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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 124.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 17 of 140 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine complaints

52 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2025
Engine

There was an issue with excessive oil consumption. In as little time as I have owned this vehicle I have had to top my oil off between oil changes because my low oil light had came on. I then, over the winter got a check engine light, it threw code P24D6 which pertained to the oil leak and/or seperating. I then noticed that o…

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There was an issue with excessive oil consumption. In as little time as I have owned this vehicle I have had to top my oil off between oil changes because my low oil light had came on. I then, over the winter got a check engine light, it threw code P24D6 which pertained to the oil leak and/or seperating. I then noticed that on my driveway, I have some oil from my car. I paid a mechanic $200 to fix this plastic drain that according to the mechanic doesnt reseal.

NHTSA ODI #11648647

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

11/19/2024 Check engine light came on while I was driving. Got home, checked oil and it was down about a quart. Oil had just been changed on 10/17/2024. Only approximately 1800 miles put on vehicle since last oil change. Vehicle was at approximately 62,000 miles. Also tire pressure light always on. Scheduled appt with VW deale…

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11/19/2024 Check engine light came on while I was driving. Got home, checked oil and it was down about a quart. Oil had just been changed on 10/17/2024. Only approximately 1800 miles put on vehicle since last oil change. Vehicle was at approximately 62,000 miles. Also tire pressure light always on. Scheduled appt with VW dealer. Dealer invoice states "P04F000 Checked Purge valve and found oil in line, due to Defective crankcase breather, and causing an oil leak, replaced crankcase breather, replaced the EVAP purge valve and replace the upper timing cover gaskets. cleared oil off engine and test drove". the engine could have blown while I was driving this, I had no previous warning signs and since the dealer says the Defective crankcase breather, thinking they should be fixing this issue and not charging the customer. Total cost of repair $960.02.

NHTSA ODI #11628620

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2024
Engine

Pcv valve on my car went and caused seals to leak in my engine. This has caused oil to leak onto my exhaust system which poses a fire hazard according to the dealership. Car should not be driven. Many many complaints about this issue of the PCV valve failing have been discovered online. Worried about my car catching fire if I dr…

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Pcv valve on my car went and caused seals to leak in my engine. This has caused oil to leak onto my exhaust system which poses a fire hazard according to the dealership. Car should not be driven. Many many complaints about this issue of the PCV valve failing have been discovered online. Worried about my car catching fire if I drive it

NHTSA ODI #11624365

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2024
EnginePower Train

PCV Failure causing the timing cover to leak oil and causing the oil pan to crack. This is a known issue with VW TSI engines. This PCV is a major issue not only causing the damage above but others are having to replace the rear main seal and crank case because of this. It's now in the shop for the next week and I'm out of a vehi…

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PCV Failure causing the timing cover to leak oil and causing the oil pan to crack. This is a known issue with VW TSI engines. This PCV is a major issue not only causing the damage above but others are having to replace the rear main seal and crank case because of this. It's now in the shop for the next week and I'm out of a vehicle for the next week. This is not the only problem I've had with this vehicle. The last problem I had was the housing unit of the overhead lights, sunroof controls and sos when hanging down and broke out of nowhere. The plastic melted and cracked. It was replaced but was not put back together properly. There are now gaps where it should be tightly sealed. The glove comparent arm is broken. There are wheel bearings issues too we are trying to pin point the issue. The hits keep coming and the car is just a money pit.

NHTSA ODI #11612104

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2024
Engine

We were driving to Mci airport. We felt car jerk. Was able to continue driving. Got off at exit. Pulled over looked under hood, didn’t see anything. Pulled away felt it pulling back. Was able to make it home at just 60 miles an hour. The care would hesitate and jerk if going up slight hill or accelerating. Took to shop. They sa…

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We were driving to Mci airport. We felt car jerk. Was able to continue driving. Got off at exit. Pulled over looked under hood, didn’t see anything. Pulled away felt it pulling back. Was able to make it home at just 60 miles an hour. The care would hesitate and jerk if going up slight hill or accelerating. Took to shop. They said it was pvc valve. Which caused crack in oil pan as well as timing chain cover. It also coated under car in oil. I did some research and this seems to be a fairly common issue. Same issue and results. Some of them had less miles than mine but most were around the range. I think if you investigated these engines no matter what vehicle Vw put them in you will find a common thread. I would appreciate your research and feedback in this matter. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11606160

50,000 miles · Jun 3, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive. The low oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who observed a crack in the oil pan. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccur…

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The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive. The low oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who observed a crack in the oil pan. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, who then diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11592186

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

My Tiguan was towed on [XXX] to Beyer Volkswagen [4017 Valley Pike, Winchester, VA 22602] for service to repair a sudden and unexpected vehicle failure.  On [XXX], I started the Tiguan and noticed a hard start. I drove the vehicle about 4 miles down the road and noticed a smell of gasoline when I stopped and opened the door. I…

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My Tiguan was towed on [XXX] to Beyer Volkswagen [4017 Valley Pike, Winchester, VA 22602] for service to repair a sudden and unexpected vehicle failure.  On [XXX], I started the Tiguan and noticed a hard start. I drove the vehicle about 4 miles down the road and noticed a smell of gasoline when I stopped and opened the door. I immediately drove the car home at which point I noticed gasoline on the road and driveway, as well as a heavy persistent smell of gas. I moved the vehicle to the road and had it towed [$95 at my expense] to Beyer VW for service. This failure rendered the vehicle undrivable and luckily was able to get it towed before it became engulfed in flames. [XXX], after getting the vehicle back for 1 week (dealership claiming repair fixed) the problem was not fixed and in fact gas spewed from the engine at a higher rate. Pictures attach showing about of gas which instantly dispelled at start and move from driveway to road. This is a critical vw problem that will result in fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11575666

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2023
Engine

My car is a 2021 Tiguan. Car is burning oil and should not be.

NHTSA ODI #11553351

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Oil change/ low oil light didn’t come one. When car was initially checked due to check engine light being on it didn’t produce any codes. The dealer confirms it needs a new engine and turbo rebuild due to there being no oil in the car. Last oil change was May 29, 2023 at Pep boys.

NHTSA ODI #11542685

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2023
Engine

The vehicle continually reports low oil pressure every 5,000 miles and checking the oil confirms that the engine has burned through 4 quarts of oil. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership from which it was purchased, and they report that the oil burn is within normal limits as defined by Volkswagen and that they canno…

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The vehicle continually reports low oil pressure every 5,000 miles and checking the oil confirms that the engine has burned through 4 quarts of oil. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership from which it was purchased, and they report that the oil burn is within normal limits as defined by Volkswagen and that they cannot produce a result that would be consistent with the level of oil during I experience during a day-to-day commute. This problem has been ongoing for over 1 year

NHTSA ODI #11527729

Official recalls

5

22V514000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera; Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software

Jul 20, 2022

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software

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."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

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."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

22V226000 · Structure:body

Apr 6, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.

22V176000 · Suspension

Mar 23, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both rear suspension knuckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42L8.

21V038000 · Seats; Seats:critical Fasteners

Feb 1, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:critical Fasteners

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.

Consequence: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6.

Seats

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.

Consequence: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6.

20V716000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Nov 18, 2020

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Volkswagen Tiguan problems