Volkswagen Tiguan reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 2,134 complaints about the Volkswagen Tiguan with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and electrical system. Volkswagen has filed 20 warranty extensions and 10 service campaigns for it, and there are 38 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Volkswagen Tiguan? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Tiguan a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 2,134
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 20
- Filed by Volkswagen
- Service campaigns
- 10
- Filed by Volkswagen
- Safety recalls
- 38
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Tiguan with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 34 | Engine (41%) | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 | 49 | Electrical system (31%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 73 | Electrical system (34%) | 2 | 3 |
| 2023 | 68 | Engine (35%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 | 270 | Engine (41%) | 5 | 5 |
| 2021 | 141 | Engine (38%) | 5 | 6 |
| 2020 | 141 | Other or unspecified (37%) | 3 | 5 |
| 2019 | 192 | Electrical system (29%) | 5 | 5 |
| 2018 | 284 | Engine (29%) | 14 | 6 |
| 2017 | 76 | Airbags (39%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2016 | 96 | Airbags (39%) | 2 | 5 |
| 2015 | 62 | Airbags (45%) | 4 | 5 |
| 2014 | 84 | Airbags (55%) | 3 | 6 |
| 2013 | 139 | Airbags (45%) | 3 | 7 |
| 2012 | 153 | Engine (33%) | 3 | 8 |
| 2011 | 162 | Engine (39%) | 3 | 11 |
| 2010 | 110 | Engine (45%) | 2 | 10 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Tiguan model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Volkswagen
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Volkswagen filed with NHTSA for the Tiguan, in its own words. A warranty extension means Volkswagen pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionSep 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2018
This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement.
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2022
Volkswagen has extended the Warranty coverage for the Evap Leak Detection Pump (LDP) to 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicles original in-service date, for certain 2022 Model Year Volkswagen vehicles.
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2022
Volkswagen Warranty has extended the coverage for the overhead console on 2019-2022 Tiguan Vehicles for 2 years 24,000 from the expiration of NVLW
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Automatic emergency braking and collision warning· model years 2018–2023
These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Automatic emergency braking and collision warning· model years 2018–2023
These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- Warranty extensionSep 2023· Visibility· model years 2018–2021
This Document informs dealers on the Sunroof Class Action Limited Warranty Extension revision. Revised to include info on how to proceed with vehicles not applicable to the 60E2/60E5.
- Warranty extensionSep 2023· Visibility· model years 2018–2021
This Document informs dealers on the Sunroof Class Action Limited Warranty Extension FAQ for commonly asked questions. Revised to include info on how to proceed with vehicles not applicable to the 60E2/60E5.
- Warranty extensionApr 2023· Steering· model years 2010–2018
This Document was revised. The model year chat was removed for VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionJun 2021· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014, 2016–2017
This Document informs dealers on the new Intake Manifold Warranty Extension for 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2017 Model Year with Engine Codes CBFA and CCTA
- Warranty extensionApr 2021· Fuel system· model years 2010–2011
Warranty Extension for Intake Manifold & Fuel Injectors Certain 2008-2011
- Warranty extensionApr 2021· Fuel system· model years 2011
Warranty Extension for Fuel Injectors Certain 2011 Model Year Volkswagen
- Warranty extensionMar 2020· Other or unspecified· model years 2015
This Document informs dealers on the new intake manifold warranty extension for 2015 Eos, Tiguan and CC vehicles
- Warranty extensionDec 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2014
This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionDec 2019· Engine· model years 2010–2014
This Document informs dealers on the the Frequently Asked Questions for the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionNov 2019· Airbags· model years 2015–2016
This Document informs dealers of the new Airbag Control Module Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionJan 2019· Engine· model years 2010–2013
The Vehicle Maintenance Declaration has been added back to WISE for the Timing Chain Warranty Extension.
- Warranty extensionAug 2018· Engine· model years 2010–2013
This document advises dealers regarding the Timing Chain/Timing Chain Tensioner Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2016
This technical bulletin was updated per powertain team and warranty team.
- Warranty extensionJun 2015· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2010–2011
Warranty Extension for High-Pressure Fuel Pump: Volkswagen informed customers of a decision to extend the warranty for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in the TDI® Clean Diesel engine vehicle under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from…
- Warranty extensionMar 2013· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2012
Engine Exhaust Flap Limited Warranty Extension
- Service campaignAug 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2025–2026
Temporary Repair Hold for 2026 MY Vehicles - We have identified an issue with the 24BD service action software affecting all 2026 model year vehicles and are actively working toward a resolution. We anticipate having this issue resolved early next week.
- Service campaignAug 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Volkswagen is providing a software update designed to prevent the Travel Assist/Emergency Assist feature from inadvertently deactivating when a brake‑jolt warning is detected.
- Service campaignJul 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
The R-Line front-row door scuff plates listed on the vehicle’s window sticker were not installed at the factory. Under this service action, authorized Volkswagen dealers will install the missing scuff plates free of charge.
- Service campaignApr 2026· Engine· model years 2026
Under this service action, updated engine control module (ECM) software will be installed to provide robustness improvements to the ECM calibration for the turbocharger variable turbine geometry (VTG) actuator endpoints.
- Service campaignApr 2026· Engine· model years 2026
Under this service action, updated engine control module (ECM) software will be installed to provide robustness improvements to the ECM calibration for the turbocharger variable turbine geometry (VTG) actuator endpoints. This has no impact on vehicle emissions.
- Service campaignApr 2026· Engine· model years 2026
Under this service action, updated engine control module (ECM) software will be installed to provide robustness improvements to the ECM calibration for the turbocharger variable turbine geometry (VTG) actuator endpoints. This has no impact on vehicle emissions.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Airbags· model years 2024
An incorrect EPROM component with lower bytes memory density may have been installed in some airbag control modules.
- Service campaignDec 2024· Engine· model years 2024
Vehicles included in this action may have been built with incorrect settings in the Transmission Control Module (TCM) which results in the Start / Stop system not working correctly.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
On certain vehicles, the year of manufacture listed on the compliance label is incorrect. Dealers will affix an overlay label to the vehicle's compliance label to provide the correct month/year of manufacture. Updated label overlay ordering information
- Service campaignApr 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2021–2022
Working with Service Campaigns that have Over-the-Air (OTA) Capability
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Tiguan model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine616 (29%)
- Electrical system502 (24%)
- Other or unspecified373 (17%)
- Airbags272 (13%)
- Transmission and drivetrain176 (8%)
- Steering155 (7%)
- Fuel and propulsion149 (7%)
- Automatic emergency braking and collision warning122 (6%)
Safety recalls
38 recalls cover at least one Tiguan model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
A software error may cause the body control module (BCM) system to reset.
An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended.
The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
A tie rod bolt on the rear axle assembly may be loose, which can lead to a loss of vehicle control.
An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended.
The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously.
The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display.
Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. The left or right rear suspension knuckles may corrode, crack, and break.
The nut that secures the brake pipe near the right-front wheel well may be loose.
During the repair of roof damage, an incorrect roof reinforcement assembly may have been installed.
These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale.
Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks.
In the event of a crash, one or both of the front seat belt's webbing may tear.
And 23 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA18005Engineering analysis· opened Jul 2018, closed Feb 2023· Seat belts· model years 2018
Seat Belt Webbing Failure
Led to recall 20V724000.
- EA18003Engineering analysis· opened Apr 2018, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2014, 2016
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
- PE18001Preliminary evaluation· opened Jan 2018, closed Jul 2018· Seat belts· model years 2018
Seat Belt Webbing Failure
- RQ17009Recall query· opened Nov 2017, closed May 2018· Airbags· model years 2011–2014
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
- PE15010Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2015, closed Sep 2015· Airbags· model years 2011–2014
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Led to recall 15V483000.
- PE13036Preliminary evaluation· opened Nov 2013, closed Feb 2014· Electrical system· model years 2010–2011
Partial Loss of Exterior Lights
Led to recall 13V569000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Volkswagen Tiguan has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 2,134 owner complaints, 20 warranty extensions and 10 service campaigns Volkswagen filed, and 38 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2018 (284), 2022 (270), 2019 (192). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (29%), electrical system (24%), other or unspecified (17%). Volkswagen has filed 20 warranty extensions covering the Tiguan, listed on this page.
Which Tiguan model years have the most complaints?
2018 (284), 2022 (270), 2019 (192). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Tiguan with each other rather than with other models.
Has Volkswagen extended the warranty on the Tiguan?
Yes: transmission and drivetrain (model years 2010–2018); other or unspecified (model years 2022); other or unspecified (model years 2019–2022), and 17 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Tiguan?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 38 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.