Tiguan (AD)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The second-generation Tiguan sold in the United States carries 983 NHTSA complaints across its 2018 through 2024 run, and its complaint density sits above the compact-SUV norm. The segment median is close to 58 complaints per year, while the volume engine on this Tiguan logs roughly 132. Strong sales explain part of that gap, since the Tiguan moved in big numbers, but the complaint mix points to specific weak spots rather than scattered noise. The rating algorithm lands the main engine in caution territory.
Unlike rivals that split buyers across two or three powertrains, the US Tiguan ran a single engine through this generation: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four rated at 184 horsepower. The database lists it under a couple of VIN-decoded labels, but they describe the same EA888 unit. That removes the engine-choice lever a shopper would lean on with a RAV4 or CR-V, and it shifts the decision onto model year and condition instead of trim.
The largest complaint cluster is the engine group at 285 reports, followed by electrical at 210 and the safety-systems bucket at 163. The electrical and safety-systems entries tie directly to a recurring recall: three separate campaigns (20V716, 22V514, and 25V082) address a rearview camera that fails to display, each filed as a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 noncompliance. Suspension is the other durability concern worth naming. Volkswagen recalled 2018-2019 cars for rear coil springs that could fracture (19V188) and 2021-2022 cars for rear suspension knuckles that could corrode, crack, and break (22V176). Transmission and fuel-system complaints trail at 124 and 93.
Twenty-three recalls is a high count for one generation, but the timing tells the story. The 2018 launch year absorbed most of the manufacturing-defect campaigns: improperly welded seat frames, loose engine-support bolts, an under-torqued ball-joint nut, and a driver airbag built to the wrong market specification. The 2020-2023 cars carried fewer launch defects and mostly inherited the camera and tire-pressure-monitor fixes. This generation ended after 2024, when Volkswagen replaced it with a redesigned Tiguan for 2025 that is tracked on its own page.
The Tiguan suits a used-market buyer who wants a German-badged compact SUV, values the optional third row in the long-wheelbase body, and will verify recall completion before signing. It rewards documentation. A car with a clean service record and every open campaign closed is a reasonable buy. One with unknown history and salt-belt suspension exposure is a harder case.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Volkswagen Tiguan Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 184 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
TSI
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 184 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volkswagen Tiguan regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
With a single engine across the generation, the buying decision comes down to model year and condition, not powertrain. The 2018 launch cars carry the heaviest load of manufacturing recalls and are worth skipping unless every campaign shows complete on the VIN. The 2021 through 2023 model years are the settled middle of the run, past the launch defects, and make the strongest used case. The final 2024 cars close out the generation before the redesign.
Start every inspection at the rearview camera and infotainment screen, since three separate recalls target a camera that fails to display; confirm the latest camera-control-unit fix is on the VIN. Have the EA888 turbo four checked for oil consumption, cooling-system seepage, and carbon buildup on the intake valves, the usual wear points on Volkswagen's direct-injection four. On cars from salt states, inspect the rear suspension knuckles and coil springs for corrosion, the subject of two serious recalls. Confirm the seat-weld, ball-joint, and airbag campaigns from the 2018-2020 span are closed.
Because this generation still moves through the used market in volume, cross-check any "recalls complete" claim against the NHTSA VIN lookup rather than the seller's word. Volkswagen's dealer network handles these campaigns at no cost, so an open recall is a bargaining point rather than a dealbreaker.
Recalls (23)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
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.
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."
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan vehicles. During the repair of roof damage, an incorrect roof reinforcement assembly may have been installed.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan vehicles. The nut that secures the brake pipe near the right-front wheel well may be loose.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The third row seat belt anchor bolts may not have been properly torqued.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan LWB vehicles. In the event of a crash, one or both of the front seat belt's webbing may tear.
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."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The tire information label contains inaccurate tire dimension and inflation pressure specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheelbase (LWB) vehicles. A lower loop of a rear shock absorber may separate from its base due to an incorrect welding process
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The nut that holds the lower ball joint of the front wheel on each side of the vehicle may be loose or improperly tightened.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. The LED module for the panoramic sunroof ambient light bar may short circuit.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The engine support bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightened.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan vehicles. In the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The back-up lights in the taillight assemblies may not be bright enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
The 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan has accumulated 983 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volkswagen Tiguan engine is most reliable?
The 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan a good used car?
The 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 983 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
The 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan has 983 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan?
There are 23 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan?
Before buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Tiguan?
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 983 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-07-12.