2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Tiguan years.
141 owner complaints, most about engine. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Tiguan?The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has 141 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tiguan years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Tiguan?
Across the 18 Tiguan model years we track, complaint volume runs from 62 (2015) to 544 (2018). With 141 complaints, the 2021 Tiguan sits about the same as the model's median of 139.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Tiguan
seats
Campaign 21V038000Volkswagen 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.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 20V716000Volkswagen 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."
suspension
Campaign 22V176000Volkswagen 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.
structure:body
Campaign 22V226000Volkswagen 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.
Show 1 more recall
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 22V514000Volkswagen 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."
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Owners of newer models (approximately 2018+) frequently praise the vehicle for its spacious and comfortable interior, excellent highway manners, smooth ride, and competitive technology and safety features.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tiguan. See the full Tiguan owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Tiguan listings typically run $17,318–$28,298.
Other Tiguan model years
Compare every Tiguan year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tiguan against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy