Last updated: 2026-03-04

Volkswagen Tiguan

1 Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Volkswagen Tiguan average of 68/100

The Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 57/100. The best Volkswagen Tiguan year to buy is 2024 75/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan scores significantly below the model average of 68/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 57/100 due to power train (47) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 69/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Volkswagen Tiguan average of 68/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201857/100Mixed13275Power Train (47)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

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).

13 recalls275 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (47), Electrical System (36), Structure (30), Engine (29), Unknown Or Other (27), Exterior Lighting (14)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Volkswagen Tiguan Problems?

Top reported issues across all Volkswagen Tiguan model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

176 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

128 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

120 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

100 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES

42 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

40 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2025

Best Volkswagen Tiguan Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

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).

Score: 69/100 (Good)3 recalls118 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Volkswagen Tiguan Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Volkswagen Tiguan years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Volkswagen Tiguan years: 2018 (score: 57/100). These model years score significantly below the Volkswagen Tiguan average of 68/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 38 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Tiguan have?
Across all years in our database, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a total of 35 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Volkswagen Tiguan worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 75/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 68/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
The most common Volkswagen Tiguan problems are electrical system (176 complaints), engine (128 complaints), power train (120 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan reliable long-term?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has an average reliability score of 68/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Volkswagen Tiguan generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Volkswagen Tiguan generation is the Third generation (CT1; 2024) with an average score of 75/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Volkswagen Tiguan?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Volkswagen Tiguan is $730 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 38 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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