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.
2013CAREFULSerious complaints 1.5× usual, mostly air bags and engine Extended coverage
123 serious complaints of 139, the most about air bags (63) and engine (29); per car on the road, 1.5× 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 2013 volkswagen tiguan. While driving approximately 70 mph, there was a clicking sound that came from the steering wheel. All of the controls on the steering wheel failed to work, including the horn, and the air bag warning indicator illuminated.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Nov 2015
“The contact owns a 2013 volkswagen tiguan. While driving, the vehicle lost power unexpectedly and the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Sep 2016
Fixes and extended coverage
- 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)
- Extended coverage The Vehicle Maintenance Declaration has been added back to WISE for the Timing Chain Warranty Extension. (Vehicle, Jan 2019)
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.
139 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–23 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2013 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
2013 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.