NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Ratings
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 36 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, positioning it firmly in the Strong safety band. This score represents a notable five-point improvement over the 2024 model year. While two active recalls are currently open for this vehicle, the overall safety profile for the 2025 Tiguan stands as genuinely competitive.
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan received a 5-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 82 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 36 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 82 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2025 Tiguan marks a notable step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring, rising five points to 89/100 from the 2024 model's 84/100, while remaining in the Strong band. That gain is driven by a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The 5-star overall NHTSA rating anchors the crash story, though the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores show there is measurable room below the ceiling. The defect record sub-score of 17.5 out of 20 is solid but not perfect, and the two recall campaigns explain why. The passenger occupant detection system recall is particularly relevant to safety function because a miscalibrated PODS can suppress or alter air bag deployment for a front-seat passenger. The tie rod bolt recall raises a direct steering-integrity concern. Thirty-six owner complaints, including seven specifically alleging forward collision avoidance issues, add a layer of scrutiny to a system that is otherwise credited for the perfect avoidance-tech sub-score. Shoppers should treat those seven reports as unverified but worth monitoring as the complaint record continues to develop.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Tiguan achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its side protection registered a perfect 5-star score. Frontal impact protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 stars apiece; the Tiguan's rollover risk was assessed at 18 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20384
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2025 Tiguan. The first involves the passenger occupant detection system, which may affect front-passenger air bag deployment. The second targets a rear axle tie rod bolt that may be loose, a steering-linkage concern. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation based on available NHTSA data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE26V587000
Risk: An unexpected engine stall, loss of exterior lighting or warning lights, or failure of the rearview camera system can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 6, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57KL. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 17, 2026.
Reported 2026-09-10
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER25V854000
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to allow occupants to sit in the front passenger seat until the remedy is complete. Dealers will repair the affected wiring harness in the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74HE. Vehicle Identification Numbers (
Reported 2025-12-10
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY25V526000
Risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the affected tie rod bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42E7.
Reported 2025-08-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Owners have filed 36 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including one alleged crash and no alleged fires, injuries, or deaths. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (11 reports), Electrical System (9), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), Engine (6), Air Bags (5), and Service Brakes (4). All are unverified consumer allegations.
36 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Two active recalls affect the 2025 Tiguan. Shoppers should verify that both the passenger occupant detection system and rear tie rod bolt campaigns have been remedied. An unresolved recall on a one-year-old vehicle presents a concrete, verifiable safety gap.
- The 2025 Tiguan's Safety Index of 89/100 represents a five-point improvement over the 2024 model year's 84/100, the largest year-over-year gain in the current Tiguan generation tracked in this dataset.
- A recall covering the passenger occupant detection system is active for 2025 model year Tiguans specifically; a malfunction can affect whether the front-passenger air bag deploys correctly in a crash.
- A separate 2025-specific recall addresses a potentially loose tie rod bolt on the rear axle assembly, a steering-linkage defect with direct handling implications.
- Seven of the 36 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA specifically allege problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a component that earned a perfect sub-score in the Safety Index, making this a data point worth watching as the complaint record grows.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan places
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Volkswagen Tiguan safety questions
Was the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 36 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20384), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2025.
- 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 82 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.