VehicleVerdict

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is among the quieter years of the Tiguan on NHTSA's books: 84 complaints (50% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (20), other (12), and driver assistance (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

84

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Tiguan years?

Tiguan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted446 complaints2009: 247 complaints2010: 158 complaints2011: 238 complaints2012: 214 complaints2013: 227 complaints2014: 127 complaints2015: 106 complaints2016: 145 complaints2017: 101 complaints2018: 446 complaints2019: 282 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 175 complaints2022: 432 complaints2023: 84 complaints2024: 88 complaints2025: 65 complaints2026: 33 complaints
Tiguan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tiguan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2024%
Other1214%
Driver Assistance1214%
Electrical System1113%
Transmission78%
Fuel System67%
Brakes45%
Speed Control45%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Tires & Wheels22%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V082000Driver AssistanceFebruary 12, 2025 · 29,569 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

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 recall are (Volkswagen) 91NY and (Audi) 90AV.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Oil light continues to come on after about 1,000-1,500 miles after an oil change. This has happen several times now and I have to put oil in it to keep it from ruining the engine. I see hat there have been complaints about this already with these models with excessive oil consumption and even…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 7, 2026

“While driving south bound on i95 express lane, the vehicle in front of me stopped abruptly. I attempted to break but was unable to do so. Also the emergency breaks/front vehicle collision warning did not activate. In order to avoid a head on collision, I swerved to the right and my front left side…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 7, 2024 · crash

“Severe oil consumption approximately every 2,000 miles the oil light comes on and I have to take it in. Had it serviced at 10,000 miles was told nothing was wrong. The oil light came on again after about 2000 miles from service. Have taken it for oil top off about 7 times approximately every 2,000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 29, 2024

“The instrument cluster became blank suddenly and no longer displays any speed, mileage, temperature or any essential information. It is currently available for inspection. This is a safety issue as I don’t have any speedometer reading or any important vehicle information. This issue occurred…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 6, 2026

“Jittery acceleration. Intermittent accelerator hesitation from a stop. The car hesitates or bogs down which can be unpredictable when pulling into traffic. Sometimes the RPMs surge during low speed without input from the gas peddle. I have had the car serviced twice since leased in July 2023. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 26, 2023

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan — common questions

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 84 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Tiguan year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 Tiguan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (20 complaints), other (12 complaints), driver assistance (12 complaints).

Does the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Tiguan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tiguan years to avoid are 2018, 2022, 2019, 2011, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2016, 2014. The cleanest record among Tiguan years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.