2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 141 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 17 Tiguan model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 2 involved a crash. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJul 20, 2022
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.
Campaign 22V514000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyApr 6, 2022
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.
Campaign 22V226000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionMar 23, 2022
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.
Campaign 22V176000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsFeb 1, 2021
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.
Campaign 21V038000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraNov 18, 2020
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.
Campaign 20V716000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
141 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2025
My car constantly gets a P24D6 error code which is a tank ventilation pressure sensor 2 issue. It prevents the car from auto starting using the remote or the VW app.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2025
Fuel sensor failure caused the fuel gage on the dashboard to incorrectly indicate the amount of fuel in the tank. The vehicle had 56K miles and the entire gas tank had to be replace since the sensor is built into the fuel tank. Volkswagon would not warranty the repair. This is a safety issue because not knowing how much fuel is in the tank could leave the driver stranded in bad weather or in an unsafe place.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2024
This a Safety concern with the console dropping down while driving. The Overhead (Central) Console behind the rearview mirror dropped down on my current vehicle (It also dropped down on another Tiguan that I owned while it was parked at the dealership for a different repair (doesn't seem to be a coincidence along with other complaints by customers who show photos online of the same problem with the same make and model Tiguan that I have (2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV). Again, this is a Safety Concern about the Overhead (Central) Console dropping down while driving and also hanging after it drops down which may cause other electrical issues such as starting and exposure to moisture, heat, or coldness in the interior of the car. Also, cannot open the sunroof now due to concerns of exposure.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2024
11/19/2024 Check engine light came on while I was driving. Got home, checked oil and it was down about a quart. Oil had just been changed on 10/17/2024. Only approximately 1800 miles put on vehicle since last oil change. Vehicle was at approximately 62,000 miles. Also tire pressure light always on. Scheduled appt with VW dealer. Dealer invoice states "P04F000 Checked Purge valve and found oil in line, due to Defective crankcase breather, and causing an oil leak, replaced crankcase breather, replaced the EVAP purge valve and replace the upper timing cover gaskets. cleared oil off engine and test drove". the engine could have blown while I was driving this, I had no previous warning signs and since the dealer says the Defective crankcase breather, thinking they should be fixing this issue and not charging the customer. Total cost of repair $960.02.
Suspension, Nov 11, 2024
The suspension components inclusive of struts and knuckles corroded and cracked causing the suspension to collapse in the front and rear of the vehicle. Luckily the suspension didn't collapse while driving and has not resulted in any injuries. The dealership (Gunther VW in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) inspected and replaced the front suspension but left the rear suspension untouched after certifying the integrity. 2 weeks later, the rear suspension collapsed.
Engine, Nov 9, 2024
Pcv valve on my car went and caused seals to leak in my engine. This has caused oil to leak onto my exhaust system which poses a fire hazard according to the dealership. Car should not be driven. Many many complaints about this issue of the PCV valve failing have been discovered online. Worried about my car catching fire if I drive it
Structure, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof console detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached sunroof console. The contact was informed that the sunroof console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle needed to be ordered; however, the parts were on back-order. The contact stated that he had been waiting on the delivery of the parts for 45 days and parts were still on back-order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2024
When I was driving the upper console of the vehicle dropped out of no where. The console was just hanging by a few wires and dangling around while I was driving. I was totally startled and could have had an accident, the console was hanging so low I couldn't use the rearview mirror and had to hold it up with one hand until I got home. I have had to tape it with masking tape and it falls every 2 or 3 days. I just took it to the VW of Clearlake and they are not accepting responsibility for the part replacement and charging me $255.00. This part needs to be urgently replaced and recalled before someone is hurt on the road or lives are lost.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. There was gray smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve stem seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Sep 25, 2024
2021 Volkswagen Tijuan has an oil leak caused by a defective Timing Cover Gasket, and or PCV component(s). If you do a simple Google search, there are thousands of these vehicles experiencing the exact same issue, and numerous individuals are not happy. The warranty is 4 years or 50k miles, this problem occurred at 53K, very convenient for the dealers repairing these vehicles. This is absolutely a design flaw and should qualify for a recall. Please investigate and I am sure you will agree, thank you so much.
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2024
I was driving to work a couple days ago and noticed that the control system that is connected to my rear view mirror was broken. It appears that the plastic overhead control system broke where it screws in. When I inspected it the clasps on all four sides broke with the screws still intact to the vehicle. I disconnected the ports so that I can see my mirror. I just bought my vehicle in July 2023 and I rarely use the controls. I don’t think it’s fair that I have to pay for this replacement. In my honest opinion this should never happen. I haven’t replaced it yet because I am unable to afford it at this time. However I don’t think it should be my responsibility since I’ve never had this happen on any vehicle I have owned. It appears to be a default in craftsmanship.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2024
The overhead console started separating from the headliner which was annoying but I didn’t think much of it. A few days later the console was dangling just held up by wires. I taped it back up but while I’m driving it fell again. You can’t see to drive letting it dangle so I had to hold it up while driving. It takes a lot of attention away from the road when you’re messing with the console to drive. The part is back ordered so it hasn’t been fixed yet. I Juat keep taping it up but the sun melts the glue or something. It’s a daily chore before driving. For what I see this is happening to a lot of Vw Tiguan owners
Power train, Engine, Sep 2, 2024
PCV Failure causing the timing cover to leak oil and causing the oil pan to crack. This is a known issue with VW TSI engines. This PCV is a major issue not only causing the damage above but others are having to replace the rear main seal and crank case because of this. It's now in the shop for the next week and I'm out of a vehicle for the next week. This is not the only problem I've had with this vehicle. The last problem I had was the housing unit of the overhead lights, sunroof controls and sos when hanging down and broke out of nowhere. The plastic melted and cracked. It was replaced but was not put back together properly. There are now gaps where it should be tightly sealed. The glove comparent arm is broken. There are wheel bearings issues too we are trying to pin point the issue. The hits keep coming and the car is just a money pit.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Aug 14, 2024
The overhead control console breaks free and falls down in front of the rear view mirror. Inspecting the broken console, the screws are to tight causing the plastic to fatigue and eventually break. Searching this issue on reddit, it seems common enough, people have had them fall when closing a door, pots holes ect. Mine broke free when giving over a speed bump.
Engine, Aug 2, 2024
We were driving to Mci airport. We felt car jerk. Was able to continue driving. Got off at exit. Pulled over looked under hood, didn’t see anything. Pulled away felt it pulling back. Was able to make it home at just 60 miles an hour. The care would hesitate and jerk if going up slight hill or accelerating. Took to shop. They said it was pvc valve. Which caused crack in oil pan as well as timing chain cover. It also coated under car in oil. I did some research and this seems to be a fairly common issue. Same issue and results. Some of them had less miles than mine but most were around the range. I think if you investigated these engines no matter what vehicle Vw put them in you will find a common thread. I would appreciate your research and feedback in this matter. Thank you
Air bags, Jul 24, 2024
I scraped the curb with my passenger front tire and all my side air bags deployed. There was no other damage done to the vehicle.
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2024
CLIMATE CONTROL STOPED WORKING JUST FLICKERS ON AND OFF
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2024
The control panel that controls the sunroof and lights fell from my roof. It was hanging down blocking my view so I could not drive. I brought it to my dealer who said it was still under warranty and proceeded to fix the problem. I still have to go back because they have to order another part. I have read several other complaints about the same issue. I have always bought VW and this is the first time I had an issue like this! I believe this should be a recall since it has happened to so many others. It is a very dangerous situation . Thank god I wasn’t driving in the highway this would of ended quite different!
Wheels, Jul 5, 2024
on the 3rd windshield in less than 1 year... the smallest impact breaks the windshield. There is a major problem with fragile windshields in the VW line.
Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2024
In July of 23 went to get in my car and when I opened the door the center console was hanging down by wires blocking the rear view mirror and part of the windshield. Car was fixed at the dealer . Yesterday 6/26/2024 went to get in my car and the same thing has happened again !!!! . Can’t see out my rear view mirror and part of my view is blocked from looking out the windshield creating massive safty issues until it can get fixed. ( tape does not hold to keep it out of the way ) Also was told that VW will not cover the costs of repair this time even though it has been less than a year since it happened last time . This is a massive safty issue that affects driving and could very easily cause an accident at any time!!!!!!!.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 25, 2024
Center console above rear view mirror has broken and fallen from ceiling for the 2nd time. It as repaired in Aug 2023 after this happened the first time. This is a DEFECT and it needs to be addressed ASAP! If this falls from the ceiling while driving, its very dangerous and most likely would cause an accident. I will be calling dealer tomorrow and it better be repaired under warranty.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 3, 2024
While I was driving today, I heard a loud pop. It was caused by the car's overhead console (it houses the controls for the sun roof, garage opener, cabin lights, etc) suddenly detaching. Apparently, a lot of owners of this same VW model has reported the same issue and several has reported it as a recurring issue. You can find details here [XXX] I am concerned about the safety issues resulting from this defect. First, it causes a distraction that can result in an accident. 2nd, the console broke off on all 4 locations where it is secured in place by screws. Due to this, I was unable to put it back in place causing the console to just dangle while I was driving. Since the console is directly behind the rear view mirror, it was blocking my view of the mirror. I advise the board to examine the design of this console as the plastic ring where the screw mounts is so thin. Even if I get a replacement console, I am afraid this will happen again, as reported by several owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive. The low oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who observed a crack in the oil pan. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, who then diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Apr 18, 2024, crash
On 4/6/24 the steering wheel locked while driving the car . Causing the car to go off the road into a 40 ft ditch and hit a tree
Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2024
Overhead Sunglass holder they brake easily such as the 2 clips that hold the cover.