Vehicle report

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
5 Total recalls
Jul 20, 2022 Latest recall date
121 Complaint reports
$2,129 Estimated fuel cost
Quick answer: The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has 5 official recalls and 121 consumer complaints in our database. The latest recall date is Jul 20, 2022. The most common complaint categories include engine, unknown or other, structure. Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,129 based on the current calculator assumptions.

Buyer interpretation

What this record means before you buy

The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.

Recall homework

There are 5 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.

Owner complaint pattern

Owner complaints most often mention engine, unknown or other, structure. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.

Service bulletin signal

477 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.

Ownership-cost check

The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
  • Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
  • Have you noticed any issues related to engine, unknown or other, structure?
  • Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist

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Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings

Official safety ratings were found for 2 tested variants of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Overall 5/5 stars
Frontal crash 4/5 stars
Side crash 5/5 stars
Rollover 4/5 stars

Displayed variant: 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD

Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain, or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless the official record says so.
Variant Overall Front Side Rollover
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD Default 5/5 stars 4/5 stars 5/5 stars 4/5 stars
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD 5/5 stars 4/5 stars 5/5 stars 4/5 stars

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have?

Verify with official VIN lookup

5 official recalls on record for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. 40 matched quarterly completion reports are available.

Latest recall: July 20, 2022

Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the manufacturer, or an authorized dealer. Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
Campaign Component Summary Consequence Remedy Date Completion
22V514000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV. Jul 2022 2024-2
37,479 remedied / 43,091 involved (87.0%)
22V226000 STRUCTURE:BODY Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle. An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5. Apr 2022 2024-1
4,265 remedied / 6,553 involved (65.1%)
22V176000 SUSPENSION Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan, Taos, and 2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. The left or right rear suspension knuckles may corrode, crack, and break. A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both rear suspension knuckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42L8. Mar 2022 2024-1
9,414 remedied / 10,119 involved (93.0%)
21V038000 SEATS Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Long Wheelbase and Jetta vehicles. Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks. The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6. Feb 2021 2022-4
50 remedied / 57 involved (87.7%)
20V716000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC. Nov 2020 2022-3
31,709 remedied / 32,048 involved (98.9%)

Are there manufacturer notices for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Official records show 477 manufacturer communications on record for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.

3 warranty 0 service campaigns 0 software/OTA

Common components: EQUIPMENT (70), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (64), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (53), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (49), ENGINE (47)

Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions, software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
Date Type Component Summary ID / document
Apr 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions EXTERIOR LIGHTING Condition is normal due to cold fresh air and humidity 11032219
V9422012066639_6
Mar 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions EXTERIOR LIGHTING Moisture Accumulation 11030845
V9419012011521_21
Mar 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ENGINE This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc. 11030847
VOS-26-21
Mar 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING customer reports that the vehicle performed an unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). 11030842
V4521012062957_7
Mar 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions UNKNOWN OR OTHER Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting 11030841
V0018092053065_6
Mar 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions UNKNOWN OR OTHER Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors 11030838
V9422022066761_4
Mar 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ELECTRICAL SYSTEM This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system issue, N493, J338, Camshaft, V465 etc. Use this test for all the basic setting. You will need to select the component you need to run the basic settings. But there are also stand-alone tests for each of those components. 11030829
VOS-26-15
Mar 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions UNKNOWN OR OTHER Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color 11030828
V5515032021354_9
Mar 2026 Other AIR BAGS The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles. 11030826
DC_VW_CF_Airbag
Feb 2026 Other SUSPENSION This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward. 11029306
SM 04-2026

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints?

121 total complaints on record

How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan cost in fuel?

Estimated annual cost $2,129 $177/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 25.4 MPG
Energy used 473 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal

Assumptions: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)

353 g/mi CO2Fuel score 5/10Smog 7/10

Model-year comparison