Owners have filed 184 complaints
about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Tiguan. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 28
5.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
63% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2021 compares with every other Volkswagen Tiguan
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
726.9%
Adaptive Cruise Control
623.1%
Automatic Emergency Braking
519.2%
Warnings
311.5%
Ceiling
27.7%
Rearview System Braking
13.8%
Infotainment
13.8%
Camera
13.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
14.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
416.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
833.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
312.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
520.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
14.2%
150,000+ miles
28.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2021peak 12Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
22V514000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
22V226000
STRUCTURE:BODY
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
Risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
22V176000
SUSPENSION
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. The left or right rear suspension knuckles may corrode, crack, and break.
Risk: A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
21V038000
SEATS
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.
Risk: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
20V716000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202238223,553 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: Under certain conditions, the rearview camera image may not appear on the center screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the infotainment software.
Recall 202217038 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: This recall is for accessory rear hatch spoilers that were installed on a new vehicle or sold as an accessory part at a Volkswagen dealership. On certain vehicles, the rear spoiler might not be properly attached to the hatch. As a result, the spoiler could detach from the vehicle while driving. Safety Risk: A spoiler that detaches from the vehicle could create a hazard for other drivers and nearby people. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the rear hatch spoiler.
Recall 20221323,582 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear suspension knuckles could crack and/or break. A rear knuckle that breaks while driving could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both rear suspension knuckles.
Recall 202103129 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver's seat frame may not have been properly welded. As a result, the seat frame could fail and move in a crash. Safety Risk: A seat frame that fails could cause an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver's seat. The seat frame will be replaced, as necessary.
Recall 2021014215 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, a front brake hose may be too long and could rub against the steering mechanism. This can cause damage to the hose that could result in a brake fluid leak. If this happens, a driver may have reduced braking. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the front brake hose. It will be replaced, if necessary.
Recall 20205562,564 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display or cause it to freeze. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the rearview camera software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Brooklyn Park, MDCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning. Vehicle came to a stop when it struck a parked vehicle in its path.
NHTSA complaint #11739933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn Park, MDCrash
ENGINE
Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning. Vehicle came to a stop when it struck a parked vehicle in its path.
NHTSA complaint #11739933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn Park, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning. Vehicle came to a stop when it struck a parked vehicle in its path.
NHTSA complaint #11739933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #11583852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
STEERING
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 complaint #11583852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11583852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Redmond, WA
ENGINE
Vehicle abruptly lost power on the highway and limited itself to 3000 RPM. PCV valve failed and oil pan cracked at only 45k vehicle miles.
NHTSA complaint #11758308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norman, OK
ENGINE
PCV value/oil leak is a known issue with this specific model of car. The repair I was quited was over $2700 when the car is just out of warranty. There was no oil light indication showing that the oil was low! I only checked everything out because I saw oil in the drive way. The car read zero oil on the dip stick. I added 4 quarts and finallt started to get into operating range. My wife drives this car and could have been in a major accident if it hadn't been noticed. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southfield, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (Case XXX). My recent service visit on XXX was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to VW of [XXX] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.” I paid $1,605.37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southfield, MI
ENGINE
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. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (Case XXX). My recent service visit on XXX was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to VW of [XXX] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.” I paid $1,605.37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southfield, MI
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (Case XXX). My recent service visit on XXX was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to VW of [XXX] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.” I paid $1,605.37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brentwood, CA
ENGINE
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. This is not the fault of me getting an oil change, this is a persistent problem caused by the manufacturing of the car. I have had the engine nearly seize up while driving on the freeway due to low oil from this issue. Please investigate and fix.
NHTSA complaint #11754156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheatland, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical screen fail. Makes backup camera turn black and turns off while using. off and on repeatedly while in use. Very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11753051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,960 milesWalnut Creek, CA
POWER TRAIN
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. Upon restarting the vehicle, the electronic power control (EPC) warning light and the yellow triangle for the central warning light illuminated. The vehicle was idling roughly and jerking while driving to the dealer. The vehicle was previously serviced at 50,500 miles due to an EPC fault, and dealer replaced an electronic actuator. Additionally, the battery was replaced at 50,500 miles, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,960.
NHTSA complaint #11750380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middle Valley, TN
ENGINE
The PCV valve does not last past 60k miles. Multiple forums and customers stating this. When the failure shows up as a check engine light symptom it has already caused a major oil leak in the crank shaft that leaks with the car off at about 500ml and is significantly worse while driving- Up to a quart of oil loss from driving 10miles. VW has had issues with the PCv valve design from 2012. I bought a 2012 Passat but it did not leak till well after 200k miles but the code would continuously go on and off.
NHTSA complaint #11749364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coventry, RI
ENGINE
approximately 1 year after purchase, we started having the oil light come on. Returned to dealer and they stated it was normal. This continued for approximately 4 or 5 more times. A "comprehensive" test/diagnostic was conducted and they said normal consumption but no issues. Moving now in 2026 with 40k and now out of warranty with age of vehicle, we brought it back to Scott Motors and NOW it's an issue with the head. The same common problem that they have known about with all their vehicles in this class with this motor since I believe 2018. They want to split the repair bill 50/50 and then 70/30. I stated I addressed and documented the issue years ago and now since we are out of warranty, now you find it. Please Help.
NHTSA complaint #11746430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasantville, NJ
ENGINE
My 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The oil level drops rapidly between oil changes, and I have had to add oil multiple times to prevent engine damage. The low oil warning light has appeared unexpectedly while driving, creating a safety hazard. I am concerned about potential engine failure, stalling, or loss of power at highway speeds. I have reviewed multiple NHTSA complaints from other 2021 Tiguan owners (IDs 11742786, 11741539, 11741067, 11739933) reporting the same oil consumption and low oil pressure issues. This indicates a pattern of defects involving the EA888 2.0 TSI engine. Volkswagen dealerships often claim this is ‘normal,’ but the frequency and severity of oil loss suggest a mechanical defect involving piston rings, PCV system, or internal engine components. This poses a serious safety risk, especially during long distance travel. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2021 Tiguan model year.
NHTSA complaint #11743947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hopewell, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The component that is failing is the Radio. The radio consistently turns off when using it and power cycles itself back on which creates a concern when I am using the phone or the Maps feature. I had the same issue with a 2019 Volkswagen Passat, that I previously owned and I now see that there are known issues with other Volkswagen vehicles for the same thing, but there is no recall on my vehicle. I have spoken to my dealership about it and they advised me that there is not a recall for the issue so I would have to pay for them to take a look at this. There are no warnings such as lamps or anything else prior to the failure happening besides if the radio has sound coming through it, you won’t hear the sound anymore and within 60 seconds it will power cycle down for about a minute and then come back on and have to completely reload. There has been no inspection by the police or manufacturer to my knowledge.
NHTSA complaint #11743650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Darien, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 03/11/26 Volkswagen pushed an over the air update related for an infotainment System Software Update. Immediately upon completion of the updated the Central caution light (exclamation mark inside of a triangle) was illuminated along with the SOS warning light. This has caused by SOS safety system to not function properly. The dealer charged me $200 to diagnosis a problem VW created and stated the SOS Control Module needs to be replaced. They claim the part is on National back order for the past three months. I have been unsuccessful receiving information regarding the repair of my vehicle. I am concerned the SOS system will not function if it is needed.
NHTSA complaint #11742786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear view mirror has come detached from the main roof and it's presented that the only option to repair this is a complete windshield replacement. If the mirror is adhered to the windshield, this presents a major design flaw and safety hazard. I should not have to replace an entire windshield to replace just a rearview mirror. Also, because this is requiring me to seek additional services outside of the VW dealership, I would have to drive without a safely secured rear view mirror, presenting a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11741539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union City, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tha back up camera system is glitching out. We reset the system but is keeps freezing/blacking out after about 30 seconds. This is known issue with this model of Volkswagen.
NHTSA complaint #11741067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union City, PA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Tha back up camera system is glitching out. We reset the system but is keeps freezing/blacking out after about 30 seconds. This is known issue with this model of Volkswagen.
NHTSA complaint #11741067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn Park, MDCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning. Vehicle came to a stop when it struck a parked vehicle in its path.
NHTSA complaint #11739933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn Park, MDCrash
ENGINE
Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning. Vehicle came to a stop when it struck a parked vehicle in its path.
NHTSA complaint #11739933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn Park, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning. Vehicle came to a stop when it struck a parked vehicle in its path.
NHTSA complaint #11739933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresh Meadows, NY
SEAT BELTS
Parking brake violently engaging with every stop
NHTSA complaint #11738159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresh Meadows, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Parking brake violently engaging with every stop
NHTSA complaint #11738159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresh Meadows, NY
ENGINE
Parking brake violently engaging with every stop
NHTSA complaint #11738159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving the Front windshield spontaneous cracked. There was a loud cracking noise, prior to the AC and vent being turned on. The crack is formed from the driver side bottom edge of the window shield and across horrizontally three feet towards passenger side same crack ending upwards slightly diagonally. There is NO Evidence of impact, crack line is smooth to touch from the outside windshield. Purchased vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned. Owned the vehicle less than two years. And only driven the car for less than 5k miles. This is unsafe and deemed to be a design flaw.
NHTSA complaint #11736296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burleson, TX
ENGINE
Car is burning an excessive amount of oil
NHTSA complaint #11735684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deerfield, WI
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption. Paid out of pocket and 2 weeks later the same issue. Dealer is aware of this common problem and refuses to do anything. These vehicles have faulty piston rings and PCV valves.
NHTSA complaint #11735018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.