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Free public service · Official NHTSA & EPA data

Volkswagen Tiguan common problems

Owners of 2015–2025 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles have filed 1,351 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (68% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.

1,351
Owner complaints
46
Recall campaigns
36
Crash-related reports
42
Injury reports

Most reported problem areas

By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.

11 fire-related reports 1 reports involving a death

How to read this before buying

Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.

The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.

Recent safety events

Full timeline
  1. Recall2024 tiguan

    Recall 26V321000

    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  2. Recall2025 tiguan

    Recall 25V854000

    A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

  3. Recall2025 tiguan

    Recall 25V526000

    A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

  4. Recall2022 tiguan

    Recall 25V082000

    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  5. Recall2023 tiguan

    Recall 25V082000

    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  6. Recall2024 tiguan

    Recall 25V082000

    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Frequently asked

What are the most common Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
Across 1,351 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (68%), airbags (17%), body & structure (8%).
Which Volkswagen Tiguan model year has the most complaints?
In our index, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has the most owner complaints, with 274 filed.
Are Volkswagen Tiguan problems dangerous?
Of the 1,351 complaints on record, 36 mention a crash, 11 mention a fire and 42 mention an injury, and 1 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.

Problems by model year

The 2018 accounts for the most complaints (274). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.

Where this comes from

Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.