Model research hub
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover sold in North America since the 2009 model year, sitting between the T-Roc and Touareg in the lineup. Federal data shows the 2018, the launch year of the second generation, with the most recalls (13) and 282 complaints, and guides agree 2018 and 2019 are the years to avoid while 2020 to 2024 are the picks. The 2026 Tiguan starts at $32,280.
What the Volkswagen Tiguan is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Tiguan as an SUV made by Volkswagen since 2007, sitting between the smaller T-Roc and the larger Touareg in the company's crossover range, with North American model years from 2009 and a first generation on the PQ46 platform. CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says the 2018 redesign introduced the long-wheelbase MQB platform, an eight-speed automatic transmission and an optional third row. The 2026 Tiguan has a 2.0L four-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, rated 25 to 29 mpg combined by the EPA, about $2,150 to $2,500 a year in fuel, and Kelley Blue Book base prices are $32,280 for the S and $44,560 for the SEL R-Line Turbo 4Motion.
Best and worst Tiguan model years
Federal counts show the second-generation launch carrying the heaviest load. The 2018 Tiguan has 13 recalls, covering suspension, structure, air bags and seat belts, and 282 complaints, the most of any year, and the 2019 has 5 recalls and 189 complaints. The 2020 to 2022 years have 3 to 5 recalls, and the 2023 has 1, the 2024 has 2, and the 2025 has 2.
Car Smite (opens in a new tab) says 2018 and 2019 are the worst Tiguan years to avoid, while the best years to buy span from 2020 to 2024, and that the second-generation 2018 and 2019 models encountered countless issues, notably in engine performance and reliability. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) names 2023 as the best year and 2018 as the one to avoid, saying the electrical system drew 38 complaints classified severe on the 2018, clustering between 4,995 and 17,000 miles. CarsCounsel says the 2018 launch year requires careful inspection for early electrical gremlins.
Choosing a year
The guides converge on 2023 as the pick and 2018 as the year needing the most VIN and inspection scrutiny, with 2020 to 2022 as reasonable middle choices.
Questions buyers ask
Which Volkswagen Tiguan years should I avoid?
Car Smite (opens in a new tab) says 2018 and 2019, and ProblemsByVin names 2018 specifically, citing 38 severe electrical complaints.
What is the best Volkswagen Tiguan year?
ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) names 2023 the best year, and Car Smite says the best years span 2020 to 2024.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 201 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 4 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2025 Tiguan seats 5 and is a Compact SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 47 owner complaints for the 2025 Tiguan.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Every 2025 Tiguan uses the same 201-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine; 4Motion AWD is optional on S, SE and SE R-Line but standard on the top SEL R-Line.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
7 indexed Volkswagen Tiguan model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan | 1 | 2025 record → |
| 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2022 record → | |
| 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2019 record → | |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2016 record → | |
| 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2015 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a sport utility vehicle produced by German manufacturer Volkswagen since 2007, sitting between the smaller T-Roc and the larger Touareg in the company's crossover SUV range. The first generation was based on the PQ46 platform, while the second generation, released in 2016, utilizes the Volkswagen Group MQB A2 platform. It is generally considered to be a medium-sized SUV in Europe, while in North America it is considered to be a compact crossover SUV.
Source: Volkswagen Tiguan (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Volkswagen Tiguan at a glance
- Production
- 2007–present
- Model years
- 2009–present (North America)
- Class
- Compact crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (4motion)
- Chassis
- Unibody
Volkswagen Tiguan generations
The Volkswagen Tiguan has been redesigned in 2016, 2024, gaps of 9, 8 years, an average of 8.5 years between generations. The current generation (third generation, CT1) began in 2024.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | 5N | 2007–2016 | The first generation Tiguan was initially shown as a concept vehicle at the LA Auto Show in November 2006. |
| Second generation | AD/BW | 2016–2024 | The second generation Tiguan was unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2015 for the 2016 model year, now built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A2 platform. |
| Third generation | CT1 | 2024–present | On 14 June 2023, Volkswagen unveiled a prototype of the third-generation Tiguan, which was officially launched in 2024. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (5 campaigns across the latest model years)
- September 2026, Electrical System:Body Control Module:Software. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Tiguan vehicles. A software error may cause the body control module (BCM) system to reset. This may result in the ignition switching off, resulting in an engine stall. It can also lead… Consequence: An unexpected engine stall, loss of exterior lighting or warning lights, or failure of the rearview camera system can increase the risk of a crash.
- May 2026, Back Over Prevention:Software. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Tiguan vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V082. 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… Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- December 2025, Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Tiguan vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied. Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, most often about electrical system (14), forward collision avoidance (13), unknown or other (12).
Year by year
The Volkswagen Tiguan across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Volkswagen Tiguan | 25–29 | $2,250–$2,600 | 4 | |||
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan | 25–29 | $2,150–$2,500 | 4 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan | 25–29 | $2,150–$2,500 | 3 | 2 | 46 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24–27 | $2,300–$2,600 | 4 | 2 | 62 | 4 stars |
| 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24–27 | $2,300–$2,600 | 4 | 1 | 60 | 4 stars |
| 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24–26 | $2,400–$2,600 | 3 | 5 | 261 | |
| 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24–25 | $2,500–$2,600 | 2 | 5 | 136 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23–25 | $2,500–$2,700 | 2 | 3 | 139 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24–25 | $2,500–$2,600 | 2 | 5 | 189 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22–24 | $2,600–$3,500 | 4 | 13 | 282 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21–22 | $3,500–$3,700 | 2 | 4 | 75 | 4 stars |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22–23 | $3,350–$3,500 | 2 | 2 | 96 | 4 stars |
| 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22–23 | $3,350–$3,500 | 2 | 4 | 62 | 4 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Volkswagen Tiguan, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 3 to 4 | Labels: Tiguan SEL 4Motion | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 4 to 3 | 25.5 to 27.0 | Labels: Tiguan R-Line 4motion | |
| 2022 to 2023 | 3 to 4 | 25.0 to 25.5 | Labels: Tiguan S | |
| 2021 to 2022 | 2 to 3 | 24.5 to 25.0 | Labels: Tiguan R-Line 4motion | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 24.0 to 24.5 | |||
| 2019 to 2020 | 24.5 to 24.0 | |||
| 2018 to 2019 | 4 to 2 | 23.0 to 24.5 | Labels: Tiguan Limited, Tiguan Limited 4motion; Transmissions: Automatic (S6); Fuels: Premium | |
| 2017 to 2018 | 2 to 4 | 21.5 to 23.0 | Labels: Tiguan Limited, Tiguan Limited 4motion; Transmissions: Automatic (S8); Fuels: Regular | |
| 2016 to 2017 | 22.5 to 21.5 |
Buying used
What the Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | steering (linkages); air bags (sensor); electrical system (body control module) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | back over prevention (software) | None |
| 2023 | 1 | back over prevention (software) | None |
| 2022 | 5 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); suspension; structure (body); 2 more | None |
| 2021 | 5 | back over prevention (sensing system); seats; suspension; 1 more | None |
| 2020 | 3 | seats; seat belts; structure (body) | None |
| 2019 | 5 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); suspension (rear); equipment (other); 2 more | None |
| 2018 | 14 | exterior lighting (tail lights); air bags (frontal); engine; 8 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2017 | 4 | seat belts (pretensioner); air bags (frontal); unknown or other | None |
| 2016 | 2 | latches/locks/linkages; air bags (air bag/restraint control module) | None |
| 2015 | 4 | equipment (other); air bags (side/window); unknown or other; 1 more | None |
Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside
- 2018, campaign 18V-324 (May 2018): suspension (front). A loose or improperly tightened ball joint nut can result in the separation of the lower ball joint causing steering, traction or other stability issues, increasing the risk of a crash.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 391 | 27% | 2022 (111) |
| electrical system | 329 | 23% | 2022 (62) |
| unknown or other | 306 | 21% | 2020 (52) |
| power train | 147 | 10% | 2018 (49) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 113 | 8% | 2018 (40) |
| forward collision avoidance | 109 | 8% | 2022 (32) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | FWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 201 | 207 | 3,563 | 1,500 | 29 | $32,280 |
| S 4MOTION | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 201 | 221 | 3,801 | 1,800 | 25 | $33,780 |
| SE | FWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 201 | 207 | 3,563 | 1,500 | 28 | $35,080 |
| SE 4MOTION | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 201 | 221 | 3,801 | 1,800 | 25 | $36,580 |
| SE R-Line Black | FWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 201 | 207 | 4,032 | 1,500 | 28 | $38,720 |
| SE R-Line Black 4MOTION | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 201 | 221 | 3,801 | 1,800 | 25 | $40,220 |
| SEL R-Line Turbo 4MOTION | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 268 | 258 | 3,801 | 1,800 | 25 | $44,560 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Volkswagen Tiguan model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 201–268 | 3,563–4,032 | 1,500–1,800 | 14.5–15.6 |
| 2025 | 7 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 201 | 3,563–3,801 | 1,500–1,800 | 14.5–15.6 |
| 2024 | 9 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184 | 3,732–3,940 | 1,500 | 15.3–15.9 |
| 2023 | 7 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184 | 3,737–3,821 | 1,500 | 15.3–15.9 |
| 2022 | 7 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184 | 3,765–3,856 | 1,500 | 15.3–15.9 |
| 2021 | 9 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184 | 3,735–3,825 | 1,500 | 15.9–16.4 |
| 2020 | 9 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184 | 3,757–3,847 | 1,500 | 15.3–15.9 |
| 2019 | 12 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184 | 3,777–3,858 | 1,500 | 15.3–15.9 |
| 2018 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184 | 3,777–3,858 | 1,500 | 15.3–15.9 |
| 2017 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,404–3,591 | 2,200 | 16.9 |
| 2016 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,404–3,591 | 2,200 | 16.9 |
| 2015 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,404–3,591 | 2,200 | 16.9 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Model-year recall record
Volkswagen Tiguan: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 4.2).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan : 13 recalls on file, most commonly affecting suspension and structure.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 2 | 46 | steering, airbags |
| 2024 | 2 | 62 | backup camera |
| 2023 | 1 | 60 | backup camera |
| 2022 | 5 | 261 | backup camera, brakes, suspension, structure |
| 2021 | 5 | 136 | backup camera, seats, suspension, structure |
| 2020 | 3 | 139 | seats, seat belts, structure |
| 2019 | 5 | 189 | equipment, electrical system, suspension, structure |
| 2018 | 13 | 282 | suspension, structure, airbags, seat belts |
| 2017 | 4 | 75 | unspecified, seat belts, airbags |
| 2016 | 2 | 96 | airbags, door latches |
| 2015 | 4 | 62 | airbags, unspecified, equipment |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Volkswagen Tiguan?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2023 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2018 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Volkswagen Tiguan model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has 13 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting suspension, structure, airbags. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Volkswagen Tiguan model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 4.2. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Volkswagen Tiguan by model year?
2025: steering, airbags. 2024: backup camera. 2023: backup camera. 2022: backup camera, brakes, suspension, structure. 2021: backup camera, seats, suspension, structure. 2020: seats, seat belts, structure.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering, Climate and electrical.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan owners specifically: see Brakes, tires and steering and Buying, records and recalls.
Trim ladder
1 Volkswagen Tiguan trim, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this Volkswagen Tiguan is most often compared with.
Nearest Volkswagen models
Other Volkswagen models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Tiguan come in?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan (compact SUV) comes in 4 trims: S, SE, SE R-Line, SEL R-Line.
Q02What are the 2025 Tiguan trims?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan trims are S, SE, SE R-Line, SEL R-Line, listed from the entry S up to the top SEL R-Line.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Tiguan use?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 201 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Tiguan have?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated at 201 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Tiguan?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is offered with FWD / AWD.