The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (54 reports).
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls
Rearview Camera May Not Display Image, Raising Crash Risk
The rearview camera image may fail to appear on the infotainment screen because of a manufacturing issue with the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system.
Rear Spoiler May Detach and Become a Road Hazard
Some Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles may have an accessory rear hatch spoiler that is not attached securely.
Rear suspension knuckles can corrode and break
Certain vehicles have rear suspension knuckles that may corrode, crack, and break on the left or right side.
Front Seats May Move Freely, Raising Crash Injury Risk
Some front seat tracks may be missing bolts.
Rear camera may go black or freeze, raising crash risk when reversing
The rear view camera can malfunction during an ignition cycle, causing a black screen or a frozen infotainment system.
Most common 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
Problem areas named in the 144 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 54 |
| Unknown Or Other | 30 |
| Electrical System | 25 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 14 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 |
| Structure | 11 |
| Power Train | 11 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
What owners report
A software update from Volkswagen causes the infotainment system to crash and become unusable and no longer functions. Car owner is forced to purchase a new infotainment control system which is back ordered nationally with no estimation of arrival. The back up camera, and rear traffic warning no longer works as the screen is black. There is no radio, safety controls, vehicle notifications, no media control or connectivity to phones. This is a national problem, this is effecting thousands of Volkswagens through various models and years. Its a known problem, and Volkswagen is aware of it caused by their mandatory OTA update.
I am writing because of a premature rear axle coil spring fracture , which could have caused immediate risk of tire puncture and loss of vehicle control. An engine light had come on in our vehicle, and we brought it in to the dealer to find out why. They could not find any reason that the light had come on, and said everything was fine, but that they did find that the rear spring was broken. We are aware that in 2019, Volkswagon had a recall on some of its models, and I believe that there is a design flaw that made this happen in our vehicle. The technician sent us a video of the situation. Unfortunately, the file of this video is too large to attach.
The high pressure fuel pump has failed within 40,000 miles and now again at 110,000 miles. It causes the vehicle to randomly turn in drive and while idle. It has had oil consumption issues and oil leak issues that constantly occur. The dealer has replaced the high pressure fuel pump under warranty 40,000 miles and has now detected it needs to be replaced again at 110,000 miles. I paid for oil leak repair which was over 5,000 dollars and now I have another oil leak issues with the oil separator.
At 58,218 miles, the engine on this 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan failed after excessive oil consumption progressed to engine knocking. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen of Orange Park on July 24, 2025, for excessive oil consumption. The dealer performed a second oil-consumption test. During the test, the engine was heard knocking. The dealer removed the oil pan and found excessive metal. Volkswagen replaced the engine under warranty. The repair invoice was dated August 31, 2025. This created a safety concern because an engine failure can cause loss of propulsion or stalling while driving. The dealer confirmed and repaired the condition.
At approximately 53,876 miles, my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a severe, premature failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve / oil separator assembly. The failure of this component caused an immediate, dangerous buildup of internal crankcase over-pressurization. Because the excess pressure could not vent safely, it caused a catastrophic domino effect through the engine block, structurally blowing out multiple critical engine gaskets and rubber oil seals. Furthermore, the extreme downward pressure physically cracked the factory-installed composite plastic oil pan, leading to an immediate and rapid engine oil leak. A sudden and rapid loss of engine oil and internal oil
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan questions
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: Rearview Camera May Not Display Image, Raising Crash Risk; Rear Spoiler May Detach and Become a Road Hazard; Rear suspension knuckles can corrode and break; Front Seats May Move Freely, Raising Crash Injury Risk; Rear camera may go black or freeze, raising crash risk when reversing. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Based on 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (54), Unknown Or Other (30), Electrical System (25).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.