Last updated: 2026-03-04

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 38 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2024 is the first model year of the Third generation (CT1; 2024).
Recalls
1
Complaints
38
Complaint Rate
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)
2024 is the first model year of the Third generation (CT1; 2024).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2024 model year.
- 3rd generation Tiguan (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Third generation (CT1; 2024)
Generation data is based on publicly available information and may not reflect all regional variations.
Should You Buy the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
With 38 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 (12). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2023 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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Multiple electrical issues with the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, with several... (12 complaints)
Compare 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan With
2024 Honda CR-V
Score: 77/100
2024 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2024 Subaru Forester
Score: 78/100
2024 Kia Sportage
Score: 78/100
2024 Mazda CX-50
Score: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- ENGINE (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- STEERING (1)
- Carry Handle (1)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2024 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
4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 8.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2024 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.
2024 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 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for excessive engine oil consumption and smoke at startup
- Test infotainment system for freezing and connectivity issues
- Check for proper functioning of the rear-view camera
- Verify transmission behavior for unexpected movement in gear
- Inspect for any signs of electrical fires or smoke damage
- Ensure all doors lock and unlock properly
Check Any 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2024 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.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Common Problems by Component
38 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple electrical issues with the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, with several complaints involving fires. Three incidents specifically mention fires originating from the dashboard or engine compartment, one while parked and another during normal driving conditions. Complaints frequently mention problems with the infotainment system, including screens freezing, disconnection of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and repeated shutdowns of multimedia interfaces, often requiring hard resets. These issues are observed across various mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others at around 11,000 to 16,800 miles. Safety implications are significant, as the electrical failures have led to fires and instances of vehicles stopping abruptly, posing risks to occupants and other road users.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan report several issues related to vehicle locking and electronic systems. A recurring problem involves the vehicle's locking system, with one owner describing a failure to unlock the car with a child inside, while another mentions an automatic unlock feature that cannot be disabled, causing security concerns. Additionally, multiple complaints highlight electronic malfunctions, such as the rearview camera working intermittently, navigation system errors, and an SOS error disabling emergency functions. These issues often occur within the first few months of ownership, with vehicles having less than 1,000 miles in some cases. Safety implications are noted, particularly with the unexpected locking mechanism failure and the driver's door opening while driving, which could lead to loss of control.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's windshield and wiper system. Multiple complaints describe spontaneous windshield cracking, with cracks ranging from one to four inches appearing on the driver's side and being noticeable from inside the vehicle. Additionally, there are reports of windshield wiper motor damage, attributed to unclear instructions on disabling automatic wiper sensors, leading to preventable damage during car washes. The manual reportedly lacks clear guidance on this feature, complicating owner attempts to manage the wiper system effectively. These complaints do not specify mileage, but they highlight potential visibility and safety concerns due to impaired windshield and wiper functionality.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan report experiencing significant issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission and acceleration. Complaints frequently mention transmission malfunctions where the vehicle rolls in the opposite direction of the gear selected, such as moving forward in reverse or backward in drive, often on inclined surfaces. Additionally, owners describe unexpected lurching or aggressive acceleration when the automatic start/stop feature re-engages or when starting from a stop, despite consistent pressure on pedals. These issues are noted in vehicles purchased used with mileage below 10,000 miles. The described symptoms pose safety risks, including near-collisions and unintended vehicle movement, which are important considerations for potential buyers.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan report issues related to lane departure and associated safety systems. Complaints frequently mention warning lights activating for frontal collision, lane keep, and adaptive cruise control systems, with messages indicating these safety systems are unavailable. Symptoms include random activation of these warnings during driving, suggesting potential sensor or system malfunctions. In one case, significant safety concerns arise from a separate issue involving strong fumes and smoke entering the cabin, linked to a mechanical problem after service, though this is not directly related to lane departure. These issues appear relatively early in the vehicle's life, with no specific mileage mentioned, indicating potential concerns for used car buyers regarding system reliability and safety.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan report issues with the availability of replacement parts for damaged headlights, specifically the right headlight assembly (P/N 5NL941114D/E) and the driver's side headlight (P/N 5NL-941-113-D), which are on national backorder. Complaints frequently mention that vehicles remain unrepaired and undrivable for extended periods due to these backorders, with one report indicating a wait time of over six months. This situation has safety implications, as one owner notes the vehicle's inability to meet safety standards with only one functional headlight, potentially increasing crash risk. These reports suggest that potential buyers should be aware of possible delays in obtaining replacement parts for exterior lighting, which could impact vehicle usability and safety.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report two primary issues with the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's engine. One complaint describes a vehicle fire occurring less than a year after purchase, following routine maintenance, with smoke and flames appearing unexpectedly while driving. Another complaint involves excessive oil consumption, with the low engine oil light appearing after just 1,000 miles, requiring frequent top-offs, and resulting in significant smoke upon startup. This oil issue is reported to occur at a rate of 4.5 quarts per 1,000 miles, which is inconsistent according to the owner, and has led to difficulties in receiving a satisfactory response from Volkswagen dealerships. These complaints highlight potential safety risks, particularly the fire incident, and suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of possible engine reliability issues even at low mileage.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan report issues with the back over prevention system, specifically the rear-view camera. Complaints frequently mention that the camera fails to display an image when the vehicle is in reverse, with some owners experiencing a completely black screen. This problem is noted at approximately 13,500 miles for one owner, while the mileage is unavailable for another. Safety implications include the potential for near-miss incidents, as one owner almost struck a pedestrian due to the camera failure. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, especially since parts for the recall repair are reportedly not yet available.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintLane keep assist will activate randomly and try to steer the car and vibrate the steering wheel like lane departure warning going off. Also the Lane keep assist and emergency sos fault lights will randomly come on.
Carry Handle (1 complaints)
Carry Handle
1 complaintThe car seat was put in the rear seat of the vehicle. The seat belt was used first and then switched to the lower anchors to secure it in the seat. First noticed there was more then an inch of play in the seat after tightening it down with the seat belt and then the lower anchors. Next the seat would not level up either in the rear seat of the vehicle. After moving the height adjustment to the different levels it had the seat would still not get level and be in the indicator on the bubble. We tried several times to get it level and tighten it down and it still would not level up and still had a lot of play in it side to side. Based on this we did not feel comfortable putting the baby in this seat. The car seat was not inspected by anyone.
When Do 2024 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(this page)
1 recall · 38 complaints
2025
2 recalls · 18 complaints
2023
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 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan?
How many recalls does the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
Is the 2024 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.
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