Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 avgEst. Annual Cost
$730
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
12%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
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
1 recall on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2023 Honda CR-V
Score: 72/100
2023 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2023 Subaru Forester
Score: 79/100
2023 Kia Sportage
Score: 67/100
2023 Mazda CX-50
Score: 65/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 12.7
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
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 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.
ENGINE
11 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
5 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe 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• 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.
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).
2024
1 recall · 38 complaints
2025
2 recalls · 18 complaints
2023(this page)
1 recall · 49 complaints
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 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
Is the 2023 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 2023 Vehicles
2023 Lexus RX
Score: 85/100
2023 Nissan Altima
Score: 84/100
2023 Toyota Crown
Score: 84/100
2023 Lexus IS
Score: 83/100
2023 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 82/100
2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Score: 81/100
2023 Lexus GX
Score: 81/100
2023 Mazda CX-5
Score: 81/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue