repaired · 2024 Q2
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Volkswagen TiguanProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 145 owner complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, most often about the engine. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-226 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has problems
145 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
54Engine1 crash/fire/injury
26Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
12Fuel/propulsion system
11Forward collision avoidance
11Power train1 crash/fire/injury
11Structure1 crash/fire/injury
8Visibility/wiper
5Exterior lighting
5Engine and engine cooling
2513 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 54 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 26 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 11 | 0 |
| Power train | 11 | 1 |
| Structure | 11 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 8 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 25 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Structure: body
Risk. An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Suspension
Risk. A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Seats
Risk. The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2022 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Tiguan year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tiguan median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan safety ratings
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (0.0% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Tiguan owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The PCV valve has failed twice, resulting in oil leaks onto hot surfaces. Leak could lead to hazardous conditions by oil being sprayed onto exhaust surfaces. Dealer confirmed the PCV valve was the failed part.
The high pressure fuel pump has failed within 40,000 miles and now again at 110,000 miles. It causes the vehicle to randomly turn in drive and while idle. It has had oil consumption issues and oil leak issues that constantly occur. The dealer has replaced the high pressure fuel pump under warranty…
At 58,218 miles, the engine on this 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan failed after excessive oil consumption progressed to engine knocking. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen of Orange Park on July 24, 2025, for excessive oil consumption. The dealer performed a second oil-consumption test. During the test,…
Own a 2021 Tiguan?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.