Owners have reported 1 crash and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints19
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption and leakage, often linked to PCV valve failures. Symptoms described include low oil levels, cracked oil pans, and oil leaks from various engine seals, with some reports of metal shards in the engine. These problems typically emerge between 30,000 and 80,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with multiple complaints of sudden engine power loss, vehicles entering limp mode, and potential fire hazards due to oil leaking onto the exhaust system. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated repair costs, as well as the potential for significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Owner complaints17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. Common symptoms include warning lights illuminating unexpectedly, vehicles entering "limp" mode, and overhead consoles detaching, often obstructing the driver's view. Additionally, some owners describe issues with the vehicle's start/stop system, which can cause the vehicle to shut off while driving. These problems are frequently noted around 10,000 to 29,000 miles. Safety implications are present, as some complaints mention the vehicle unexpectedly engaging the parking brake or shutting down while in motion, which could pose risks in traffic situations.
Owner complaints7
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption and oil leaks, often attributed to defective components such as the timing cover gasket and PCV system. Symptoms commonly described include low oil levels, oil leaks, and engine hesitation, with some reports indicating the presence of metal shards in the engine oil. These problems typically arise around 30,000 to 142,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with one owner describing a violent engine jerk that could have led to an accident, and another reporting a gasoline leak that posed a fire risk. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, especially given the potential for costly repairs and safety implications.
Owner complaints5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report that the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan experiences issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly when using the remote start feature. Complaints frequently mention that the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and automatic braking systems fail to engage, displaying errors until the car is restarted manually without remote start. Some owners describe independent braking incidents at low speeds, often accompanied by a warning beep but no warning lights, with these issues occurring around 11,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the ACC system accelerating instead of decelerating when approaching slower traffic, posing potential safety risks. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be cautious about the vehicle's reliability in maintaining expected safety functions.
Owner complaints5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the fuel and propulsion system of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, particularly concerning the fuel sensor and oil separator. Complaints frequently mention the fuel gauge inaccurately indicating fuel levels, often leading to unexpected stalling when the tank is actually empty, with some incidents occurring at mileage as low as 56,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe oil leaks associated with a failing oil separator, with one case at 46,000 miles leading to significant engine damage. Safety implications include the risk of being stranded due to false fuel readings and potential engine damage from oil leaks. These issues can result in costly repairs, often occurring just outside of warranty coverage, which may be a consideration for prospective buyers.
Owner complaints5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues related to oil leaks and excessive oil consumption. Complaints often describe symptoms such as oil splashing from the oil pan, blue or gray smoke from the exhaust, and illuminated warning lights like the check engine and electronic power control (EPC) lights. These issues typically emerge between 46,000 and 93,000 miles, with some reports of cracked oil pans and valve cover or valve stem seal failures. Multiple owners also mention a loss of vehicle power, particularly when driving uphill, and instances of the vehicle losing motive power. While no crashes or fires are reported, the recurring nature of these problems and the potential for engine damage are important for prospective buyers to consider.
Owner complaints4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the overhead console, which tends to detach and fall unexpectedly, often while driving. Symptoms include the console dropping down in front of the rearview mirror, sometimes due to tight screws causing plastic fatigue, and resulting in potential electrical concerns. Additionally, there are reports of headlight seal failures leading to condensation, shorting out, and ultimately, inoperative headlights and turn signals. These issues can leave vehicles unfit for legal road use and create potential safety hazards, particularly when visibility is compromised. Complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but the recurrence of these problems suggests they may not be isolated incidents.
Owner complaints4
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the vehicle's windshield and overhead console. Multiple complaints describe the windshield as fragile, with cracks developing easily, often requiring repeated replacements. Some owners mention challenges in obtaining replacement windshields, citing prolonged backorder periods. Additionally, several reports highlight the overhead console detaching from its mounts, obstructing the rearview mirror and posing a potential safety distraction. These issues are typically noted without specific mileage references, but the recurrence suggests ongoing concerns for potential buyers.
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the cruise control system. One common problem involves the cruise control unexpectedly accelerating beyond the set speed, as described by an owner who experienced an increase to 98 mph despite setting it at 75 mph. Another issue occurs when using the remote start feature, which can disable the cruise control functionality until the vehicle is turned off and restarted manually. Additionally, multiple owners describe the adaptive cruise control intermittently failing to engage, requiring the vehicle to be restarted to reset the system. These issues are reported by owners from the initial purchase, indicating they occur at low mileage. Safety implications include unexpected acceleration and the potential for driver distraction if the system disengages without clear notification.
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan report issues with the air bags, with complaints highlighting two main problems. One owner describes an incident where the side air bags deployed unexpectedly after a minor curb scrape, indicating a potential sensitivity issue. Another owner reports the air bag warning light illuminating, which led to a diagnosis requiring replacement of the air bag control module at approximately 13,000 miles. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as unintended air bag deployment and possible air bag system malfunctions, which are critical for used car buyers to consider.
