Complaint volume
128 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints
128 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, grouped by component category.
128 Total complaints
2 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
2 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, unknown or other, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 2 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 2 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 17 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 40,031 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, unknown or other, electrical system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints?
2 Crash
0 Fire
2 Injury
0 Fatality
4 Towed
1 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan complaint categories?
ENGINE 32
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8
STRUCTURE 7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6
VISIBILITY/WIPER 5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4
POWER TRAIN 4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 3
128 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's dad who was following behind the vehicle noticed oil splashing onto the front windshield of his vehicle. The contact's dad then noticed while the contact was driving uphill, oil was splashing out of the oil pan. In addition, the contact's dad noticed smoke coming out of the exhaust. The check engine and PCV warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact's dad noticed that the oil pan was completely empty. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cracked oil pan. The contact was informed that the oil pan, gasket, and filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's dad noticed the oil splashing underneath the vehicle again. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact noticed that oil was spilling out onto the road. The oil pan was empty. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic. The independent mechanic contacted the dealer. The independent mechanic was informed that this was a known failure with the vehicle. The independent mechanic was informed that the failure was that the PCV valve had either failed or was clogged. The independent mechanic was informed that the failure normally occurred between 60,000-100,000 miles. The contact was informed that the failure might recur after the repair, however there was no recall for the failure. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 93,000 |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | The 2021 Tiguan, R-Line that I own now requires a new engine after roughly 70,000. The engine is no longer under warranty, According to the VW Dealership, this is what is wrong with the engine - Based on our observations and diagnostic review, we have determined that damage to the rotating assembly was caused by the presence of one or more metal objects entering the engine. This type of foreign-object intrusion can lead to significant internal impact, which is consistent with the damage we found during our assessment. Also, if you do a search on Reddit and other public forums, there are a lot of 2021 VW Tiguan's with similar issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | In July, Chicagoland was very hot and my car stays in the garage. The piece that holds the sun roof control panel on the ceiling melted and came partially off. It’s been hanging since then since I was told it wasn’t ready to be fixed yet since there is no recall. I’ve been waiting but now my SOS feature is inoperable. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | I’ve had my Volkswagen Tiguen since 2021 fresh off the lot. I have been the only owner of the car at about 30,000 miles my head gasket blew, causing the engine to go into default after weeks in the dealer. They replaced the head gasket and stitched it up, the head gasket blew again at this point I was still under warranty so they agreed to replace the engine. It drove fine after the engine was replaced this year 2025. I started to have a whole host of problems. It began to jerk and hesitate at acceleration. My engine light came on with continuous jerking upon acceleration for weeks until I started to lose power in my engine. I couldn’t go over 50 60 mph. I would always pull the car over power it off and power it back on just to see if it would change and it didn’t do much I had a local mechanic add oil to each tire also drain the engine, which had shards of metal in it. And basically stitch the car back together until we can figure out the bigger issues. It’s only been a day since the oil was added to each tire. I had a very violent jerk of the engine, which made it feel and sound like I blew a tire I got out to look at the tire and it was just fine. It was the backfire of the engine going into the exhaust that caused such the violent jerk. Happy that no one was on the road. If somebody was behind me it would’ve easily been an accident. Most of these dealerships know exactly what’s going on and have been avoiding the big conversation of what to do next they rather just replace and Band-Aid these things into the consumer just gives up. I have two small children and this is the only means of transportation. I’m fearful that I’ll be stuck with a car note for a car. I can’t drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | Check engine light came on with excessive oil leaking from engine. Dealer inspected and diagnosed the PCV/Oil separator had failed, multiple valve stem seals had failed, and valve stem guides were worn causing excessive crankcase pressure. Dealer recommended cylinder head replacement. Vehicle has been at the dealer a month with the cylinder head on backorder and no timeline for resolution. Dealer indicated thousands of cylinder heads in the queue, with tens of units being distributed per month. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Mechanical trunk lid emergency release will not release from the rear of the vehicle. The locking mechanism failed and lid will not open. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, Approximately 40,000 miles
Date of failure: Oct 12th, 2025
Component(s): Engine, Powertrain, Vehicle Speed Control, Throttle body Description of the problem:
My 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a complete engine failure despite having multiple prior service visits for engine-related issues while it was still under warranty. During the warranty period, I brought the vehicle to Grand Junction Volkswagen (Grand Junction, CO) several times for problems including: * Excessive oil consumption * “Check coolant” warning light turning on * EPC (Engine Power Control) mode activating and loss of power The dealership performed an oil consumption test and told me the results were “normal,” but they did not address the coolant light or EPC issues, stating these conditions were within normal limits. The same problems continued after each visit. At approximately 40,000 miles, the engine failed completely while driving, leaving the vehicle inoperable and creating a significant safety risk. The vehicle had to be towed. Volkswagen is now denying liability, claiming the vehicle is out of warranty, even though the same engine problems were documented repeatedly while it was still under warranty. I have opened a case with Volkswagen of America Customer Care (Case #07085098), but there has been no resolution so far. Safety concern:
This issue poses a serious safety hazard. The vehicle can lose power suddenly and stall while in motion, which could lead to a crash or leave occupants stranded in unsafe conditions. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The overhead console has come disconnected inside of the vehicle. I am seeing countless comments and posts online, both on Volkswagen site as well as other automotive sites, that also report this same issue for Tiguan autos from the 2020 through 2022 years. My car is a 2021 VW Tiguan. I am calling the Perrysburg Auto Mall VW Dealership located in Perrysburg, OH to request full service and that this should be covered under the extended warranty that I have seen is a part of this automobile. I wanted to make sure I reported this incident to this governing board. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | Subject: Complaint Regarding 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan – Premature Engine Failure at 46,000 Miles To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a complaint regarding my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) which suffered a catastrophic engine failure at only 46,000 miles. •I purchased the vehicle used in August 2023 through CarMax Auto Finance. •At the time of failure, the car had fewer than 50,000 miles and had been properly maintained. •Despite the extremely low mileage, Volkswagen has refused to cover the repair under warranty because the vehicle is slightly past the 4-year time limit. I believe this is unfair and unreasonable. A major component such as the engine should not fail this early, and a vehicle sold under these conditions is not fit for its ordinary purpose. Because of this premature failure, I was left with no functional car but still obligated to pay the outstanding loan balance. This has caused severe financial hardship and forced me to dispose of the vehicle below value. Requested Action: 1.That Volkswagen cover or reimburse the cost of the engine replacement, OR 2.Provide financial relief toward the remaining auto loan balance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | I purchased about 4 months ago with about 139,000 miles on it. The vehicle now has 142,000 miles and is experiencing excessive oil consumption—approximately 0.9 quarts per 600 miles. VW seems to be pushing this off and as I try to use my extended warranty I purchased when I got the car, AUL has asked for an engine tear down. VW knows about this issue, as it is internally a known issue for this model, yet they are unwilling to help. At time of purchase, this issue was not disclosed to me, as such had it been, I would not have chosen this car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The check oil light indicated that the oil level had become too low. The Volswagen dealership service technician identiifed the cause to be from the exhaust valve seals wearing out. The cylinder head needs to be replaced per their recommendation. No warning apart from the low oil indicator. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | Upon starting my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, the vehicle immediately went into "limp" mode and the check engine light and EPC light came on. The vehicle would not drive over 18 mph. The car was towed to a close by Volkswagen dealership and checked for codes using a multipoint inspection. The report came back with a throttle body issue (Multipoint inspection report attached). The throttle body was replaced and the vehicle was taken for a 15 mile test drive. During the drive, the same problem occurred. After the drive, 34 codes were found in VWs report. I have also attached the report to this complaint. The technicians at the VW dealership didn't understand the problem, so they opened up communication with Volkswagen in Germany. The Volkswagen engineer advised the dealership to replace the wire harness. After the wire harness was replaced, the car has no more issue (although it has only been 5 days since), which cost $2314.54 in total. There is a class action lawsuit in the state of New Jersey (Case [XXX]) against Volkswagen Group of America that states "VW is aware of concerns involving faulty wire harnesses"... affecting 2019-2022 Volkswagen Atlas, Golf, Jetta, TIGUAN, and Taos. Thank God that this happened to my vehicle with the car was at rest and not traveling at a high rate of speed that could have been fatal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed oil on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, and oil was discovered under the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the breather failure caused the crank case pressure to enter the system, causing the upper timing gasket and seal to be compromised and leak oil. The contact was informed that the oil separator timing cover, CAM magnets, and oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | VW dealership diagnose by 2021 VW Tiguan with a cracked oil pan and timing cover. The cause was from excessive oil pressure from a failed PCV valve which cracked the plastic oil pan causing excessive oil leak. This occurred driving on the highway and the ECP light on the dash came on with a message "max epinine rpm 3000". Vehicle quickly slowed down and was extremely sluggish to maintain a safe speed with other traffic. Dealer was able to see cracked oil pan and oil leak from timing chain cover and read error codes pointing to the issue. Can physically see crack in oil pan. Oil spilled out from oil pan onto ground when tow truck moved it. Dealer produced a video of the issue and visual see the cracked oil pan and leaking timing chain cover. ECP light and engine max speed error was displayed while driving on the highway. From my understanding, basically the PCV valve fails and it over pressurizes the crankcase. It can cause the gaskets to fail causing leaks or the oil pan to crack which in our case the oil pan cracked. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | PURCHASED 2021 TIGUAN NEW, THE REAR SPOILER JUST FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. CHECKED WITH DEALERSHIP, WHICH WAS APPARENTLY UNDER RECALL, BUT NOW IS NOT...WANTING ME TO PURCHASE NEW SPOILER AND PAY FOR SERVICE REPAIR (COST OVER $600.) DEALERSHIP STATED THAT RECALL WAS ONLY GOOD FOR 12 MONTHS.... | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | This over head dome light falls out of nowhere it hit me in the face while driving. There are alot of complaints about this but no recall | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 46,000 |
| Jul 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I purchased the Tiguan just shy of 2 years ago. Since 12/17/24 I have spent over $2,000.00 in that short of time because one incident the oil leaked out in a matter of a day. The second incident, while traveling from St. Louis to Tulsa, the oil light came on every 80 miles because the oil had spewed out. I had to replace the oil about 5 times that day. The third incident came 1,500 miles later. I came out of a restaurant in Claremore, OK and saw every drop of oil had spilled out into the parking lot. Each time I took the car to Autohaus. They only work on Volkswagens. He has been doing so since he was 14. If he can't fix it, no one can. I can't afford to keep dishing out $700 every 2,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | At only 38,200 miles the dealership found shards of metal in my engine. The only solution is to replace the entire engine and my car just passed its warranty 5 months ago. I have kept up to date with services and driven the car responsibly. There is also another 2021 VW Tiguan owner in my town and her car did the same thing at only 29,000 miles! She was still under warranty so the engine was replaced but she now states that it burns through oil at a concerning rate. One day the engine like just turned on, then the car goes into a “limp” mode and doesn’t exceed 3000RPM. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STRUCTURE:BODY | The upper control panel housing failed. My safety was put at risk because while driving the panel randomly dropped from my ceiling, blocking my rear view mirror and surprising me. The vehicle has not been looked at by the anyone else other than myself. There are many documented cases online from people experiencing the same kind of situation. There were no warning lights or symptoms that this was going to happen. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | At about 60,000 miles a VW dealer told me it was normal for VWs to use oil. Now at 80,000 I have a $2,000+ bill b/c the PCV is faulty and the timing cover has failed. I did NOT get a low dngine oil warning, but mechanic says panic wait it was low ( oil change 4,000 miles ago). This could have led to a seized engine on the interstate. I am upset to learn this is a common problem with this vehicle. It is an expensive repair. From other posters I fear this is not the end of the problem. VW should recall this part . | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The overhead console fell down with no indication or force - could’ve been heat or weak parts. Overhead console dangled by electrical wires and blocked rearview mirror and line of sight. Upon research, numerous other Volkswagen Tiguan owners have experience similar issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | The lower oil pan cracked due to excess pressure in the engine from a broken oil air vent. This is a very common issue in VW tiquans, that VW knows about but doesn't recall. The faulty air oil vent leads to cracked lower oil pans and oil dumps that can damgae the engine and creates dangerous driving situations. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STRUCTURE:BODY | The vehicle has a class action suit for leaking sunroof that soaks the entire floor board of the vehicle. This happened to us and was repaired in 2023. It happened again currently and it is proving to be a defect of the build of the vehicle. This is happened to thousands of people all over the USA. This needs to be an official recall. They are trying to charge us $1000 because the warranty doesn’t cover the flooding the defect causes. Kuhn WV in Tampa is who has the car and they get this problem all the time. This is systemic and NHTSA must do something about it and force VW to recall the vehicles with sunroof issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The center console from the ceiling above the rear view mirror (that has the lights and the sunroof controls) broke and fell, making it hang by the cables. This happened while I was driving on the highway and I got startled. I had to hold it up with one hand since it blocked my rearview mirror and I had to pull over to see what had happened. All of the 4 screws were still in place but the plastic had basically crumbled/broken off without reason. This is a real safety issue because I could've had an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |