Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid and best years
Newer Volkswagen Tiguan years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 59 (283 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 3 (from 84 complaints), 2015 at 4 (from 62 complaints), and 2016 at 4 (from 96 complaints). The Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 26 of 283 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2014
2015
2016
2025–26
Volkswagen Tiguan reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Volkswagen Tiguan. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 26.8 |
| 2025 → Too early | 24 | 48 | 3 | Forward collision avoidance | 27.3 |
| 2024 → | 23 | 68 | 2 | Engine | 25.5 |
| 2023 → | 16 | 66 | 1 | Engine | 25.5 |
| 2022 → | 46 | 269 | 5 | Engine | 25 |
| 2021 → | 12 | 141 | 5 | Engine | 24.5 |
| 2020 → | 13 | 140 | 3 | Engine | 24 |
| 2019 → | 23 | 191 | 5 | Electrical system | 24.5 |
| 2018 → Most | 59 | 283 | 14 | Engine | 23 |
| 2017 → | 5 | 75 | 4 | Air bags | 21.5 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 4 | 96 | 2 | Air bags | 22.5 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 4 | 62 | 4 | Air bags | 22.5 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 3 | 84 | 3 | Air bags | 22 |
| 2013 → | 7 | 139 | 3 | Air bags | 22 |
| 2012 → | 11 | 152 | 3 | Engine | 22.7 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- VW 502.00 5W-30 or 5W-40 (engine dependent) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/65R16, 235/55R17, 255/40R19, 235/50R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Owner complaints for early years of this generation concentrate on the engine. Safety recall 14V-441 covers certain 2009-2014 Tiguans: with winterized fuel under some conditions, bubbles in the fuel system can stall the vehicle; dealers update software to raise fuel-pump pressure. Safety recall 15V-483 covers certain 2011-2014 Tiguans among other VW models: debris can contaminate the driver air-bag clock spring and tear the cable so the frontal air bag may not deploy; dealers install a protective cover or replace the clock spring as needed. Safety recall 18V-329 covers certain 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguans among other VW models modified during an internal evaluation period that may not meet all applicable requirements; dealers repair for compliance or Volkswagen may repurchase if necessary.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- VW 508.00 0W-20 (2.0L turbo; see manual) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/55R18
Known issues for this generation
Safety recall 18V-467 covers certain 2018 Tiguans whose panoramic-sunroof ambient LED module may short-circuit and raise fire risk; dealers disconnect that module's power until a later service action. Safety recall 20V-724 covers certain 2018 Tiguan LWB vehicles whose front seat- belt webbing may tear in a crash; dealers inspect and replace belts as needed. Safety recall 26V-590 covers certain 2018 Tiguans among other VW Group models: a steering-rack-to-subframe bolt can corrode and break, allowing loss of steering control; dealers replace the right-side mounting bolt. Safety recall 25V-082 covers certain 2022-2024 Tiguans among other models: a camera control-unit error at startup can blank the rearview image (FMVSS 111); dealers update that software.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Tiguan years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 3 (from 84 complaints), 2015 at 4 (from 62 complaints), and 2016 at 4 (from 96 complaints).
Which Volkswagen Tiguan year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 59 (283 complaints). On the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 26 of 283 complaints name Engine.
How do Volkswagen Tiguan owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Volkswagen Tiguan years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Volkswagen Tiguan years are too early to compare?
The Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Volkswagen Tiguan use?
US Tiguan manuals specify VW-approved oil viscosity in the maintenance section.
What generation is the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
2nd generation / AD-BW (2018-on) for the US long-wheelbase Tiguan.
What tire size does a second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan use?
Many second-gen US pages list 235/55R18; first-gen trims also used 215/65R16 through 255/40R19.