2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 110 |
| 2011 | 161 |
| 2012 | 152 |
| 2013 | 139 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 96 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 282 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 138 |
| 2021 | 139 |
| 2022 | 266 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 25 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: engine — 51 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20260801
The PCV valve does not last past 60k miles. Multiple forums and customers stating this.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260709
18% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20260806
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, 20260727
10% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 14 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20210605
8% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20240418
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, 20260714
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 11 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 20V716000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V038000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V226000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V176000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V514000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V716000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V038000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V226000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V176000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V514000 (back over prevention, equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.