Is the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan

▲ Better than typical

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:52:47.034Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 62
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2015: 62 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	168
2010	110
2011	162
2012	153
2013	140
2014	84
2015	62
2016	97
2017	76
2018	287
2019	195
2020	140
2021	144
2022	274
2023	71
2024	77
2025	55
2026	36

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

45% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

37% · 23 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

My car was parked in a public area and caught fire after I got out of it on a city street

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-27

Also filed under Engine

Repeated failure of EPS system causing highway breakdowns - detail in attachment

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-23

Also filed under Engine and service brakes

Backup camera screen too dark. Cannot see what is behind you. All software adjustments tried to improve video I.e. Increase brightness does not help. Checked another 2015 Tiguan at dealer and it had same problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-22

Steering

15% · 9 reports

Engine

15% · 9 reports

FIRE

Service brakes

10% · 6 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-06-12Equipment15V311000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 22, 2015, to March 20, 2015.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will correct the information on the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-15Air bags16V045000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles manufactured January 15, 2015, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles manufactured January 13, 2015, to February 3, 2015.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-11-29Unknown or other18V329000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-11-25Air bags19V535000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles.

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 number for this recall is 69Z5.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 28 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V311000 · Equipment
Recall 16V045000 · Air bags
Recall 18V329000 · Unknown or other
Recall 19V535000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.