Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 165 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).
Recalls
5
Complaints
165
Complaint Rate
15
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$730
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
12%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2021.
- 2nd generation Tiguan (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.
Second generation (AD/BW; 2016)
Should You Buy the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 65/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).
With 165 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (41). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Low major repair risk (12%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Above-average repair costs for its class
- Frequent unscheduled repairs
- Moderate recall count
Compare 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan With
2019 Toyota RAV4
Score: 66/100
2019 Honda CR-V
Score: 69/100
2019 Kia Sportage
Score: 74/100
2019 Subaru Forester
Score: 63/100
2019 Nissan Rogue
Score: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (41)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22)
- SERVICE BRAKES (14)
- POWER TRAIN (14)
- ENGINE (13)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (13)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)
- VISIBILITY (5)
- AIR BAGS (5)
- SUSPENSION (4)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
- SEAT BELTS (4)
- STRUCTURE (4)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
- STEERING (3)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
4
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TIRES
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
STRUCTURE
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
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.
EQUIPMENT
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The tire information label contains inaccurate tire dimension and inflation pressure specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence
The incorrect specifications can result in improper tire inflations or to installing a tire of the wrong size on the vehicle. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D2.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Volkswagen Tiguan Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$730
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.9
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for electrical system shutdowns, especially in hot weather
- Check for suspension noises or signs of collapse
- Verify engine oil consumption rate and check for leaks
- Test acceleration from a stop for delays or hesitation
- Ensure brakes do not engage unexpectedly
- Check for any unresolved recalls, especially related to suspension
Check Any 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Tiguan in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Volkswagen Tiguan with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Common Problems by Component
165 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
41 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving a sudden loss of power and failure of electronic components. Typical symptoms include the entire dashboard and electronic systems shutting off unexpectedly, often triggered by high temperatures, with messages like "check starter system" appearing. These incidents commonly occur soon after starting the vehicle and are sometimes linked to the ignition switch, which shares a part number with a recalled Jetta model. Complaints mention mileage around 70,000 to 74,000 at the time of failure. Safety implications are significant, as one report involves a crash and another a fire, highlighting potential risks of loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider the potential need for costly repairs.
SERVICE BRAKES
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic braking system. Complaints often describe the brakes engaging unexpectedly, sometimes bringing the vehicle to a complete stop without any apparent obstruction, and occasionally triggering a warning light. These incidents are reported at various speeds, including highway speeds and when turning or driving in windy conditions. Several owners note that these unexpected braking events occur without any warning, and in some cases, the issue is not logged, making it difficult for dealerships to diagnose. One crash is mentioned, resulting in a rear-end collision attributed to the emergency braking system. Additionally, a few owners report mechanical brake issues, such as brake pad wear and brake line looseness leading to fluid leakage, which occurred at different mileage points. These issues highlight potential safety implications, particularly the risk of being rear-ended or losing control due to sudden braking.
POWER TRAIN
14 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues related to the powertrain, with common symptoms including transmission hesitation, throttle lag, and unexpected vehicle shuddering. Several complaints describe the vehicle entering "Limp Home" mode, accompanied by warning lights such as the Check Engine and EPC lights, often resulting in reduced acceleration and a maximum speed limit of 4000 RPMs. These issues often arise shortly after purchase, with some reports noting problems within the first few weeks or at low mileage. Safety implications are noted in reports of unintended vehicle movement and a single injury related to severe vehicle shaking, with one complaint mentioning a fuel leak that could pose a fire risk. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially concerning hesitation during acceleration and the potential for unexpected vehicle behavior.
ENGINE (13 complaints)
ENGINE
13 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently experiences high oil consumption, with some describing the need to add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Complaints commonly mention issues with delayed acceleration and stalling, particularly at low speeds and from a stop, which some attribute to the vehicle's drive-by-wire technology. Additionally, there are reports of rough engine starts and oil leaks, including from the water pump and plastic oil pan. These problems appear across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, such as potential fire hazards from oil leaks and dangerous loss of power in traffic, which could lead to crashes or near-miss situations.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (13 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
13 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan, particularly involving the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Complaints frequently mention unexpected and forceful braking without any apparent obstruction, sometimes occurring at high speeds on highways or during routine maneuvers like exiting parking lots. These incidents often involve sudden deceleration from speeds as high as 74 mph to significantly lower speeds, creating a risk of rear-end collisions. Owners describe the AEB activating in situations where no imminent threat is present, with multiple reports indicating the problem persists despite dealer inspections and no error codes being found. The timeline for these issues varies, with some owners noting occurrences beginning around March 2023, and safety implications include near-misses and potential for rear-end impacts.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly related to acceleration failures. Complaints describe instances where the car hesitates or fails to accelerate from a standstill, even when the gas pedal is fully pressed, often resulting in delayed or sudden acceleration. These issues typically occur when merging onto highways, turning, or accelerating from traffic stops. Some reports mention that the problem persists despite dealership visits, with no clear resolution provided. The safety implications are significant, as multiple owners recount near-accidents due to the car's unpredictable acceleration behavior. These issues are reported across various mileages, sometimes as early as 1,500 miles, suggesting potential early onset of these problems.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several airbag-related issues with the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. Multiple complaints describe airbag lights illuminating without cause, indicating potential malfunctions. Two incidents involve airbags failing to deploy during crashes, with one resulting in injuries. Another complaint mentions airbags deploying unexpectedly following a tire blowout without impact. These issues are noted at various mileages, with one instance occurring around 37,997 miles. Safety implications include crashes and potential injuries, making these reports significant for prospective buyers.
SUSPENSION (4 complaints)
SUSPENSION
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the suspension, with a notable instance involving a crash due to a right front suspension collapse at low speed. Common symptoms include loud noises from the front suspension when driving over uneven surfaces or small dips, often described as bottoming out or thumping, particularly around 30-40 mph. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with one complaint noting problems from as early as 11,000 miles. Some owners express concerns about unresolved safety recalls potentially related to suspension components, highlighting the importance of verifying recall status and repair history. Safety implications are evident, with reports of loss of control and a collision linked to suspension failure.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners report several issues with the fuel and propulsion system of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. A common problem involves a sudden loss of power, often accompanied by the vehicle entering a "limp mode," which restricts engine RPM. This issue is sometimes linked to a faulty fuel injector harness, although not all vehicles are covered under the extended warranty for this part. Another complaint mentions a turbo failure after hitting black ice, resulting in significant power loss. Additionally, one report describes a severe gasoline leak in a rental vehicle, indicating potential safety risks. These issues can occur at various mileage points, with no specific range consistently reported.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan report issues primarily related to steering, with common symptoms including clunking sounds from the front left when turning and the vehicle steering to the right while driving. One complaint indicates a prolonged wait for a replacement part, with no estimated delivery time, and mentions that a local mechanic advised against driving due to potential loss of steering. Another owner describes the lane departure assist pulling the car violently between lanes. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges, with one vehicle noted at approximately 27,450 miles. Safety implications include the risk of losing steering control, which is a significant concern for potential buyers.
When Do 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan expensive to maintain?
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.
Browse More Volkswagen Models
Browse More 2019 Vehicles
2019 Lexus RX
Score: 82/100
2019 Lexus IS
Score: 79/100
2019 Lexus GX
Score: 78/100
2019 Chevrolet Colorado
Score: 78/100
2019 Mazda 3
Score: 78/100
2019 Hyundai Elantra
Score: 78/100
2019 Lexus UX
Score: 77/100
2019 Lexus NX
Score: 77/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue