injuries, 
especially if the airbags deploy and strike an occupant who has assumed an incorrect 
sitting position.
WARNING