Worst 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Fuel System
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 36 | — | — | 100,000 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | — | — | 23,060 mi | |
| Fuel System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | 7,000 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 6 | — | — | 189 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 5 | — | — | 88,400 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 5 | — | — | 11,000 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbags | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Interior Panels:Ceiling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical:Infotainment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~91,868 vehicles.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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."
Other Volkswagen Tiguan Years
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
How safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Tiguan reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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