Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual:  Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:

⇒ Folding the backrest of the rear seat bench forward and back into place 

⇒ Removing and installing the rear seat 

⇒ Luggage compartment cover 

⇒ Luggage compartment pass-through 

⇒ Tie-downs 

⇒ Shopping bag hooks 

⇒ Luggage net 

⇒ Variable luggage compartment floor 

Always stow heavy objects in the luggage compartment and make sure that the rear seat backrests are securely latched in their upright position. Always secure objects to the tie-downs with suitable straps. Never overload the vehicle. Remember that the vehicle load, as well as how it is distributed, can affect vehicle handling and braking ⇒ .

More information:

• Adjusting the seating position ⇒ Adjusting the seating position 

• Safety belts ⇒ Safety belts 

• Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system 

• Child safety and child restraints ⇒ Child safety and child restraints 

• Light ⇒ Lights 

• Transporting ⇒ Driving tips 

• Trailer towing ⇒ Trailer towing 

• Tires and wheels ⇒ Tires and wheels 

Warning

An open or unlocked luggage compartment poses special risks for children.

• Close and lock the rear hatch and all doors when the vehicle is not in use. First, make certain that no one is left inside.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended or let children play around the vehicle, especially with the rear hatch left open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the hatch shut, becoming trapped and unable to get out. This could cause severe or fatal injuries.

• A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness or death, particularly to small children.

• Never let children play in or around the vehicle.

• Never let anyone ride in the luggage compartment.

Warning

Unsecured or incorrectly stowed items can fly through the vehicle, causing serious personal injury during hard braking or sharp steering or in an accident. Loose items can also be struck and thrown through the passenger compartment by the front airbags if they inflate. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:

• Always stow all objects securely in the vehicle. Always put luggage and heavy items in the luggage compartment.

• Always secure objects in the passenger compartment properly with suitable straps so that they cannot move into the deployment zone of a side or front airbag during a sudden braking, in a sudden maneuver, or in a collision.

• Always keep storage compartments closed while driving.

• Never stow hard, heavy, or sharp objects in the vehicle's open storage compartments, on the shelf behind the rear seat bench, or on the top of the instrument panel.

• Always remove hard, heavy, or sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interior and stow them securely in the luggage compartment.

Warning

Transporting heavy objects causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change and increases braking distances. Heavy loads which are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and cause serious person injury.

• Transporting heavy items causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change by shifting the vehicle's center of gravity.

• Always distribute luggage evenly and as low as possible within the vehicle. The vehicle capacity weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers and luggage).

• Always stow luggage and heavy items in the luggage compartment as far forward of the rear axle as possible and secure them with appropriate straps to the tie-downs provided.

• Never exceed the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Axle Weight Ratings, which are printed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the door jamb of the driver door. Exceeding the permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and behave differently.

• Always adapt your speed and driving style to accommodate your payload and its weight distribution within your vehicle.

• Be especially cautious and gentle when stepping on the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking and other maneuvers.

• Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.

Note

• The defroster heating wires or antenna in the rear window can be damaged by objects that rub against them.

The ventilation slots between the rear window and the luggage compartment cover must not be blocked so that stale air can escape from the vehicle.