Tiguan (AD)
Verdict On a 2018 launch car, check that every recall shows complete on the VIN; later years carry five or fewer each. Check the rearview camera fix, the 2.0L turbo for oil consumption, and the rear suspension for corrosion on salt-state cars.
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 184 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
TSI
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 184 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Volkswagen Tiguan Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The second-generation Tiguan sold in the United States carries 1,172 NHTSA complaints across its 2018 through 2024 run. The volume engine logs roughly 156 complaints per year, and the complaint mix points to specific weak spots rather than scattered noise.
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 371 reports, followed by electrical at 260 and the safety-systems bucket at 203. 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 139 and 108.
Thirteen of the 24 recalls reach the 2018 launch cars, including loose engine-support bolts, an under-torqued ball-joint nut, a rear shock absorber loop that could separate, and a passenger airbag that could tear on deployment. The 2020-2023 cars drew fewer campaigns, led by the three rearview camera fixes and improperly welded front seat frames on 2020 cars. 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.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Volkswagen Tiguan, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
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. Past the launch year, recall counts fall to five or fewer per model year: five each on 2019, 2021 and 2022 cars, three on 2020, and one each on 2023 and 2024.
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.
What to check on a used 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
On a used 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (371), the electrical system (260) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (203). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 371 owner complaints on the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 260 owner complaints on the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 203 owner complaints on the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 139 owner complaints on the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 108 owner complaints on the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan about the fuel system, all engines combined.
Recalls (24)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Tiguan vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V082. 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 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 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."
Show 19 older recalls
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 2017-2019 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 vehicles. The LED module for the panoramic sunroof ambient light bar may short circuit.
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 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 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 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 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."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints?
Owners have filed 1,172 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the safety systems.
Is the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,172 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
NHTSA has 1,172 owner complaints on file for the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA lists 24 recalls covering some 2018-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 1,172 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.