Last updated: 2026-03-04
Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability by Year
The Volkswagen Tiguan averages 68/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Overview
The Volkswagen Tiguan, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 67/100, categorized as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates common issues with the power train, electrical system, and engine, with significant complaint rates particularly in 2018 and 2022. Owners report an estimated annual repair cost of $730, which is higher than the compact SUV average, suggesting potential considerations for those prioritizing maintenance expenses.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2024–2024).
Best & Worst Volkswagen Tiguan Years
Best Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Buy
The best Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2024 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (73/100) and 2023 (73/100).
Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Avoid
The worst Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2018 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to power train (47) issues.
See full Volkswagen Tiguan years-to-avoid analysis →Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Score Trend
Volkswagen Tiguan reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 71/100 compared to 65/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 73/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
2 recalls · 18 complaints
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (6), Forward Collision Avoidance (3), Power Train (2).
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
1 recalls · 38 complaints
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 38 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (12), Unknown Or Other (8), Visibility Wiper (3).
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
1 recalls · 49 complaints
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 49 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (11), Electrical System (6), Unknown Or Other (6).
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
5 recalls · 199 complaints
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 199 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (44), Power Train (38), Electrical System (37).
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
5 recalls · 106 complaints
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 106 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (20), Engine (19), Electrical System (17).
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
3 recalls · 118 complaints
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 118 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (29), Electrical System (27), Engine (12).
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
5 recalls · 165 complaints
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 165 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (41), Unknown Or Other (22), Service Brakes (14).
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
13 recalls · 275 complaints
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has mixed reliability. There are 13 recalls and 275 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (47), Electrical System (36), Structure (30).
Volkswagen Tiguan Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3/5
Annual Repair Cost
$730
Repair Frequency
0.9/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$209 above the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #26 of 26 among compact SUVs.
Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Volkswagen Models
Compare all Volkswagen models by reliability
Compare Volkswagen Tiguan With Similar SUVs
The Volkswagen Tiguan competes with other compact suvs such as Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester.
Honda CR-V reliability
9 years tracked · 5017 complaints
Toyota RAV4 reliability
8 years tracked · 2734 complaints
Subaru Forester reliability
9 years tracked · 2301 complaints
Kia Sportage reliability
9 years tracked · 810 complaints
Mazda CX-50 reliability
4 years tracked · 96 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- The Volkswagen Tiguan has good reliability with an average score of 68/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The best year for the Volkswagen Tiguan is 2024 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. It has 1 recalls and 38 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan analysis →
- What are the Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid?
- The Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid include 2018 (57/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The Volkswagen Tiguan has an estimated annual repair cost of $730, which is $209 above the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
See incorrect data? Report an issue