NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Ratings
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 182 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a mixed safety profile. While its NHTSA crash-test performance is a genuine strength, a look at its defect record tempers that picture for used-market shoppers. The Tiguan has been subject to five recall campaigns, contributing to a defect-record sub-score of 9.75 out of 20. Overall, the 2019 Tiguan earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band.
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 78 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 182 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 78 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2019 Tiguan presents a split assessment in its safety profile. While the overall crash protection is robust, earning a strong 61/70 in our Safety Index from its 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's overall and side-impact crash tests, the vehicle’s defect record and safety technology implementation introduce significant caveats. Five distinct recall campaigns for the 2019 model year reduced the defect-record sub-score to 9.75/20. These recalls addressed issues across critical areas including structural components, suspension, electrical systems, tire-pressure monitoring, and vehicle labeling. This recall volume accounts for nearly half the possible points being lost in that category. Furthermore, the Tiguan's avoidance technology sub-score of 6/10 is directly impacted by the optional status of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning; only electronic stability control is standard for this model year. The Safety Index for the 2019 Tiguan registers at 77/100, reflecting this dichotomy of strong passive safety and areas for improvement in active safety and defect management.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Tiguan received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching its side protection score. Frontal and rollover protection were each rated at 4 stars. The vehicle demonstrated a 0 percent rollover risk, with a dynamic tip result of No Tip, indicating stability in simulated maneuvers. No testing category was left unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13686
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover this model year. Components addressed include the tire-pressure monitoring system, body structure, an inaccurate tire-information label, rear coil springs, and the electrical instrument cluster. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but buyers should confirm remedy status by VIN before purchase.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS22V815000
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Reported 2022-10-31
STRUCTURE:BODY22V226000
Risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-04-06
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS19V241000
Risk: The incorrect specifications can result in improper tire inflations or to installing a tire of the wrong size on the vehicle. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D2.
Reported 2019-03-27
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS19V188000
Risk: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Reported 2019-03-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL18V824000
Risk: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Reported 2018-11-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Owners have filed 182 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (54 reports), Engine (36), Unknown Or Other (36), Forward Collision Avoidance (24), and Service Brakes (24). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
182 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Five recalls have been issued for the 2019 Tiguan. Unresolved safety campaigns, particularly those addressing body structure integrity or electrical instrument cluster function, present concrete safety considerations that prospective owners should investigate thoroughly. A vehicle history report will not fully capture the status of these issues; instead, the VIN should be checked against the NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm all five campaigns have been remedied.
- The 2019 Tiguan received a 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating, with side protection at 5 stars and both frontal and rollover protection at 4 stars, making crash performance the strongest component of its 77/100 Safety Index.
- Five recall campaigns were issued for this model year, covering the tire-pressure monitoring system, body structure, rear coil springs, the electrical instrument cluster, and an inaccurate tire-information label. All five should be verified as completed by VIN.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment for this model year, not standard, which directly limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6/10 and is a meaningful year-specific safety consideration.
- NHTSA has received 182 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System leading at 54 alleged reports, followed by Engine and Forward Collision Avoidance concerns. These allegations are unverified but warrant attention given the volume.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan places
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Volkswagen Tiguan safety questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 182 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tiguan years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13686), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 78 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.