NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 126 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100, positioning it within the Average band. While its crash-test results are robust, this is offset by five recalls and a less comprehensive suite of avoidance technology. Its predecessor, the 2020 model, secured a higher 82/100 Strong rating. For the 2021 model year, the Tiguan presents a reasonable, but not exceptional, safety profile.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan received a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100 and an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating, with five recall campaigns on record per NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 87 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 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 | 126 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 87 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2021 Tiguan lands in the Average band of MotorCaliber's safety scoring, with an overall Safety Index of 78 out of 100. This marks a four-point decline from the 2020 model's 82 out of 100, which placed it in the Strong band. This assessment is not due to crash-test performance. The 2021 Tiguan earned a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including a perfect 5-star result in side impact protection. The reduction in its Safety Index score stems from its avoidance technology and defect record. Its avoidance technology score is 3.5 out of 10. This reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and the optional status of lane departure warning. While electronic stability control is standard, it does not sufficiently bolster the vehicle's otherwise limited technology offerings. The defect record component scored 13.5 out of 20, influenced by five recall campaigns. These recalls address critical areas including camera sensing systems, body structure, suspension components, and seat fasteners. Notably, a recall for seat bolts was initiated early in the model year, and two separate campaigns addressed back-over camera functionality. These issues involve safety-critical systems. In summary, the 2021 Tiguan demonstrates genuinely competitive passive crash protection. However, its volume of recalls and gaps in standard avoidance technology collectively position its overall safety profile in average territory.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Tiguan AWD SUV earned a 5 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating a clear strength in side-impact protection, which also rated 5 stars. The frontal crash and rollover assessments each yielded 4 out of 5 stars. Notably, the rollover risk was recorded at 0 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved include back-over prevention camera sensing systems (two separate campaigns), body structure, suspension, and seat bolts that may be missing or improperly torqued. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available campaign data, but all five campaigns warrant VIN-level verification for remedy completion.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA has logged 126 owner complaints for the 2021 Tiguan. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Engine at 42 reports, followed by Unknown or Other at 28, Electrical System at 21, Structure at 11, and both Power Train and Fuel/Propulsion System at 10 each. Two alleged crashes and two alleged injuries are included in that total.
126 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Five distinct recall campaigns were issued for the 2021 Tiguan, covering issues with camera sensing, the vehicle structure, suspension components, and seat belt anchorage bolts. Any shopper considering a used 2021 Tiguan should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase and confirm completed repairs with documentation, as it is imperative these campaigns have been remedied.
- The 2021 Tiguan's Safety Index dropped four points from the 2020 model's 82/100 Strong rating to 78/100 Average, a year-over-year decline driven by its defect record and avoidance-tech scores rather than by crash-test results.
- Two separate back-over prevention camera recall campaigns affect this specific model year, meaning the rearview safety system has been flagged twice by Volkswagen through distinct federal filings.
- Forward collision warning is absent as standard equipment on this model year, contributing to a low avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 in the Safety Index breakdown.
- Owner complaints to NHTSA total 126 unverified allegations for this model year, with the Engine category alone accounting for 42 of those reports, the single largest complaint cluster on record.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan places
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volkswagen Tiguan safety questions
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 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 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 126 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tiguan years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15584), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2021.
- 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 87 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.