Federal safety data shows 5 recalls and 115 complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, a moderate safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

115

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

20V7160002020-18-11

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."

A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

22V5140002022-20-07

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."

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

21V0380002021-01-02

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.

The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 5 recalls

22V1760002022-23-03

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.

A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

22V2260002022-06-04

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.

An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 115 issues reported over 1 model years, engine problems are the most common for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Engine24

02Unknown Or Other19

03Structure7

04Electrical System5

05Fuel/propulsion System5

115 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Volkswagen Tiguan Fuel Economy

24–25mpg combined

21-23city

27-29hwy

$1,750-$1,800/yr

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan delivers 24 to 25 MPG combined across 2 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Tiguan - Automatic (S8)

25mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

23 city29 hwy~$1,750/yr5/10 Average

Tiguan 4motion - Automatic (S8)

24mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

21 city27 hwy~$1,800/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

35States

26%in top 3

Florida has the most inventory at 10%, with options spread across 35 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

FLFlorida

1,71810%

CACalifornia

1,5399%

TXTexas

1,2727%

NYNew York

1,0096%

ILIllinois

9215%

PAPennsylvania

7975%

DCWashington DC

7644%

DEDelaware

7524%

MDMaryland

6544%

MOMissouri

6254%

NJNew Jersey

6043%

GAGeorgia

5573%

COColorado

5223%

MNMinnesota

5163%

OHOhio

4923%

AZArizona

4803%

NCNorth Carolina

3762%

WA310

MI279

TN271

NV261

NH240

CT230

UT228

IN228

OK218

OR184

WI175

MA169

KY159

RI158

NE119

ME103

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. There are 5 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Yes, 5 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Fuel economy ranges from 24 to 25 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $88 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

ENGINE problems top the list with 115 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.

How does the 2021 compare to other Volkswagen Tiguan years?

Each Volkswagen Tiguan model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Volkswagen Tiguan overview page.