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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.

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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

What owners actually said

140 reports
26,000 miles · Nov 4, 2024
Structure

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof console detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached sunroof console. The contact was informed that the sunroof console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was n…

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The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof console detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached sunroof console. The contact was informed that the sunroof console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle needed to be ordered; however, the parts were on back-order. The contact stated that he had been waiting on the delivery of the parts for 45 days and parts were still on back-order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA ODI #11623415

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2024
Unknown Or Other

When I was driving the upper console of the vehicle dropped out of no where. The console was just hanging by a few wires and dangling around while I was driving. I was totally startled and could have had an accident, the console was hanging so low I couldn't use the rearview mirror and had to hold it up with one hand until I g…

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When I was driving the upper console of the vehicle dropped out of no where. The console was just hanging by a few wires and dangling around while I was driving. I was totally startled and could have had an accident, the console was hanging so low I couldn't use the rearview mirror and had to hold it up with one hand until I got home. I have had to tape it with masking tape and it falls every 2 or 3 days. I just took it to the VW of Clearlake and they are not accepting responsibility for the part replacement and charging me $255.00. This part needs to be urgently replaced and recalled before someone is hurt on the road or lives are lost.

NHTSA ODI #11622567

53,000 miles · Oct 8, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. There was gray …

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The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. There was gray smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve stem seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11618683

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2024
Power Train

2021 Volkswagen Tijuan has an oil leak caused by a defective Timing Cover Gasket, and or PCV component(s). If you do a simple Google search, there are thousands of these vehicles experiencing the exact same issue, and numerous individuals are not happy. The warranty is 4 years or 50k miles, this problem occurred at 53K, very c…

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2021 Volkswagen Tijuan has an oil leak caused by a defective Timing Cover Gasket, and or PCV component(s). If you do a simple Google search, there are thousands of these vehicles experiencing the exact same issue, and numerous individuals are not happy. The warranty is 4 years or 50k miles, this problem occurred at 53K, very convenient for the dealers repairing these vehicles. This is absolutely a design flaw and should qualify for a recall. Please investigate and I am sure you will agree, thank you so much.

NHTSA ODI #11616397

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2024
Unknown Or Other

I was driving to work a couple days ago and noticed that the control system that is connected to my rear view mirror was broken. It appears that the plastic overhead control system broke where it screws in. When I inspected it the clasps on all four sides broke with the screws still intact to the vehicle. I disconnected the port…

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I was driving to work a couple days ago and noticed that the control system that is connected to my rear view mirror was broken. It appears that the plastic overhead control system broke where it screws in. When I inspected it the clasps on all four sides broke with the screws still intact to the vehicle. I disconnected the ports so that I can see my mirror. I just bought my vehicle in July 2023 and I rarely use the controls. I don’t think it’s fair that I have to pay for this replacement. In my honest opinion this should never happen. I haven’t replaced it yet because I am unable to afford it at this time. However I don’t think it should be my responsibility since I’ve never had this happen on any vehicle I have owned. It appears to be a default in craftsmanship.

NHTSA ODI #11615869

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2024
Unknown Or Other

The overhead console started separating from the headliner which was annoying but I didn’t think much of it. A few days later the console was dangling just held up by wires. I taped it back up but while I’m driving it fell again. You can’t see to drive letting it dangle so I had to hold it up while driving. It takes a lot of at…

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The overhead console started separating from the headliner which was annoying but I didn’t think much of it. A few days later the console was dangling just held up by wires. I taped it back up but while I’m driving it fell again. You can’t see to drive letting it dangle so I had to hold it up while driving. It takes a lot of attention away from the road when you’re messing with the console to drive. The part is back ordered so it hasn’t been fixed yet. I Juat keep taping it up but the sun melts the glue or something. It’s a daily chore before driving. For what I see this is happening to a lot of Vw Tiguan owners

NHTSA ODI #11612524

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 14, 2024
Exterior LightingVisibility/wiper

The overhead control console breaks free and falls down in front of the rear view mirror. Inspecting the broken console, the screws are to tight causing the plastic to fatigue and eventually break. Searching this issue on reddit, it seems common enough, people have had them fall when closing a door, pots holes ect. Mine broke fr…

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The overhead control console breaks free and falls down in front of the rear view mirror. Inspecting the broken console, the screws are to tight causing the plastic to fatigue and eventually break. Searching this issue on reddit, it seems common enough, people have had them fall when closing a door, pots holes ect. Mine broke free when giving over a speed bump.

NHTSA ODI #11608462

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

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2024
Air Bags

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.

NHTSA ODI #11604374

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