The Lemon Index2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is better than average by owner complaints: 64 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 60, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 24 to 25 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 143 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Tiguan year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 9K to 51K miles on the car (17 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- back over prevention 2022
The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display.
- body structure 2022
Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
- suspension 2022
A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available.
Show all 5 recalls
- seats 2021
Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks.
- back over prevention 2020
The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 506 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Oil consumption test updated to include additional models and model year applicability
- Customer states MIL-on with P0556 Customer states MIL-on with P2421 Customer states MIL-on…
- Customer states MIL-on with P2421 Customer states MIL-on with Misfire code Customer states…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
My car is a 2021 Tiguan. Car is burning oil and should not be.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan owner · NHTSA complaint 11553351
More owner reports
I have to put oil into the engine every 2000 miles. The dealership has run 2 separate oil consumption tests and they claim they are unable to find anything wrong.
NHTSA complaint 11494472
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 60; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Tiguan year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (20%), engine (17%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
5 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
24 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Tiguan year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2015 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works