2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year had 30% to 100% more 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.
- Complaints
- 144
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 144 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.
Engine
38% · 54 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My Tiguan leaks and burns oil like crazy. Now it has 111k miles on it, but this has been an ongoing issue for the last five years since I've had it. I now have to put a quart of oil in every 100 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-01
The PCV valve does not last past 60k miles. Multiple forums and customers stating this.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09
Electrical system
17% · 25 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My name is [XXX], and I am writing today to express my complete frustration mentally and financially with a CPO 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN [XXX]) I purchased XXX.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-06
Electrical screen fail. Makes backup camera turn black and turns off while using. off and on repeatedly while in use. Very dangerous.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-27
Forward collision avoidance
10% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
Show complaint excerpts
When the vehicle is started remotely and cruise control was not turned off before turning off the vehicle, the ACC system shows an error and fails to engage when the driver tries to set cruise control.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-05
Fuel/propulsion system
8% · 12 reportsPower train
8% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On 4/6/24 the steering wheel locked while driving the car . Causing the car to go off the road into a 40 ft ditch and hit a tree
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-18
Also filed under Service brakes and steering
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving downhill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted into a driveway and restarted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020-12-11Back over prevention20V716000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
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2021Complaint volume 144 complaints filed for this model year.
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2021-02-18Seats21V038000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Long Wheelbase and Jetta vehicles. Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
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2022-06-03Structure22V226000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
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2022-06-13Suspension22V176000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan, Taos, and 2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both rear suspension knuckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
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2022-08-02Back over prevention, equipment22V514000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 54 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V716000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 21V038000 · Seats
- Recall 22V226000 · Structure
- Recall 22V176000 · Suspension
- Recall 22V514000 · Back over prevention, equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 5 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.