2019
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Volkswagen Tiguan

Unlock Ratings
Once among the smallest compact SUVs, the current Volkswagen Tiguan has grown into one of the biggest in the category. It offers driver and passengers plenty of interior space and good outward visibility. It has lost a bit of the youthful demeanor of its predecessor with this newfound space, but it remains one of the better handling small SUVs.
Alerts
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2019
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Volkswagen Tiguan

Reliability

We expect the 2022 Tiguan will be much less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2019, 2020 and 2021 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2019 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years * Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
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POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
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NA
Engine Minor
NA
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Engine Cooling
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Show More Trouble Spots
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"There was an engine air flow sensor and pump that are part of the exhaust system that failed, causing the check engine light to come on"

Anonymous, PA (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other/unsure

"The front camera/sensor had to be reset as the automatic braking and associated systems did not work."

Eric S., NY (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Lane assist caused my car to try to go across three lanes on the expressway, it took complete control of the vehicle, not letting me stay in my lane and headed me towards the concrete barrier."

Anonymous, IL (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"While driving on the expressway the lane assist system took over completely, trying to steer me across 3 lanes into the concrete divider. It fought me while I tried to maintain control and I was zig zagging across 3 lanes, trying to steer, brake, stay in one lane. It was terrifying to have no control over my car. I managed to not die, amazingly. It was a miracle no one hit me and I didn't hit another car or the concrete barrier. I took the car to the dealership and they experienced the same issue, surprising since usually when they have it, the car acts perfectly. The dealership claimed all the wheels were out of alignment, which I don't understand as I didn't hit anything, no curb, no potholes, yet all 4 wheels were out of whack. They said due to the misalignment the lane assist took over as it read a problem. It cost a bundle as that wasn't covered under the wonderful 6 year warranty. I have disabled the lane assist as I no longer trust it and am quite frankly afraid to drive it with that system in place, now. So much for extra safety. I'd love to get a different car but right now can't afford to do so. I do not recommend this car at all, dangerous."

Anonymous, IL (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Glass defects

"Previous owner put illegal tint on the windows that we did not realize until after we paid for the car. We could not return it. Dealer was horrible but finally got it removed. We are not sure if it damaged the defroster yet."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Locks and latches

"The latches in the car trunk area that drop the seats do not work and have not worked since I got the car. VW dealer where I bought the car looked at it but did not fix it."

Anonymous, (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Mirrors

"Mirror was removed due to be sure it was working properly, dealer reinstalled incorrectly and now it creaks when I shift it to night mode. Not sure it can be fixed."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Sunroof

"The sunroof leaks, apparently a factory defect that VW knew about but put out there anyway. My car smells like mildew and is unsafe to drive in my opinion."

Anonymous, (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Sunroof had a terrible leak over passenger seat. I noticed it in May 2019 and brought the car back to the dealer who kept the car for 3 months. They wound up buying me out of my lease and giving me a new car."

Anonymous, NY (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"There is something loose in the front doors especially drivers side."

Anonymous, (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Noticed there was debris underneath the factory pain during walk around after purchase."

Anonymous, HI (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The paint job I have on my new vehicle is flawed. When it rains, the stains stay on the car irregardless of what wax I use."

Annette M., NM (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"within 30 days of a maintenance the right rear caliper malfunctioned and went through a entire brake pad."

Janette P., CA (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

"Could not use blue tooth. Can not change radio station by button. Only manual tuning. Setting would not work."

Anonymous, TX (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"The check engine light came on. VW tried to fix by use of a soft wear fix, but it did not work. Now I need to bring in the car again so they can try to figure it out"

Alan K., FL (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Driveline vibration

"The drive belt shredded and also damaged the oil system."

Anonymous, MA (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"Directional shutters that control HVAC would get stuck causing hot air to blow on drivers side. Spacer washer had to be installed behind console to allow gears to sync to control shutters. Repair took 5 trips to dealership to figure out what was causing the issue. Some trips were wasted because issue was sporadic and dealership could not replicate the issue. On 3rd trip, took vehicle directly to dealership while problem was occurring, only to be told VW could not replicate the issue. Only fixed after two more trips, and head mechanic took apart the gear housing behind the console, identified and fixed the problem."

Anonymous, MD (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Electronic ignition

"It would start shaking on the highway and lights starting flashing without warning. We took it in three times before Volkswagen resolved the issue completely. Now it is working perfectly again."

Anonymous, (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"We brought the vehicle to the dealer with approximately 2,400 miles complying of an electrical problem: warning lights constantly coming on. Later that day the dealer informed us they were going to replace the motor and issued us a loaner vehicle for the duration of the repair. Since that repair the vehicle has been trouble free and my wife and I love the Tiguan."

Anonymous, NY (2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

Compare 2019 Models

No Data Available
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
STRUCTURE
Apr 06, 2022
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V226000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6553
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT
Mar 27, 2019
The incorrect specifications can result in improper tire inflations or to installing a tire of the wrong size on the vehicle. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D2.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V241000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Mar 06, 2019
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V188000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 56173
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 26, 2018
If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V824000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 73549
Hide Recall Details
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