NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Ratings
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 57 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is supported by solid NHTSA crash scores across the board, complemented by a single recall for the model year. The combination of favorable crash-test performance and a limited defect record presents a positive safety profile for the 2023 Tiguan.
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan received an overall 4-out-of-5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 59 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 57 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 59 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2023 Tiguan marks a meaningful step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing three points from the 2022 model year's 85 to 88, while remaining in the Strong band. That gain is supported by a near-maximum defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20, which reflects the single-recall footprint for this model year. The crash protection component contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star side result and backed by 4-star scores in frontal and rollover categories. The avoidance technology sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard, a gap that prevents a perfect score in that category. The 57 reported complaints introduce some caution: Engine and Electrical System top the list of alleged issues, and Forward Collision Avoidance appears as a notable complaint category with 7 reports, worth monitoring given that the system is a rated safety feature. Overall, the 2023 year-specific data paints a picture of incremental safety improvement over its immediate predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Tiguan achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with side protection standing out as a perfect 5-star performer. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at 4 stars. The measured rollover risk for the Tiguan was 16 percent, and it registered No Tip in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18308
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
The 2023 Tiguan carries one recall campaign. It covers a back-over prevention software error affecting certain 2022 through 2024 Tiguan vehicles among others in the Volkswagen Group. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Fifty-seven unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine with 18 reports, followed by the Electrical System and Unknown Or Other categories with 10 each. These are unverified allegations, not established defects.
57 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
A significant recall related to back-over prevention software marks an important consideration for the 2023 Tiguan. For prospective buyers of a used 2023 Tiguan, verifying that this recall has been remedied is the most critical safety action. Unresolved recalls transfer with vehicle ownership, underscoring the necessity of checking the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool prior to purchase.
- The 2023 Tiguan's Safety Index of 88 represents a 3-point gain over the 2022 model year's score of 85, the highest index recorded for this generation in the available comparison data.
- Side crash protection earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, the strongest single result in the 2023 Tiguan's crash-test profile and a meaningful differentiator within this model year's scorecard.
- The one recall on record targets a back-over prevention software error shared across certain 2022 through 2024 Tiguan vehicles, meaning used-market buyers must confirm by VIN whether the remedy has been applied.
- Forward Collision Avoidance generated 7 unverified consumer complaints to NHTSA for this model year, a figure worth noting because the system is listed as a standard safety feature and contributes to the avoidance technology sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan places
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Volkswagen Tiguan safety questions
Was the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan earned 4 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 57 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18308), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2023.
- 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 59 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.