Which year to buy
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011CAREFULSerious complaints 1.7× usual, mostly engine and air bags Extended coverage
118 serious complaints of 161, the most about engine (63) and air bags (30); per car on the road, 1.7× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA18003: air bag clockspring failure. NHTSA investigation RQ17009: air bag clockspring failure.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2011 volkswagen tiguan. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle shook and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed due to the timing change tensioner and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Aug 2016
“My vehicle had the steering wheel clock spring replaced at the dealership in feb 2016 under the recall. May 14 2016 I was turning left at a stoplight when there was a grinding noise and my airbag light came on and my steering wheel controls and horn stopped working. I believe the clock spring has gone bad and needs to be replaced again.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, May 2016
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP COMMUNICATION: Volkswagen announced a warranty extension program to cover the High Pressure Fuel Pump on 2009-2012 model year TDI Clean Diesel Engine vehicles (Dealer, Apr 2015)
- Extended coverage This document advises dealers regarding the Timing Chain/Timing Chain Tensioner Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18, Aug 2018)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18-11, Oct 2018)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-19, Dec 2019)
- Extended coverage This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. (Turbocharger, Sep 2025)
- Extended coverage This technical bulletin was updated per powertain team and warranty team. (V241702, Feb 2017)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
161 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–22 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2011 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · Drive: AWD, FWD
2011 Tiguan trims
| 4-Motion |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Volkswagen reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Volkswagen aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 201–268 hp | AWD, FWD | 25–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 201–268 hp | AWD, FWD | 25–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 30 | Engine (13) | — |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 201 hp | AWD, FWD | 25–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 49 | Electrical system (15) | — |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 184 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–27 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 71 | Electrical system (24) | — |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 184 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–27 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 68 | Engine (24) | — |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 184 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–26 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 269 | Engine (112) | — |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 184 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 141 | Engine (53) | — |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 184 hp | AWD, FWD | 23–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 140 | Unknown or other (52) | — |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 184 hp | AWD, FWD | 24–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 192 | Electrical system (56) | — |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 184–200 hp | AWD, FWD | 22–24 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 14 | 290 | Engine (83) | — |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 200 hp | AWD, FWD | 21–22 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 75 | Air bags (30) | — |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 200 hp | AWD, FWD | 22–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 96 | Air bags (37) | — |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 22–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 62 | Air bags (28) | — |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 84 | Air bags (46) | — |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 139 | Air bags (63) | — |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD, FWD | 21–24 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 153 | Engine (50) | — |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD, FWD | 21–22 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 161 | Engine (63) | — |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 110 | Engine (50) | — |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN SUV ICE FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2027 | VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN SUV ICE AWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN SUV N/A AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 30 |
| 2026 | VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN SUV N/A FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 30 |
| 2025 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 49 |
| 2025 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 49 |
| 2024 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 71 |
| 2024 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 71 |
| 2023 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Optional | 1 | 68 |
| 2023 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 4 | Standard | Optional | 1 | 68 |
| 2022 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 5 | 269 |
| 2022 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 5 | 269 |
| 2021 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 5 | No | Optional | 5 | 141 |
| 2021 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 5 | No | Optional | 5 | 141 |
| 2020 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Optional | 3 | 140 |
| 2020 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Optional | 3 | 140 |
| 2019 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 192 |
| 2019 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 192 |
| 2018 | Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 30 |
| 2018 | Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 30 |
| 2018 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 14 | 284 |
| 2018 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 14 | 284 |
| 2018 | Volkswagen Tiguan LTD SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 13 | 254 |
| 2018 | Volkswagen Tiguan LTD SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 13 | 254 |
| 2017 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 75 |
| 2017 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 75 |
| 2016 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 96 |
| 2016 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 96 |
| 2015 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 62 |
| 2015 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 62 |
| 2014 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 84 |
| 2014 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 84 |
| 2013 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD Later Release | 4 | No | No | 0 | 9 |
| 2013 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD Later Release | 4 | No | No | 0 | 9 |
| 2013 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD Early Release | 4 | No | No | 3 | 139 |
| 2013 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD Early Release | 4 | No | No | 3 | 139 |
| 2012 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 153 |
| 2012 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 153 |
| 2011 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 161 |
| 2011 | Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 161 |
| 2010 | Volkswagen Tiguan 4-Dr. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 110 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2027 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2027 | Tiguan S | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 29 |
| 2027 | Tiguan SEL 4Motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2026 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2026 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2026 | Tiguan S | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 29 |
| 2026 | Tiguan SEL 4Motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2025 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2025 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2025 | Tiguan S | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 29 |
| 2024 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2024 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2024 | Tiguan R-Line 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2024 | Tiguan S | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2023 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2023 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2023 | Tiguan R-Line 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2023 | Tiguan S | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2022 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2022 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2022 | Tiguan R-Line 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2021 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2021 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2020 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2020 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2019 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2019 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2018 | Tiguan | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2018 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2018 | Tiguan Limited | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2018 | Tiguan Limited 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2017 | Tiguan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2017 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2016 | Tiguan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2016 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2015 | Tiguan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2015 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2014 | Tiguan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2014 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2013 | Tiguan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2013 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2012 | Tiguan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
21–24 |
| 2012 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2011 | Tiguan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
21–22 |
| 2011 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2010 | Tiguan | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
21 |
| 2010 | Tiguan 4motion | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 20 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.