Assessment of Damage to steering wheel leather
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Volkswagen Tiguan steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Tiguan | 12 |
| 2019 Tiguan | 3 |
| 2022 Tiguan (this page) | 23 |
What stands out
Among the 12 model years of Volkswagen Tiguan in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Replace Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Sensor Mat
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hardware-related deviation of the sensor mat ("hands on detection") in the steering wheel and software-related deviation in the steering wheel touch detection control module -J1158-.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Various driver assist systems do not work or cannot be switched on due to software related deviation in steering wheel touch detection control module -J1158-
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 Tiguan models report a steering wheel sensor fault tied to the Travel Assist and Lane Assist systems that generates a loud, repetitive warning alarm—sometimes every 30 seconds to 5 minutes, sometimes 10+ chimes in a 20-minute drive. The alarm announces "Travel Assist Currently Not Available" even when the system is on and working normally. Owners cannot disable or silence the alert, and it triggers based on hand position on the wheel.
The problem appears within days to months of purchase and persists throughout ownership. Volkswagen dealerships confirm the steering wheel is faulty and must be replaced, and a TSB (2070207/1) exists for warranty repairs. However, replacement steering wheels have been on back order for months with no estimated delivery date. Several owners report having the steering wheel replaced once—sometimes multiple times—only to have the alert return after the repair or out of warranty.
One owner also reports a spontaneous crack in the steering wheel near the VW logo, along with visible swelling of the plate cover. Additionally, some owners describe involuntary steering movement and lane departure when the lane assist function toggles on and off without driver input. Dealers refuse warranty coverage for out-of-warranty repairs, and Volkswagen has not issued a recall despite widespread reporting across multiple model years.
Failure modes owners describe
Travel Assist/Lane Assist Warning Chime and Unavailable Alert
Persistent, repetitive warning alarm and 'Travel Assist Currently Not Available' message display on the instrument cluster, even when the system is active and functioning. The alarm sounds every 30 seconds to every 5 minutes, sometimes 10+ times in a 20-minute drive. Owners report the alert is extremely loud, distracting, and cannot be disabled, making it unsafe to drive.
When: Reported at 5,000 miles, 6,000 miles, 23,000 miles, 59,000 miles; begins within days to weeks of purchase; occurs seasonally worse during winter months; persistent through vehicle's life.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud repetitive beeping/chiming alarm at intervals of 30 seconds to 5 minutes; 'Travel Assist Currently Not Available' warning display on instrument cluster; Warning appears even when system is on and functioning normally; Alarm triggered by hand position on steering wheel; Cannot be disabled or silenced; Causes loss of focus on road and driver distraction; May trigger involuntary lane departure when system is active
Codes mentioned: B17B8F2
Repairs/costs cited: Volkswagen dealership diagnosis confirms faulty steering wheel requiring replacement. Multiple owners report replacement steering wheels are on back order with no estimated delivery date. Several owners report having steering wheel replaced once or twice but problem recurs even with new steering wheel. One owner reports replacement at 23,000 miles had to be done again by 59,000 miles, out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW TSB 2070207/1 issued for this problem; applies only to vehicles still under warranty. Owners report dealership's stance is that TSB coverage is warranty-dependent, leaving out-of-warranty owners without remedy. No voluntary recall issued despite manufacturer awareness and widespread reporting. Parts backlog reported with no ETA for replacement steering wheels.
Steering Wheel Physical Damage and Swelling
Crack spontaneously appears in steering wheel near VW logo and grows over time. Visible stress marks and swelling observed on steering wheel plate cover. No warning lights but presents visible structural failure.
When: Timeline not specified; observed during vehicle operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous crack appearing near VW logo on steering wheel; Crack grows over time; Steering wheel plate cover appears swollen; Visible stress marks on steering wheel; No associated warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnoses that airbag and steering wheel plate cover require replacement. Dealership unwilling to cover under warranty. Replacement part ordered by dealership.
Involuntary Steering Movement and Lane Departure
Vehicle experiences involuntary steering control changes, pulling from lane unexpectedly. Lane departure and travel assist functions turn off/on spontaneously while driving, frequently pulling vehicle from its lane. Steering jerks or jolts severely in one direction.
When: Persistent since purchase, recurring throughout vehicle's ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Lane departure and travel assist functions turn off/on spontaneously; Vehicle pulls involuntarily from lane; Steering jolts severely in one direction; Involuntary steering occurs even when lane assist is off; Control of steering changes depending on whether lane assist is on/off/malfunctioning
Codes mentioned: Control Module for Steering Wheel Touch Detention communication errors
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel replacement recommended but problem recurs; one owner reports steering wheel replaced but issue returned. Replacement steering wheels on back order.
Steering Wheel Replacement Parts Shortage
Volkswagen steering wheels required to resolve steering and lane assist failures are on indefinite back order with no estimated delivery date. Dealerships cannot provide replacement parts for vehicles requiring steering wheel replacement, leaving owners with persistent safety issues and no timeline for resolution.
When: Reported as ongoing issue from late 2023 through 2024.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheels unavailable for purchase or installation; Dealerships report 200+ units on back order; No projected replacement date available; Parts backlog prevents repair of safety-critical systems
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report being told steering wheel is on back order with no ETA. One owner reports dealership stated 'no projected replacement date available.' Another reports 200+ steering wheels on back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 2070207/1 issued but repairs cannot be completed due to parts shortage. No alternative remedy or loaner vehicle offered to owners awaiting parts.
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Volkswagen/Tiguan.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.