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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 144owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 8%fail the UK MOT
144 complaints, against an average of 124 for the other 14 Volkswagen Tiguan model years.
Every Volkswagen Tiguan model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The components named most often in the 144 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 144 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan burning or losing oil?32 owners · 22.2%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?14 owners · 9.7%
- Has the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan had engine failures?9 owners · 6.3%
- Can the sunroof on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan shatter or fail?9 owners · 6.3%
- Why does my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?7 owners · 4.9%
- Why does my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan smell of burning or smoke?7 owners · 4.9%
- Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?5 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 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."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Structure: Body 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.
Risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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 available. The left or right rear suspension knuckles may corrode, crack, and break.
Risk: A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Seats 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.
Risk: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 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."
Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASteering rack bolt replacement
Risk: On vehicles of a limited production period corrosion can cause a tear of a bolt head on the steering rack. This can result in a loss of steering functionality.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the affected bolted connection of the steering rack is replaced on the right-hand side of the subframe.
UK DVSASporadic malfunctions in a pressure casting system caused individual rear wheel bearing housings to be fitted with oxide inclusions
Risk: On Tiguan LWB vehicles of a limited production period sporadic malfunctions in a pressure casting system caused individual rear wheel bearing housings to be fitted with oxide inclusions.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the production date of the two rear wheel bearing housings is checked and if necessary replaced.
UK DVSAThe fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand
Risk: The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.
Fix: An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.
UK DVSAEngine compartment covers could come loose from their attachment
Risk: On affected vehicles engine compartment covers were fitted that regardless of use (very sporty driving style or poor road condition) and operating period could come loose from their attachment.
Fix: On all affected vehicles the engine compartment cover has to be removed.
UK DVSAThe bolted connection of the brake line on the front right wheel housing may not have been correctly tightened during production
Risk: The bolted connection of the brake line on the front right wheel housing may not have been correctly tightened during production.
Fix: The bolted connection of the brake line must be checked on the front right wheel housing and if necessary retightened.
UK DVSAA welding to the tubular frame of the driver seatmay have been incorrectly performed
Risk: A welding to the tubular frame of the driver seat may have been incorrectly performed.
Fix: The welding on the rear tubular frame of the driver seat will be checked and if necessary replaced.
EU Safety GateMoisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering…Moisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/10/2026
EU Safety GateThe rear wheel bearing housing can break, affecting the stability of the vehicle, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe amount of extinguishing sand in the fuse of the high-voltage system is not sufficient in the event of a short circuit to the…The amount of extinguishing sand in the fuse of the high-voltage system is not sufficient in the event of a short circuit to the high-voltage safety system. This may cause it to burst, increasing the risk of injuries. Furthermore, the blown fuse can interrupt electrical flow of current leading to a voltage drop inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe engine covers installed on affected vehicles could detach from their fixings depending on the conditions of use (e.g.very sporty driving, or poor road surfaces) and their age. A loose engine cover could come into contact with the hot area of the exhaust gas turbocharger, increasing the risk of burns or fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe screws of the brake line assembly may not have been properly tightened on the front right wheel housing.This could lead to a significant loss of brake fluid, impairing the correct functioning of the brakes and increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 05/11/2021
EU Safety GateIncorrect Bowden cables were installed on the remote unlocking of the 2/3 seat back of the asymmetrically divisible rear seat.As a result, the locking of the rear seat back or its restraining effect in the event of an accident could be impaired, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing error, not all of the four bolts on the driver’s seat have been bolted onto the seat rail.As a result, the seat may fail to provide the necessary restraint in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe tubular frame of the driver’s seat may have been incorrectly welded.This could impair the stability of the seat and its restraining effect in the event of an accident, in particular in the event of a rear-end collision.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing error, the brake-pedal plate may not have been adequately welded and could become completely detached when the…Due to a manufacturing error, the brake-pedal plate may not have been adequately welded and could become completely detached when the brake pedal is suddenly applied. As a result, the application of the brakes will be impaired, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing error, the adjustment mechanism on the backrest frame of the front seat may be faulty or incorrectly welded.As a result, the stability of the seat back and its restraining effect in the event of a rear-impact collision may be impaired, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2021, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan owners report?
12 of the 144 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The high pressure fuel pump has failed within 40,000 miles and now again at 110,000 miles. It causes the vehicle to randomly turn in drive and while idle. It has had oil consumption issues and oil leak issues that constantly occur. The dealer has replaced the high pressure fuel pump under warranty 40,000 miles and has now detected it needs to be replaced again at 110,000 miles. I paid for oil leak repair which was over 5,000 dollars and now I have another oil leak issues with the oil separator.
At 58,218 miles, the engine on this 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan failed after excessive oil consumption progressed to engine knocking. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen of Orange Park on July 24, 2025, for excessive oil consumption. The dealer performed a second oil-consumption test. During the test, the engine was heard knocking. The dealer removed the oil pan and found excessive metal. Volkswagen replaced the engine under warranty. The repair invoice was dated August 31, 2025. This created a safety concern because an engine failure can cause loss of propulsion or stalling while driving. The…
2021 Tiguan parking brake comes on without being commanded. There is a fault with the drivers door. I believe the the driver door module or corresponding wiring. The front drivers window toggle switch does not work the toggles switches for the rest of the window work only if the is not an error displayed on the dash. The lock button does not work on the drivers door at all and only works on the rest of the door when an error message is not displayed on the dash. The dash displays the following errors: 1. Driver Door Contact Switch. 2. Start/Stop. 3. Electronic Parking Brake. It also displays…
The J949 SOS emergency communication unit failed, disabling vehicle 911 automatic crash notifications and emergency response capabilities.” NHTSA opens defect investigations based on consumer complaint clusters for this exact failure pattern.
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???
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…
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…
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.
On April 19, 2026, my 2021 VW Tiguan experienced a sudden loud gunshot-like sounding noise and my sunroof exploded. I fortunately had the screen closed, but large pieces of glass fell and were caught by the screen. It endangered me and my 3 children in the car. It was extremely stressful, as I was worried the entire sunroof would collapse on us and I was traveling at a high rate of speed. After pulling to the side of the road, further inspection showed the glass protruding upward. No sign of a rock or anything. There was absolutely no warning. I have filed a claim with insurance and plan to…
My fuel system level indicator does not work properly when the tank is below 1/2 full, and the check engine light comes on. It does not correctly deplete, instead leaving me with no gas when it shows it still has gas available. This has left me stranded in various locations as my car runs out of gas, but doesn't show me that until it is completely empty. Most recently, it was on a very busy road in the middle of traffic. The gas gauge went from 1/2 full to empty while I was driving. Upon taking it to the dealer, they said to replace the 1 sensor, which is a very small, simple piece, they have…
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's dad who was following behind the vehicle noticed oil splashing onto the front windshield of his vehicle. The contact's dad then noticed while the contact was driving uphill, oil was splashing out of the oil pan. In addition, the contact's dad noticed smoke coming out of the exhaust. The check engine and PCV warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact's dad noticed that the oil pan was…
Vehicle keeps having all warning lights and warning messages come on whenever the car starts. Warning lights maintain on constantly and has audible beeping to indicate the warnings. Vehicle would also put itself into park randomly at, as well as disengage collision and lane sensors while driving. Vehicle has been taken to the dealership, and has been reproduced by them, stating "we have never seen this before and are not sure what to do, we need to reach out to Volkswagen directly" most recent update, they needed to replace the door harness and F5 module but are still unclear with the status…
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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 144 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most common categories were engine (54, 37.5%), electrical system (25, 17.4%), fuel/propulsion system (12, 8.3%). There are 5 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Across 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (37.5% of complaints), electrical system (17.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (8.3% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (7.6% of complaints), power train (7.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most recent (campaign 22V514000, 2022-07-20) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan burning or losing oil?
32 of the 144 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (22.2%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "The high pressure fuel pump has failed within 40,000 miles and now again at 110,000 miles. It causes the vehicle to randomly turn in drive and while idle. It has had oil consumption issues and oil leak issues that constantly occur." (NHTSA complaint 11768541, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
14 of the 144 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (9.7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11749364, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan had engine failures?
9 of the 144 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (6.3%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "At 58,218 miles, the engine on this 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan failed after excessive oil consumption progressed to engine knocking. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen of Orange Park on July 24, 2025, for excessive oil consumption." (NHTSA complaint 11766250, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Can the sunroof on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan shatter or fail?
9 of the 144 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (6.3%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "On April 19, 2026, my 2021 VW Tiguan experienced a sudden loud gunshot-like sounding noise and my sunroof exploded. I fortunately had the screen closed, but large pieces of glass fell and were caught by the screen." (NHTSA complaint 11732294, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
7 of the 144 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (4.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "At 58,218 miles, the engine on this 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan failed after excessive oil consumption progressed to engine knocking. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen of Orange Park on July 24, 2025, for excessive oil consumption." (NHTSA complaint 11766250, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan smell of burning or smoke?
7 of the 144 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (4.9%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Oil consumption issue. The vehicle is experiencing blue / white smoke from tailpipe when starting also lost of oil due to a valve seal issue with engine that requires dealers to remove head and service it" (NHTSA complaint 11730696, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
5 of the 144 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.5%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "While driving, using cruise control set to 75mph, I braked to slow down. That worked cruise control disengaged fine. I changed to the adjacent lane that was wide open and pushed the resume button on the steering wheel." (NHTSA complaint 11545833, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Tiguan
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.