NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Ratings
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 5 recalls, and 242 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a perfect score in NHTSA's side-crash assessment, a strong point for this model year. This performance contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Standard forward collision warning further supports its safety credentials. However, the 2022 Tiguan has been subject to five recall campaigns, and NHTSA has received 242 unverified owner complaints. These factors warrant consideration when assessing the vehicle's overall safety profile.
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan AWD SUV holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 71 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.6% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 242 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 71 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2022 Tiguan achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, a 7-point improvement over the 2021 model year's 78, moving it from the Average to the Strong band. This assessment is largely built on a crash-protection sub-score of 63.8 out of 70. NHTSA awarded 5 out of 5 stars for side-crash protection. The rollover risk is held at 16 percent, with no dynamic tip over reported. Avoidance technology contributes 8.5 out of 10 to the overall score. This reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning and electronic stability control. However, lane departure warning remains an optional feature, preventing a higher score in this category. The defect record presents the weakest component, scoring 12.25 out of 20. This is attributed to five distinct recall campaigns. These recalls address critical areas including brake hardware, suspension, body structure, and two separate issues related to back-over prevention. Further, 242 owner complaints have been registered, with engine and electrical system problems being the most frequent allegations. While the 2022 Tiguan demonstrates stronger safety metrics than the prior model year, its volume of recalls and owner complaints warrant close consumer attention.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan perform in crash tests?
Side-crash protection stands out for the 2022 Tiguan AWD SUV, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. The rollover assessment also performed well, with a 4-star rating, indicating a 16 percent risk and a successful dynamic tip test. Neither overall nor frontal crash ratings were assigned by NHTSA for this configuration.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16519
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover the 2022 Tiguan. Components affected include back-over prevention software, the backup camera sensing system, body structure, suspension, and hydraulic brake lines and fittings. The brake-pipe recall, specific to 2022 Tiguan vehicles, involves a nut securing the brake pipe near the right side and warrants priority attention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V082000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this
Reported 2025-02-12
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V853000
Risk: A loose brake pipe nut may allow brake fluid to leak, extending the distance required to stop and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the brake pipe nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 23, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19Q4.
Reported 2021-11-03
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Owners have filed 242 unverified allegations with NHTSA for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the engine (100 reports), electrical system (56), powertrain (40), lane departure system (38), and forward collision avoidance (29). Three alleged crashes and five alleged injuries appear in the complaint record. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
242 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2022 Tiguan is subject to five recall campaigns. Shoppers considering this model year should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether all recall remedies have been completed by a dealer. Unresolved campaigns, particularly those addressing the brake pipe and back-over prevention, should be remedied before purchase or negotiated as a condition of sale.
- The 2022 Tiguan's Safety Index of 85 out of 100 represents a 7-point year-over-year gain from the 2021 model's 78, moving the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band for the first time in consecutive years tracked.
- A brake-pipe recall specific to 2022 Tiguan vehicles involves the nut securing the brake pipe near the right side, making it one of the more mechanically direct safety concerns among the five campaigns on record for this model year.
- The defect-record sub-score of 12.25 out of 20 is the lowest of the three Index components for this year, reflecting both the five recall campaigns and the 242 unverified owner complaints, with engine allegations alone accounting for 100 of those reports.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2022 Tiguan, meaning not every example on the used market will carry this feature, and buyers should confirm the specific vehicle's equipment before assuming full avoidance-tech coverage.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan places
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Volkswagen Tiguan safety questions
Was the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 242 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16519), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2022.
- 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 71 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.