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KLUNK
KLUNK

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Verdict

67 Solid Pick

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (60 complaints) and body (51 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 67/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Tiguan, consider the 2025 model year which has 66% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 66% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan dashboard →

67

Klunk Score: Solid Pick

Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

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 availab...

Risk

A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200922734949
201018630542
201114469684
201239737635
201324667393
201419447131
20151343492
201627348171
201717331204
201899174410418
20196221484512
2020591135303
202151217606
20227744412016
20232037283
202425114221
20251849123

By Category

Engine
60
Body
51
Electrical
17
Transmission
6
Brakes
2

By Severity

1
73
2
60
3
1
4
2

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Engine 2

Known issues with Tiguan models of overconsumption of motor oil due to faulty engineering of top(head) of engine.

14d ago
Engine 1

Taking left turns is dangerous. My turn very slowly and Hard press on pedal to turn. Oil consumption is insane. Started at 38k miles, manufacture warranty ended after 4 years. I’m under 52k miles now and have to fill oil about every 1k miles. I’ve had 4 oil changes this year alone. I’m regular about Maintenence. Last oil change was 08/03/26 check oil light came on 8/15 had to add 3.5 quarts 8/26/26 Will keep track of each time I need to add oil and update here. This has been an issue for many Tiguan owners where is the recall???

15d ago
Engine 1

Noticed the check engine oil light started coming on periodically between oil changes 3-4 years ago, but no external or noticeable oil leaks. Was told by VW multiple times it’s standard for VWs to burn oil. I started having to top off oil much more frequently over the last year, 1 quart per 1000 miles. The check engine oil light would turn on every month at random times while driving. Took my car to a shop; they removed 02 Sensor 1 and borescoped the exhaust system. Found oil leaks from valve seals, leaking into the exhaust manifold. A few weeks later, the check engine light came on for the first time (codes: P24D6 and U3501). Brought car to another shop; they scanned the car and the following codes were found: U350100 (Passive/Sporadic) - Control Module Input Power "A" Circuit Low U041600 (Passive/Sporatic) - Invalid data received from vehicle dynamics control module) P003000 (Passive/Sporatic) - O2 Sensor Heater Control Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1 U105400 (Passive/Sporadic) - Information electronics 1 control unit No communication P24D600 (Passive/Sporadic) - Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system pressure sensor/switch B circuit range performance. The second shop also stated the valve stem seals needed to be replaced in addition to the Upstream Oxygen sensor and PCV valve. The car was brought to Volkswagen for repair under the extended warranty. Volkswagen confirmed the PCV valve and valve stem seals were bad and needed to be replaced. VW also noted smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle has 53k miles on it.

17d ago
Engine 1

Vehicle abruptly lost power on the highway and limited itself to 3000 RPM. PCV valve failed and oil pan cracked at only 45k vehicle miles.

22d ago
Engine 2

PCV value/oil leak is a known issue with this specific model of car. The repair I was quited was over $2700 when the car is just out of warranty. There was no oil light indication showing that the oil was low! I only checked everything out because I saw oil in the drive way. The car read zero oil on the dip stick. I added 4 quarts and finallt started to get into operating range. My wife drives this car and could have been in a major accident if it hadn't been noticed. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Engine 1

My name is [XXX], and I am writing today to express my complete frustration mentally and financially with a CPO 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN [XXX]) I purchased XXX. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (Case XXX). My recent service visit on XXX was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to VW of [XXX] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.” I paid $1,605.37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Engine 1

My Tiguan leaks and burns oil like crazy. Now it has 111k miles on it, but this has been an ongoing issue for the last five years since I've had it. I now have to put a quart of oil in every 100 miles. This is not the fault of me getting an oil change, this is a persistent problem caused by the manufacturing of the car. I have had the engine nearly seize up while driving on the freeway due to low oil from this issue. Please investigate and fix.

1mo ago
Electrical 2

Electrical screen fail. Makes backup camera turn black and turns off while using. off and on repeatedly while in use. Very dangerous.

1mo ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving downhill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted into a driveway and restarted. Upon restarting the vehicle, the electronic power control (EPC) warning light and the yellow triangle for the central warning light illuminated. The vehicle was idling roughly and jerking while driving to the dealer. The vehicle was previously serviced at 50,500 miles due to an EPC fault, and dealer replaced an electronic actuator. Additionally, the battery was replaced at 50,500 miles, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,960.

1mo ago
Engine 1

The PCV valve does not last past 60k miles. Multiple forums and customers stating this. When the failure shows up as a check engine light symptom it has already caused a major oil leak in the crank shaft that leaks with the car off at about 500ml and is significantly worse while driving- Up to a quart of oil loss from driving 10miles. VW has had issues with the PCv valve design from 2012. I bought a 2012 Passat but it did not leak till well after 200k miles but the code would continuously go on and off.

2mo ago
Engine 1

approximately 1 year after purchase, we started having the oil light come on. Returned to dealer and they stated it was normal. This continued for approximately 4 or 5 more times. A "comprehensive" test/diagnostic was conducted and they said normal consumption but no issues. Moving now in 2026 with 40k and now out of warranty with age of vehicle, we brought it back to Scott Motors and NOW it's an issue with the head. The same common problem that they have known about with all their vehicles in this class with this motor since I believe 2018. They want to split the repair bill 50/50 and then 70/30. I stated I addressed and documented the issue years ago and now since we are out of warranty, now you find it. Please Help.

2mo ago
Engine 1

My 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The oil level drops rapidly between oil changes, and I have had to add oil multiple times to prevent engine damage. The low oil warning light has appeared unexpectedly while driving, creating a safety hazard. I am concerned about potential engine failure, stalling, or loss of power at highway speeds. I have reviewed multiple NHTSA complaints from other 2021 Tiguan owners (IDs 11742786, 11741539, 11741067, 11739933) reporting the same oil consumption and low oil pressure issues. This indicates a pattern of defects involving the EA888 2.0 TSI engine. Volkswagen dealerships often claim this is ‘normal,’ but the frequency and severity of oil loss suggest a mechanical defect involving piston rings, PCV system, or internal engine components. This poses a serious safety risk, especially during long distance travel. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2021 Tiguan model year.

2mo ago
Body 2

The component that is failing is the Radio. The radio consistently turns off when using it and power cycles itself back on which creates a concern when I am using the phone or the Maps feature. I had the same issue with a 2019 Volkswagen Passat, that I previously owned and I now see that there are known issues with other Volkswagen vehicles for the same thing, but there is no recall on my vehicle. I have spoken to my dealership about it and they advised me that there is not a recall for the issue so I would have to pay for them to take a look at this. There are no warnings such as lamps or anything else prior to the failure happening besides if the radio has sound coming through it, you won’t hear the sound anymore and within 60 seconds it will power cycle down for about a minute and then come back on and have to completely reload. There has been no inspection by the police or manufacturer to my knowledge.

3mo ago
Body 1

On 03/11/26 Volkswagen pushed an over the air update related for an infotainment System Software Update. Immediately upon completion of the updated the Central caution light (exclamation mark inside of a triangle) was illuminated along with the SOS warning light. This has caused by SOS safety system to not function properly. The dealer charged me $200 to diagnosis a problem VW created and stated the SOS Control Module needs to be replaced. They claim the part is on National back order for the past three months. I have been unsuccessful receiving information regarding the repair of my vehicle. I am concerned the SOS system will not function if it is needed.

3mo ago
Body 1

Rear view mirror has come detached from the main roof and it's presented that the only option to repair this is a complete windshield replacement. If the mirror is adhered to the windshield, this presents a major design flaw and safety hazard. I should not have to replace an entire windshield to replace just a rearview mirror. Also, because this is requiring me to seek additional services outside of the VW dealership, I would have to drive without a safely secured rear view mirror, presenting a safety hazard.

3mo ago
Electrical 2

Tha back up camera system is glitching out. We reset the system but is keeps freezing/blacking out after about 30 seconds. This is known issue with this model of Volkswagen.

3mo ago
Engine 4

Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning. Vehicle came to a stop when it struck a parked vehicle in its path.

3mo ago
Engine 1

Parking brake violently engaging with every stop

3mo ago
Body 1

When driving the Front windshield spontaneous cracked. There was a loud cracking noise, prior to the AC and vent being turned on. The crack is formed from the driver side bottom edge of the window shield and across horrizontally three feet towards passenger side same crack ending upwards slightly diagonally. There is NO Evidence of impact, crack line is smooth to touch from the outside windshield. Purchased vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned. Owned the vehicle less than two years. And only driven the car for less than 5k miles. This is unsafe and deemed to be a design flaw.

4mo ago
Engine 1

Car is burning an excessive amount of oil

4mo ago

136 total

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