Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 21, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

140 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
68

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 40software faults 7sudden stalling 7
A recent report: At approximately 53,876 miles, my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a severe, premature failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve / oil separator assembly. The failure of this…
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At approximately 53,876 miles, my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a severe, premature failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve / oil separator assembly. The failure of this component caused an immediate, dangerous buildup of internal crankcase over-pressurization. Because the excess pressure could not vent safely, it caused a catastrophic domino effect through the engine block, structurally blowing out multiple critical engine gaskets and rubber oil seals. Furthermore, the extreme downward pressure physically cracked the factory-installed composite plastic oil pan, leading to an immediate and rapid engine oil leak. A sudden and rapid loss of engine oil and internal oil pressure while operating a vehicle at highway speeds poses an extreme safety hazard. Had the oil pressure dropped completely while driving with my children in the vehicle, it could have resulted in a sudden engine seizure, sudden loss of motive power, or complete engine failure on a live highway, placing my family and surrounding drivers in imminent danger of a high-speed collision. Volkswagen is aware of this engine design defect, as evidenced by active internal Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and a pending federal class-action lawsuit (Reece v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.) detailing identical PCV-induced seal and plastic oil pan failures in the exact same model year. Volkswagen's failure to issue a safety recall for this unlisted "lifetime" part forces families to drive under the threat of sudden component blowout and subsequent engine failure. A mandatory safety investigation and recall are required to address this systemic powertrain defect.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764736 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
27

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 13electrical shorts 3
A recent report: 2021 Tiguan parking brake comes on without being commanded. There is a fault with the drivers door. I believe the the driver door module or corresponding wiring. The front drivers window toggle…
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2021 Tiguan parking brake comes on without being commanded. There is a fault with the drivers door. I believe the the driver door module or corresponding wiring. The front drivers window toggle switch does not work the toggles switches for the rest of the window work only if the is not an error displayed on the dash. The lock button does not work on the drivers door at all and only works on the rest of the door when an error message is not displayed on the dash. The dash displays the following errors: 1. Driver Door Contact Switch. 2. Start/Stop. 3. Electronic Parking Brake. It also displays Attention: Engine is running. So far the parking brake only comes on(un commanded) when the vehicle is stopped.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763032 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Minor
5

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 4
A recent report: Parking brake violently engaging with every stop

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11738159 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
3

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

loss of steering 1corrosion 1
A recent report: The suspension components inclusive of struts and knuckles corroded and cracked causing the suspension to collapse in the front and rear of the vehicle. Luckily the suspension didn't collapse while…
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The suspension components inclusive of struts and knuckles corroded and cracked causing the suspension to collapse in the front and rear of the vehicle. Luckily the suspension didn't collapse while driving and has not resulted in any injuries. The dealership (Gunther VW in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) inspected and replaced the front suspension but left the rear suspension untouched after certifying the integrity. 2 weeks later, the rear suspension collapsed.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11624499 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
2

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 1airbags deploying unexpectedly 1
A recent report: I scraped the curb with my passenger front tire and all my side air bags deployed. There was no other damage done to the vehicle.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11604374 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
26

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 2sudden stalling 1
A recent report: Rear view mirror has come detached from the main roof and it's presented that the only option to repair this is a complete windshield replacement. If the mirror is adhered to the windshield, this…
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Rear view mirror has come detached from the main roof and it's presented that the only option to repair this is a complete windshield replacement. If the mirror is adhered to the windshield, this presents a major design flaw and safety hazard. I should not have to replace an entire windshield to replace just a rearview mirror. Also, because this is requiring me to seek additional services outside of the VW dealership, I would have to drive without a safely secured rear view mirror, presenting a safety hazard.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11741539 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
9

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention an injury.

software faults 1
A recent report: This a Safety concern with the console dropping down while driving. The Overhead (Central) Console behind the rearview mirror dropped down on my current vehicle (It also dropped down on another…
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This a Safety concern with the console dropping down while driving. The Overhead (Central) Console behind the rearview mirror dropped down on my current vehicle (It also dropped down on another Tiguan that I owned while it was parked at the dealership for a different repair (doesn't seem to be a coincidence along with other complaints by customers who show photos online of the same problem with the same make and model Tiguan that I have (2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV). Again, this is a Safety Concern about the Overhead (Central) Console dropping down while driving and also hanging after it drops down which may cause other electrical issues such as starting and exposure to moisture, heat, or coldness in the interior of the car. Also, cannot open the sunroof now due to concerns of exposure.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11632746 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 140 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2021 and 2026, roughly 25 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.