MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
57Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

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.

VERDICT

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

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

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18308

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech8.5/10
Defect record18.25/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

57 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 18Electrical System 10Unknown Or Other 10Power Train 7Forward Collision Avoidance 7Fuel/Propulsion System 5

Other Tiguan years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18308), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Volkswagen Tiguan 2023. Class rank 60 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure