
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

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

Fig. 102 On the left of the steering column: operating the rear window wiper.
The windscreen wipers will only function when the ignition is switched on and the bonnet and boot
lid are closed.
Move the windscreen wiper lever to the desired position ⇒:
Wipers switched off.
Interval wipe for the windscreen or rain/light sensor mode. The interval wipe for the
windscreen depends on the speed of the vehicle. The wipers will wipe more frequently as the
vehicle moves faster.
Slow wipe.
Fast wipe.
x Flick wipe – wipes briefly. Push and hold the lever down for longer to wipe more quickly.
Pulling the lever activates the wash and wipe system for cleaning the windscreen. The
Climatronic will switch to air recirculation mode for approximately 30 seconds to prevent the
smell of the windscreen washer fluid from entering the vehicle interior.
Use the switch to set the interval lengths (vehicles without a rain/light sensoryf R U
adjust the sensitivity of the rain/light sensor.
Interval wipe for the rear window. The windscreen wiper will wipe the window
approximately every 6 seconds.
Pushing the lever activates the wash and wipe system for cleaning the rear window.
When switched on, the wipers will temporarily be switched to the next setting down when the
vehicle is stationary.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Without adequate anti-freeze, the washer fluid can freeze on the windscreen and obscure
your view.
•In winter temperatures, the windscreen washer system should only be used when
adequate frost protection has been added.
•Never use the windscreen washer system at winter temperatures before the
windscreen has been heated by the ventilation system or the windscreen heating. This
could lead to the anti-freeze mixture freezing on the windscreen and restrict the
driver's vision.
WARNING
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents
and severe injuries.
•Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no longer clean the
windows properly ⇒ Wiper blades.
WARNING
Before setting off and before switching on the ignition, always check the following to avoid
damage to the windows, wiper blades and wiper motor:
•The wiper lever is located in the basic position.
•Snow and ice have been removed from the wiper blades and windows.
•Wiper blades that have become frozen onto the glass have been carefully loosened.
Volkswagen recommends using a de-icer spray for this.
NOTICE
Do not switch on the wipers when the windscreen is dry. Using the wipers when the glass
is dry can damage the glass.
NOTICE

•Select reverse gear while the ignition is switched on. The right exterior mirror will now adjust
itself to the stored position.
The front passenger exterior mirror will move out of the position saved for reversing when the
vehicle is driven forwards faster than approximately 15 km/h (9 mphyf R U Z K H Q W K H U R W D U \ N Q R E L V
moved out of position into another position.
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer needed. Fuel is
otherwise wasted.
In the event of a fault, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on
the outer edge of the mirror.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Protection from the sun
Sun visors
Fig. 107 In the front headliner: sun visor.
Adjustment positions for the driver and front passenger sun visors:
•Folded down over the windscreen.
•Pulled out of the bracket and swung over towards the door ⇒ Fig. 107Ⓐ.
Illuminated vanity mirror
There is a vanity mirror behind a cover on the inside of the sun visor. When you open the cover
⇒ Fig. 107Ⓑ, a lamp ⇒ Fig. 107① lights up.
In certain circumstances, the lamp above the sun visor will go out automatically after a few
minutes. This prevents the 12-volt battery from discharging.
Sun blind in the glass roof
Injuries can be sustained if you do not take care when folding the exterior mirrors in and
out.
•Only fold the exterior mirrors in or out when there is no obstacle in the path of the
mirror.
•Always ensure that no fingers are caught between the exterior mirror and the foot of
the mirror when the exterior mirror is moved.
WARNING
•Always fold in exterior mirrors before using an automatic car wash.
•Do not fold electrically folding exterior mirrors in or out manually as this can damage
the electric motor.
NOTICE
Driving with the sun visors folded down and the sun blinds pulled out can reduce your
view of the road.
•Sun visors and sun blinds should always be replaced in their holder if they are not
being used.
WARNING

m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately
after setting off. Change to higher gears rapidly.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the
kickdown function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Avoid full throttle
Never fully use the maximum speed of the vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, e.g. above 130
km/h on the motorway, will increase air resistance and thus the amount of force needed to move
the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Drive off immediately with low revs. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the engine to
idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel with moderation
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half to three quarters full is
sufficient for urban journeys in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has a very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached
only after driving a few miles. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 116. Plan journeys economically and combine short distances.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure
sticker ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and
spread better and more quickly, especially for cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates power for convenience consumers such as the
air conditioning system, window heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is easy, e.g.:
•At high ambient temperatures, ventilate the car before starting a journey and drive a short
distance with open window. Only then switch on the air conditioning system.
•Switch off convenience systems as soon as they have served their purpose.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
WARNING

Fig. 118 To the right of the steering wheel: positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the steering column lock can be activated.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 118
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released. The diesel engine is pre-heated
and the yellow indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Depress the brake pedal when the indicator lamp lights up green. Start the engine.
Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released, the vehicle key moves
back to position ⇒ Fig. 118①.
m/k/a995MKDepending on the market, in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: If
you cannot remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is stationary, move the
selector lever to position P. If necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then
release it.
Starter button
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The starter button replaces the ignition
lock (Press & Driveyf .
Fig. 119 In the lower section of the centre console: starter button for starting the engine.
The starter button is used to start the vehicle (Press & Driveyf .
The vehicle can be activated only if there is a valid vehicle key in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, the electronic steering column lock will be activated when the ignition is
switched off and the driver door is opened ⇒ Steering.
Switching the ignition on and off
Press the starter button once without depressing the brake or clutch pedals ⇒.
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. The engine can
be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This
can cause serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the
vehicle is locked. They could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may
not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected
to very high or very low temperatures depending on the season. This can cause
serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially among small children.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering column lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the
vehicle.
•The key bit in the vehicle key needs to be folded out fully and locked in position.
•Only attach light objects weighing under 100 g to the vehicle key.
WARNING
The 12-volt vehicle battery may run down and prevent the motor from restarting if the
ignition is switched on while the engine is switched off.
•Always switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle.
NOTICE

Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the force of the steering
movement in a driving situation. Progressive steering only functions when the engine is running.
In urban driving, smaller steering movements are required when parking, manoeuvring, or turning
sharply.
When driving on country roads or on the motorway, the progressive steering provides a more
sporty, direct steering response, and a dynamic feel.
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
The indicator lamps light up.
Do not drive on! Electromechanical steering not functioning. The steering must be
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Electromechanical steering function
reduced. The steering must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. If the yellow
warning lamp remains off after the engine has been restarted and you have driven a short distance,
you do not need to consult a qualified workshop.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
and reconnected. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mphyf .
The indicator lamps flash.
Steering column twisted. Turn the steering wheel back and forth.Steering column not
locked or unlocked. Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock and switch the ignition back on
again. Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display. Do not continue your
journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched on. Seek expert
assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active
Control
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROADyf
⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf
⇒ Adjusting the driving profile to suit your requirements
⇒ Troubleshooting
The driving profile selection contains
factory-defined driving profiles which
have different effects on the vehicle
setup. You can also set your own
vehicle setup by means of an individual
driving profile.
Different driving profiles can be selected depending on the vehicle equipment level. The effect on
the vehicle setup in the individual driving profiles depends on the vehicle equipment.
The settings available depend on the type of drive. Vehicles with a front-wheel drive come with
ONROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (ONROADyf, while vehicles with all-wheel
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions when the engine is running.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering column lock may be activated and it will no longer be possible to steer the
vehicle.
WARNING
In conjunction with the ESC, counter steering assistance provides the driver with
assistance when steering in critical driving situations. The driver must steer the vehicle at
all times. Counter steering assistance does not steer the vehicle.
WARNING
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, wipers and window washer system can be
used.
NOTICE

drive come with additional OFFROAD driving profiles ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION
Action Controlyf.
The driving profile can be changed when the vehicle is stationary or while driving ⇒. After
selecting a driving profile, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settingsyf D U H V Z L W F K H G W R W K H Q H Z
profile mode immediately. When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator to
activate the newly selected driving profile for the engine.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Selecting a driving profile (ONROADyf
Fig. 128 In the lower section of the centre console: driving profile selection button.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Selecting the driving profile
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the driving profile selection button ⇒ Fig. 128.
•Touch the function button in the Infotainment system to display additional information about
the active driving profile.
•Touch the function button for the required driving profile.
•OR: press the driving profile button ⇒ Fig. 128 again to select the next driving profile.
If the Normal driving profile is selected, the LED in the driving profile selection button will remain
switched off.
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
The driving profiles Sport and Eco will also remain selected after the ignition has been switched
off. However, settings for the engine or DSG dual clutch gearbox may switch to the Normal driving
profile when the ignition is switched back on again.
In order to reactivate the sports function, the Sport driving profile must be selected again or the
selector lever of the DSG dual clutch gearbox must be moved to S⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
To reactivate the eco functions, select the Eco driving profile again.
Recommended driving situations for each driving profile
•Eco: switches the vehicle into economical mode and helps the driver to drive the vehicle in a
fuel-efficient manner. Coasting mode is available in the Eco driving profile.
•Comfort: the Comfort driving profile is available only for vehicles with adaptive chassis control
(DCCyf 7 K H G U L Y L Q J S U R I L O H F U H D W H V D F R P I R U W E D V H G Y H K L F O H V H W X S D Q G L V V X L W H G W R S R R U T X D O L W \
sections of road or long motorway journeys, for example.
•Normal: balanced setting, e.g. for everyday use.
•Sport: this setting gives the driver a sporty driving feeling.
•Individual: individual systems can be adjusted to suit personal requirements ⇒ Adjusting the
driving profile to suit your requirements.
Effects of the driving profiles on the vehicle setup
•Adaptive chassis control (DCCyf
•Steering
•Powertrain (engine and gearboxyf
•Adaptive cruise control (ACCyf
•Dynamic cornering light and dynamic main beam control (Dynamic Light Assistyf
•Air conditioning system
Setting a driving mode while the vehicle is in motion can distract you from the road and
cause accidents.
WARNING
®
®®