NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV pitched squarely at families and urban commuters who want European refinement in a practical, five-or-seven-seat package. Competing against the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Tiguan has carved out a niche with its upscale cabin and composed road manners. Our focus here is strictly on what the federal safety data says about protecting the people inside it.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Tiguan for its refined, car-like driving feel, a well-appointed interior that punches above its price point, and flexible seating options. Critics tend to flag its turbocharged four-cylinder as adequate rather than energetic and note that cargo space can feel compromised compared to some rivals, particularly when the optional third row is fitted.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15584
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V514000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-07-20
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
SUSPENSION22V176000
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 service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42L8.
Reported 2022-03-23
SEATS21V038000
Risk: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-02-01
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V716000
Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-11-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
126 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.