2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: 5 recalls, 142 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V716000 · 2020 · 32,048 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020.
Seats, Seats Vehicle recall #21V038000 · 2021 · 57 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #22V176000 · 2022 · 10,119 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #22V226000 · 2022 · 6,553 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An insufficiently attached spoiler May separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022.
Equipment, Backup camera Vehicle recall #22V514000 · 2022 · 43,091 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (54): the most common themes are leaks (20), excess oil use (19), warning light on (17).
- Other / unknown (29): the most common themes are warning light on (3), leaks (2).
- Electrical (25): the most common themes are door / lock issues (8), warning light on (7), electrical failure (6).
- Fuel & propulsion (12): the most common themes are warning light on (5), leaks (4).
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has 142 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 18 Tiguan model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 128). Complaints peaked in 2025 (41 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 26,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (141 complaints, 3 recalls), 2022 (270 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
Owners have filed 142 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (54), other / unknown (29), electrical (25).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.