Archived model-year dossier
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is a late first-generation model that added VW Car-Net, a rearview camera and a new touchscreen audio system as standard. NHTSA lists four recalls, including side air bag inflators and an air bag control unit, and 62 complaints led by air bags (28). Used ones run $7,100 to $9,000 at dealers; EPA rates it 22 to 23 mpg.
Configurations2
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency22–23 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers4
What changed on the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the 2015 Tiguan gains VW Car-Net connected services, a Media Device Interface with iPod cable, a rearview camera and a new touchscreen audio system as standard, and adds that the model is showing its age against newer rivals. Carvana (opens in a new tab) calls it an equipment-update year rather than a redesign, late in the first generation after the 2012 refresh.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts used 2015 Tiguans at $7,100 for the 2.0T S up to $9,000 for the 2.0T R-Line 4Motion from a dealer, with city and highway ratings of 20/26 to 21/26 mpg. Motor Authority (opens in a new tab) covers the next-generation Tiguan shown at the 2015 Frankfurt show.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for the 2015 Tiguan. 15V311000 covers certification labels missing tire pressure information and stating incorrect weight and loading data. 16V045000 covers seat-mounted side air bag inflators that may rupture in a crash, with dealers replacing the modules. 18V329000 covers modifications made during an internal evaluation period that may leave the vehicles non-compliant, and 19V535000 covers an air bag control unit with a defective power supply capacitor that can disable the air bags or deploy them inadvertently.
Owners have filed 62 complaints: air bags with 28, electrical system with 23, unknown or other with 15, and engine and steering with 9 each. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) and CarComplaints (opens in a new tab) break them down, and Autojunket (opens in a new tab) names the 2.0-liter TSI engine as a top failure point.
2015 Tiguan against the CR-V, RAV4, CX-5 and Forester
EPA rates the 2015 Tiguan at 22 to 23 mpg combined and $3,350 to $3,500 a year in fuel. The Honda CR-V lists 28 to 29 at $2,150 to $2,250, the Toyota RAV4 24 to 26 at $2,400 to $2,600, the Mazda CX-5 26 to 29 at $2,150 to $2,400, and the Subaru Forester 25 to 27 at $2,300 to $3,100. The Tiguan is the thirstiest of the five.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan: 8 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0T SEL 4Motion | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | AWD | 200 | 207 | 20 / 26 / 23 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.0T S | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | FWD | 200 | 207 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.0T SE | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | FWD | 200 | 207 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.0T R-Line | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | FWD | 200 | 207 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.0T SE 4Motion | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | AWD | 200 | 207 | 20 / 26 / 23 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.0T S 4Motion | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | AWD | 200 | 207 | 20 / 26 / 23 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.0T SEL | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | FWD | 200 | 207 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2.0T R-Line 4Motion | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | AWD | 200 | 207 | 20 / 26 / 23 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0T SEL 4Motion | 3,591 lb | 174.5 in | 67.1 in | 102.5 in | 6.9 in | 39 ft | 16.9 gal | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | 2,200 lb | 1,149 lb | P235/50HR18 |
| 2.0T S | 3,404 lb | 174.5 in | 67.1 in | 102.5 in | 6.9 in | 39 ft | 16.9 gal | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | 2,200 lb | 1,195 lb | P215/65HR16 |
| 2.0T SE | 3,404 lb | 174.5 in | 67.1 in | 102.5 in | 6.9 in | 39 ft | 16.9 gal | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | 2,200 lb | 1,195 lb | P235/50HR17 |
| 2.0T R-Line | 3,404 lb | 174.5 in | 67.1 in | 102.5 in | 6.9 in | 39 ft | 16.9 gal | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | 2,200 lb | 1,195 lb | P255/40HR19 |
| 2.0T SE 4Motion | 3,591 lb | 174.5 in | 67.1 in | 102.5 in | 6.9 in | 39 ft | 16.9 gal | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | 2,200 lb | 1,149 lb | P235/50HR17 |
| 2.0T S 4Motion | 3,591 lb | 174.5 in | 67.1 in | 102.5 in | 6.9 in | 39 ft | 16.9 gal | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | 2,200 lb | 1,149 lb | P215/65HR16 |
| 2.0T SEL | 3,404 lb | 174.5 in | 67.1 in | 102.5 in | 6.9 in | 39 ft | 16.9 gal | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | 2,200 lb | 1,195 lb | P235/50HR18 |
| 2.0T R-Line 4Motion | 3,591 lb | 174.5 in | 67.1 in | 102.5 in | 6.9 in | 39 ft | 16.9 gal | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | 2,200 lb | 1,149 lb | P255/40HR19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | 2.0T SEL 4Motion | 2.0T S | 2.0T SE | 2.0T R-Line | 2.0T SE 4Motion | 2.0T S 4Motion | 2.0T SEL | 2.0T R-Line 4Motion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||||
| Adaptive headlights | – | – | – | Std | – | – | – | Std |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod connector | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod interface | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | – | – | Std | – | – | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||||
| Heated front seats | Std | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Opt | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | – | Opt | Std | Opt | – | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | – | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | Std | – | – | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Std | – | Opt | Std | Opt | – | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | – | Opt | Std | Opt | – | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | – | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | – | Std | – | – | – | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | – | Opt | Std | Opt | – | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | – | Opt | Std | Opt | – | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | Std | – | – | – | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35311Tiguan | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Premium | 21 | 26 | 23 | N/A |
| 35314Tiguan 4motion | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Premium | 20 | 26 | 22 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
4 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01Which current models share the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan's EPA class?
Comparison
Class peers of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan in the current EPA data include 2026 Acura MDX, 2026 Buick Encore, 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ, 2025 Cadillac XT4, 2026 Cadillac XT5, 2025 Cadillac XT6, and 47 more.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q02How did the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 17.4% to 18.5% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03What size wheels does the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
Wheels and tires
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan's wheel diameter is 16 inches on the 2.0T S and 2.0T S 4Motion up to 19 inches on the 2.0T R-Line and 2.0T R-Line 4Motion, across 8 trims. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 8 trims share the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 200 hp. The 2.0T S has FWD instead of AWD over the 2.0T SEL 4Motion. The 2.0T SE has heated front seats, a power driver's seat and privacy glass as standard equipment over the 2.0T S. The 2.0T R-Line has adaptive headlights, power front seats for driver and passenger, fog lights and 8 more as standard equipment over the 2.0T SE. The 2.0T SE 4Motion has AWD instead of FWD over the 2.0T R-Line. The 2.0T SEL has FWD instead of AWD and power front seats for driver and passenger, fog lights, heated front seats and 6 more as standard equipment over the 2.0T S 4Motion.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Volkswagen Tiguan across model years.
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