VolkswagenTiguan2016Overview/volkswagen/tiguan/2016/base/

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Tiguan.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV built on Volkswagen’s modular MQB platform and equipped with a six‑speed automatic (S6) transmission, delivering an EPA‑rated 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and a combined 23 mpg. Its drivetrain balances practicality with modest efficiency, while the vehicle’s reliability record shows 96 owner complaints overall, most frequently concerning the air‑bag system and accompanied by two recalls. Within the model’s broader complaint history spanning 2009‑2026, the 2016 year sits between the peak of 274 complaints recorded in 2018 and the low of just 20 complaints in 2026, indicating a mid‑range reliability profile for this generation.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020172016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

EPA fuel economy21/26/23 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. · Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. · Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215/65R16, P235/50R18, P255/40R19OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-J, 7-J, 9-J; OPTIONAL: 7-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06J115403Q
Engine air filter1K0129620G
Spark plug06H905601A alt 06H905621A
Battery000915089C alt 000915089BC
Front wiper blades5N1998002
Serpentine belt06J260849D
Thermostat06H121113B alt 06J121113C
Cabin air filter1K1819669 alt 1K0819644B

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length174.4 in
Overall width71.3 in
Overall height66.9 in
Wheelbase102.4 in
Curb weight3591 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined21 / 26 / 23 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Tiguan of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.7–9.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo 4MOTION
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2015R-Line 2.0L Turbo I-47.70 sec16.00 sec200 hpFWD
20142.0 TDI 4MOTION Euro Spec 2.0L Turbo Diesel I-47.40 sec15.90 sec177 hpAWD
2018TSI SEL Premium 2.0L Turbo I-48.20 sec16.30 sec184 hpFWD
2018TSI SEL Premium 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-48.60 sec16.50 sec184 hpAWD
2018TSI SE 2.0L Turbo I-48.80 sec16.80 sec184 hpFWD
2018TSI SEL 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-48.90 sec16.70 sec184 hpAWD
2018TSI SEL Premium 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-49.10 sec16.90 sec184 hpAWD
2019SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-49.70 sec17.30 sec184 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 22.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-3-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 4
Engine CoolantUse VW Coolant G13
Engine Coolant Capacity8.5 qt
Engine CoolantUse genuine VW G13 type coolant/antifreeze
Engine Coolant Capacity8.5

Engine torques

Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Transfer Case Fill Plug11.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugBevel box: 44.0, Haldex Clutch: 22.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-3-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)720 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)80 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerVolkswagen
Spark Plug Gap.039 - .043 in
Spark Plug Torque18 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerVolkswagen
Spark Plug Gap.039 - .043 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.46 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.35-5.05 oz

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58
Residual Pressure43.5 min pressure after 10 min psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 22; Rear: 26 /; Front: 22; Rear: 26 Always
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 148; Rear: 66 /; Front: 148; Rear: 66
ABS Sensor Torque6 / NS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .866; Rear: .394

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
190
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts lightly with specified motor oil.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
4Bolts 11 3.0 ft. lbs.3 ft. lbs
5Bolts 11 90 degrees90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 120,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 20,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Suspension Shock or Strut (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
Every 40,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Door Stop (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Instrument Cluster Warning Indicator (inspect)
Every 60,000 miAir Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
Every 80,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 120,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2016 Tiguan sits near the end of the first generation, where complaint volumes had generally declined from a peak of 166 in 2009 to a low of 62 in 2015, before rising slightly to 96 in 2016. Its two recalls are the fewest in the generation, matching only 2010, and its two investigations are moderate compared to the generation’s range of zero to four. This contrasts sharply with the 2018 redesign, which saw complaints surge to 274 and recalls spike to 13. The top complaint area for 2016 is air bags at 18, with four crash complaints and two fire complaints, though the data does not specify root causes. Overall, the 2016 model year represents a relatively stable point in the generation’s arc, with fewer recalls and investigations than many earlier years, making it a reasonable used purchase provided the air bag system is thoroughly inspected.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
658
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
96
Owner complaints
4 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 96 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags18
Unknown Or Other14
Electrical System,Air Bags7
Engine5
Steering4
Electrical System4
Steering,Air Bags3
Structure3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V535000Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control ModuleReported 17/07/2019

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's…

16V464000Latches/Locks/LinkagesReported 24/06/2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 658 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TT 10-18-02_22026-06-18EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_32026-06-18EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_172026-06-11Air BagsInquiries
V1719012012855_812026-06-04EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-212026-03-27EngineThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Tiguan. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2016 Tiguan have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Tiguan get?

EPA figures are 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined mpg.