Last updated: 2026-10-10

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 68/100

Skip the 2018 model year. It has the most complaints and recalls of any year, led by sudden highway power loss, false emergency braking, and B-pillar rattles. The 2024 model year is the better buy, with far fewer complaints per car sold and a single recall.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 57/100
Buy
2024 75/100
Model average
68/100
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

Owners describe sudden power loss at highway speed, with the EPC light on and a "Max 4,000 RPM" warning. The car will not accelerate until it is restarted. Automatic emergency braking can also slam on with nothing ahead. B-pillar ticking can mean weeks in the shop. Federal records show 13 recalls and 3 fire reports.

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 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Volkswagen Tiguan Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

176 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2022, 2018

2019: Power to the gauges, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and radio cuts out while driving, usually on hot days or after the car sits in the sun.

ENGINE

128 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2018, 2021

2022: Oil disappears between changes, often 1 to 2 quarts at a time with no visible leak.

POWER TRAIN

120 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2022, 2019

2018: Sudden power loss at highway speed is the most common report.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

116 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2022, 2019

2020: The overhead console drops from the roof and hangs by its wires.

STRUCTURE

51 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

2018: A ticking or creaking rattle from the B-pillars, on one side or both, dominates these reports.

SERVICE BRAKES

39 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Automatic emergency braking engages with nothing ahead and brings the car to a hard or complete stop.

Best Volkswagen Tiguan Year to Buy Instead

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 model year draws far fewer complaints per car sold than 2018 or 2022, and it has one recall against 13 for 2018. Its complaints lean toward infotainment freezes, not highway power loss or body rattles. Fire reports do appear, so check recall status before buying.

Score: 75/100 (Good)1 recalls38 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Volkswagen Tiguan Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Volkswagen Tiguan years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2018 model year. Site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. It has the most complaints and 13 recalls, with power loss, false emergency braking, and structure rattles leading the reports.
Which Volkswagen Tiguan years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints are highest for 2018 and 2022. Owners describe hesitation from a stop, rough shifts in lower gears, and the transmission hunting for gears. The data groups these under power train, so it does not isolate the transmission alone.
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan a bad year?
It is not on the avoid list, but it is one of the two lowest rated years. Owners filed many complaints per car sold, mostly about the engine, power train, and electrical system. Inspect one carefully before buying.
Is the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan the most reliable year?
No one can say yet. The 2026 model has no complaints or recalls, but that mostly reflects how little time it has been on the road. Complaints build up over time, so it is too new to favor.
Which Volkswagen Tiguan year is the best to buy used?
The 2024 model year is the better buy. It has low complaints per car sold and one recall. Watch for infotainment freezes and fire reports, and confirm that recall work was done.

How we score every Volkswagen Tiguan model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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