Last updated: 2026-03-04

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 49 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).

Recalls

1

Complaints

49

Complaint Rate

6.4

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$730

Above avg

Major Repair Risk

12%

NHTSA Rating

4/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
70/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
60/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
88/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
83/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ENGINE (11)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)

1 recall on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 2 years after the last refresh (2021).
  • 2nd generation Tiguan (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

Second generation (AD/BW; 2016)

2018redesign
2019
2020
2021refresh
2022
2023selected

Should You Buy the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).

With 49 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 engine (11). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • Low major repair risk (12%)
  • Low recall count
  • Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Frequent unscheduled repairs
  • ENGINE issues reported (11 complaints)

Compare 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

  • ENGINE (11)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
  • POWER TRAIN (5)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (3)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (1)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (1)
  • SUSPENSION (1)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
  • Insert (1)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
  • AIR BAGS (1)
  • TIRES (1)
  • VISIBILITY (1)
  • EQUIPMENT (1)
  • SEAT BELTS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.4

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 12.7

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

1

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V0820002025-02-12

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. 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 can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Volkswagen) 91NY and (Audi) 90AV.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard/Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row/Roof)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Volkswagen Tiguan Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based 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

Tiguan
$730
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil level and looking for blue/white smoke emissions
  • Test brakes for squealing noise during operation
  • Inspect for delayed acceleration or hesitation from a stop
  • Verify functionality of the rearview camera and parking sensors
  • Test the start-stop system for unexpected shutdowns at stoplights
  • Check for any warning lights or error messages on the instrument cluster
  • Inspect for any signs of sunroof damage or potential explosion

Check Any 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Common Problems by Component

49 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

11
6
6
5
12
ENGINE (11)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)POWER TRAIN (5)SERVICE BRAKES (3)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)Other (12)

ENGINE

11 complaints

Owners report excessive oil consumption in the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, with oil level warnings frequently occurring between 1,000 to 3,500 miles after an oil change. Symptoms include low oil pressure warnings, blue/white smoke emissions, and the need for frequent oil top-offs. Some complaints mention oil consumption tests being conducted by dealers, typically around 50,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe issues with engine performance, such as hesitation during acceleration from a cold start, which some attribute to software problems. Safety implications include potential engine failure due to low oil, and hesitation during acceleration could pose a risk in traffic situations.

11 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, primarily involving delayed acceleration from a stop, sunroof explosions, and excessive oil consumption. The delayed response when pressing the accelerator can last up to two seconds, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Sunroof failures are described as sudden and explosive, with no external impact detected, leading to potential safety hazards. Some owners also experience significant oil consumption, requiring top-offs approximately every 2,000 miles. Additional complaints include a detached hood latch cable, a falling overhead console, and intermittent failures of the digital instrument cluster. These issues vary in mileage but often occur within the first 10,000 miles, with the potential for safety implications such as loss of control or distraction while driving.

6 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. Complaints frequently mention the instrument cluster going black for brief periods, and the infotainment system resetting intermittently. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the wireless phone charger failing to charge devices and overheating phones. Some owners also report the vehicle's start-stop system causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly at stoplights or in traffic, requiring a manual restart. These issues are noted to occur even in relatively new vehicles, sometimes within the first few months of ownership. Safety implications include potential distractions or hazards from unexpected vehicle shutdowns and malfunctioning collision warning systems.

6 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

Owners report that the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan experiences intermittent accelerator lag and jerky transmission behavior, particularly from a stop or at low speeds. Complaints frequently mention a significant delay in vehicle response when the accelerator is pressed, with some describing the car as unresponsive for several seconds before moving unpredictably. This issue is often observed during the initial minutes of driving, especially when the vehicle is cold, and can lead to unsafe situations such as near-miss accidents or loss of control. No warning lights or error messages accompany these symptoms, and dealers have been unable to provide a solution, even after replicating the problem. These patterns emerge shortly after purchase, suggesting potential safety risks for prospective buyers.

5 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the vehicle's brakes, particularly noting persistent squealing noises. These symptoms often begin around 12,000 to 24,000 miles, with some owners mentioning that the noise affects driving confidence and may suggest premature wear or improper installation. Additionally, there are reports of automatic emergency braking systems being randomly inoperative. No crashes or loss of control are documented, but the complaints emphasize concerns about the potential for diminished stopping power and possible future brake failure. Buyers considering a used Tiguan should be aware of these recurring brake noise issues and the reported challenges in obtaining effective dealership support for resolution.

3 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan's vehicle speed control, primarily involving unintended acceleration and unresponsive gas pedals. One complaint describes a situation where the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly, leading to a loss of control and the vehicle veering off the road at approximately 14,171 miles. Another owner notes that the gas pedal sometimes fails to respond when starting from a complete stop, which almost led to a collision during a left turn. Both complaints highlight potential safety risks, including loss of control and near-crashes, with one owner mentioning that dealership staff acknowledge the problem but lack a solution. These issues are particularly relevant for potential buyers concerned about vehicle safety and reliability.

2 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Owners report that the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan's Automatic Emergency Braking system, also known as Front Assist, sometimes activates without any apparent obstacles, leading to unexpected braking and red collision warnings. Complaints frequently mention that these false activations occur even when no vehicles or objects are nearby, causing concern for potential accidents. One owner notes that despite dealership inspections, the issue persists intermittently every 2 to 3 weeks. Additionally, some owners observe that the system occasionally fails to activate when approaching vehicles quickly. Safety implications include the potential for sudden braking to cause accidents, though no crashes are reported in the available complaints. These issues appear to occur regardless of specific mileage or timeline.

2 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan report issues with acceleration, specifically hesitation or stuttering when accelerating from a stop. These symptoms are most noticeable within the first five minutes after starting the vehicle, regardless of warm-up time, and occur consistently from new. Complaints describe the vehicle jerking or lurching forward and a delay in response when pressing the accelerator, which poses a potential safety risk, particularly when merging into traffic. This issue is noted by owners even at low mileage, such as around 3,000 miles, and is described as a persistent problem. The reports do not mention any crashes or fires, but the hesitation could lead to dangerous situations in traffic.

2 complaints total
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

1 complaint
2024-03-21

The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the odor of fuel was present. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered a small hole in the seam of the fuel tank. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.

LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint
2025-03-25

• March 26, 2025 – Backup Camera & Sensor Failure: While reversing my Tiguan in a parking lot on a rainy day, both the rearview camera and parking sensors failed simultaneously. The screen did not display the rear view, and the sensors did not activate. Although I checked my mirrors, the low-lying wall on the left was not visible, resulting in damage to the left side of the vehicle. • July 9, 2025 – Dealership Inspection: The vehicle was inspected at Volkswagen Bayside Service, where I was told no issues were found and that the camera and sensors were functioning properly. This assessment was conducted in controlled, non-real-world conditions, which I do not believe accurately replicate the environment in which the failure occurred. • Lack of Support from VW Customer Care: Reasons Volkswagen Should Cover the Repair Costs • Safety Feature Failure: The backup camera and parking sensors are critical safety systems required under FMVSS No. 111. These features are designed to work together as part of Volkswagen’s integrated Park Assist/Park Distance Control system. • Direct Causation: • Manufacturer Liability / Recall Acknowledgment: In April 2025, I received a notification from Volkswagen Customer Protection regarding “Compliance Recall 91NY – Camera Control Unit.” Warranty and Recall Coverage: I purchased the vehicle on July 26, 2023, and it remains under the 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

When Do 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,000–3,500 milesExcessive oil consumption
12,000–24,000 milesBrake noise

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.

avg 68
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Volkswagen Tiguan reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201857/100Mixed
201965/100Good
202069/100Good
202167/100Good
202261/100Good
202373/100Good
202475/100Good
202573/100Good

Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202674/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202573/100-2Good218
202475/100+2Good138
2023(selected)73/100+12Good149
202261/100-6Good5199
202167/100-2Good5106
202069/100+4Good3118
201965/100+8Good5165
201857/100Mixed13275

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 73/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 49 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan include: ENGINE (11 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints), POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan expensive to maintain?
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has estimated annual repair costs of $730/year, which is $209 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 73/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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