Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.7× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
127Complaints
5Recalls
2Crashes
0Fires
2Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (33.9% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 2.7× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
43 · 33.9%
No official action
—
Electrical System
21 · 16.5%
No official action
—
Fuel/propulsion System
10 · 7.9%
No official action
—
Power Train
10 · 7.9%
No official action
—
Visibility/wiper
8 · 6.3%
No official action
—
Structure:body
7 · 5.5%
Recalled
Recall 22V226000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 127 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“Iâve had my Volkswagen Tiguen since 2021 fresh off the lot. I have been the only owner of the car at about 30,000 miles my…”NHTSA complaint 11699659 — filed 11/16/2025 · ENGINE
“Check engine light came on with excessive oil leaking from engine. Dealer inspected and diagnosed the PCV/Oil separator had failed, multiple valve stem seals had…”NHTSA complaint 11699440 — filed 11/14/2025 · ENGINE
“I purchased about 4 months ago with about 139,000 miles on it. The vehicle now has 142,000 miles and is experiencing excessive oil consumptionâapproximately 0.9…”NHTSA complaint 11689188 — filed 09/23/2025 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 43 of 127 NHTSA complaints (33.9%), followed by unspecified/other issues (28), electrical system (21), fuel/propulsion system (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
127 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 2 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V038000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan's reported problems?
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.