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Volkswagen Tiguan problems, repairs and warranty value

Review possible repair costs and submitted NHTSA records for the Volkswagen Tiguan. Compare documented symptoms and manufacturer repair guidance, then choose your model year for its available records and repair estimates.

12model-year profiles
1,505submitted complaints
35unique vehicle recall campaigns
GasolineEPA powertrain choices
Animated diagnostic illustration for the Volkswagen Tiguan

Model records

What changes the warranty calculation

The Volkswagen Tiguan records contain 1,505 submitted complaints across 12 matched model years. The median is 86 reports per matched year. NHTSA source snapshot: 2026-10-18.

The 2018 record contains 292 complaint reports, the highest raw count among matched years here; other years may tie. Vehicle sales and time on the road differ, so this comparison does not establish a failure rate.

Engine replacement or major internal repair has the highest arithmetic midpoint for parts in the applicable planning estimates, at $8,000 before labor. Confirm the configuration and remaining factory coverage before using this broad estimate to compare a service contract.

48 recall/model-year entries. A campaign can cover several years; the unique campaign count removes that repetition. Missing model-name matches remain unavailable.

Problem research and repair guidance

Volkswagen Tiguan: symptoms, affected vehicles and documented fixes

Match the symptom and the exact vehicle scope before arranging work. The imported catalogue is an editorial index of source documents, not an independent safety authority. Recall text is checked against NHTSA; each record links to the evidence that supports its scope and remedy.

5documented issue files
4vehicle systems

3 recall files · 2 other manufacturer files. These are editorial file counts, not distinct campaign totals, failure rates or a complete recall history.

AIR BAGS

Official safety recall2015, 2016Campaign 19V535000

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE: recall 19V535000

Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.

Condition in the official record

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: TIGUAN. Model years: 2015, 2016.
  • NHTSA campaign 19V535000
  • The complete campaign lists 27,822 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Published recall remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Z5.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Z5.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Official safety recall2022, 2023, 2024Campaign 25V082000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: recall 25V082000

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

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."

Condition in the official record

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."

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: TIGUAN. Model years: 2022, 2023, 2024.
  • NHTSA campaign 25V082000
  • The complete campaign lists 29,569 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Published recall 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.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

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.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

Body & water ingress

Manufacturer service action2018, 2019

Blocked front sunroof drains and water ingress

Water entering a sunroof-equipped Tiguan after rain is the condition behind Volkswagen's service action for blocked front drains.

Volkswagen opened Service Action 60E5 for certain 2018 to 2019 Tiguan vehicles. The published action says moist debris can block the front sunroof drains and allow water into the passenger compartment. A wet interior can also have other sources, so the VIN and leak path both need checking.

Symptoms to compare
  • Water or dampness near the front headliner or overhead console
  • Wet carpet or trim after rain or a car wash
  • A musty smell following repeated water ingress

Other ways owners describe it: water dripping from the roof; wet headliner after rain; sunroof leaking into car; water near the front dome light; wet carpet after heavy rain; rain coming through overhead console.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • Certain 2018 to 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles
  • Vehicles equipped with a sunroof
  • VIN eligibility under Service Action 60E5 must be confirmed

The action was VIN based rather than triggered by a stated mileage. The campaign document also carried an expiration date, so current repair coverage must be confirmed with Volkswagen.

Manufacturer position and diagnosis

Volkswagen instructed dealers to inspect, clean and modify the front sunroof drains on eligible vehicles.

Check the VIN and front drain actionVolkswagen service procedure · Published repair time was under one hour

Ask a Volkswagen dealer to check whether Service Action 60E5 is open or was previously completed. The published procedure is to inspect, clean and modify the front drains.

Limit: An old service action document does not guarantee that no-cost coverage is still available.

Document where the water first appearsBasic observation · 5 minutes

After natural rain, photograph the first damp area before moving the vehicle or removing trim. Note whether moisture starts at the headliner, overhead console or carpet.

Limit: Do not remove the headliner or probe a drain beside roof airbags.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: August 2, 2026

Manufacturer documented2018, 2019

Sunroof body seal water leak

A wet front headliner near the overhead console appears in Volkswagen's bulletin for poor sunroof body-seal adhesion.

Volkswagen Technical Bulletin 60-19-04 covers specified 2018 to 2019 Tiguan long-wheelbase vehicles with water entering around the front headliner. It identifies reduced adhesion between the sunroof body-side seal and the body as one possible cause. The bulletin first requires confirmation that the glass and drains are not the source.

Symptoms to compare
  • Damp or stained headliner around one or both vanity lights
  • Moisture around the sunroof opening or overhead console
  • Water ingress even though the glass is fully closed

Other ways owners describe it: sunroof leaks around visor; water coming through vanity light; roof console gets wet; headliner soaked at the front; sunroof seal came loose; water leak above front seats.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • Specified 2018 to 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan long-wheelbase vehicles
  • The bulletin contains VIN ranges and a production change point
  • The leak must be traced to poor body-side seal adhesion

The bulletin uses model year, VIN and leak-source criteria rather than a mileage threshold.

Manufacturer position and diagnosis

Volkswagen directs technicians to verify the leak, inspect the glass and drains, then remove the sunroof frame and body-side seal for the published seal repair when poor adhesion is confirmed.

Confirm the seal leak before repairBody and sunroof specialist · Workshop procedure

A technician should water-test the vehicle, check the sunroof glass and drains, and use the bulletin only when poor adhesion of the body-side seal is confirmed.

Limit: The official repair requires removal of the sunroof frame and is not a trim-level DIY job.

Dry and map the damp areaBasic observation · 10 minutes

Blot accessible moisture, photograph the boundary of the damp area and note whether it returns around a vanity light, the overhead console or a roof corner.

Limit: Avoid heat guns and do not disturb the headliner near curtain airbags.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: August 2, 2026

SUSPENSION

Official NHTSA safety recall2018Campaign 18V324000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT: recall 18V324000

A loose or improperly tightened ball joint nut can result in the separation of the lower ball joint causing steering, traction or other stability issues, increasing the risk of a crash.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The nut that holds the lower ball joint of the front wheel on each side of the vehicle may be loose or improperly tightened.

Condition in the official record

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The nut that holds the lower ball joint of the front wheel on each side of the vehicle may be loose or improperly tightened.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: TIGUAN. Model years: 2018.
  • NHTSA campaign 18V324000
  • The complete campaign lists 2,473 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Campaign 18V324000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Component in the source: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Jurisdiction: United States

Published recall remedy

Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the nut on the lower ball joint and, as necessary, clean the thread in the ball joint, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40N4. Note: owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair has been performed.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A loose or improperly tightened ball joint nut can result in the separation of the lower ball joint causing steering, traction or other stability issues, increasing the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the nut on the lower ball joint and, as necessary, clean the thread in the ball joint, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40N4. Note: owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair has been performed.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

Confirm who pays before authorizing work

A recall remedy follows the campaign and VIN eligibility. A service bulletin provides diagnosis or repair instructions; it does not by itself promise payment. Manufacturer warranty extensions and support programs have their own conditions.

Compare recalls, bulletins and warranty extensions →

Keep a current problem separate from future coverage

These files do not supply a shop quote. Ask for a diagnosis and written estimate, then check recall remedies or existing coverage. A new vehicle service contract generally excludes pre-existing conditions.

Prepare a useful description for the mechanic →

Each file retains its original source review date. Historical remedy wording can change; check the current manufacturer notice and NHTSA VIN lookup for your vehicle. The separately dated NHTSA counts elsewhere on this page use a different dataset and scope.

Read the evidence for this vehicle

What can the data tell you about Volkswagen Tiguan?

No model-specific individual-repair price keys are retained for Volkswagen Tiguan in this library. Generic parts and labor estimates, public records and separate annual cost references may still be available.

Individual-repair price scopeGeneric inputs

Model-level range presence is a source-coverage check. It does not confirm that a repair fits every engine or model year.

EPA configuration match34 source rows

The mapped years for this model can include different equipment. Use the VIN and original specifications to identify the actual configuration.

Documented repair paths2 selected files

The manufacturer instruction can describe software, inspection or a smaller component before a complete assembly replacement.

Price-key audit reviewed October 18, 2026; EPA source snapshot 2026-08-07. Individual-repair ranges and annual repair-budget references are different datasets.

EPA configuration facts

Engines and drivetrains sold under this model name

FuelEconomy.gov lists 34 matched Volkswagen Tiguan configurations across the model years shown here. Trim, engine and drive layout can change which repairs belong in a warranty comparison.

Vehicle classSmall SUV
Fuel choicesGasoline
Drive layoutsAll-wheel drive and Front-wheel drive
Engine range2 L; 4 cylinders
EPA efficiency range21 to 29 mpg
Transmission typesAutomatic

These are ranges across EPA configurations, not the specification of every trim. The VIN and original window sticker settle the exact equipment. Source: FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data, dataset updated 2026-08-07.

Possible repair costs

Major repairs for this powertrain

These estimates use parts benchmarks and modeled independent-shop labor rates for 50-metro reference, so you can compare models using the same labor assumptions.

RepairEstimated range
Engine replacement or major internal repair$6,095 to $16,964
Transmission replacement$6,079 to $6,995
Transfer case replacement$2,189 to $8,192
Turbocharger replacement$1,662 to $6,524
Head gasket replacement$2,339 to $3,728
Strut and control arm repair$1,053 to $4,545
Compare a warranty quote with repair costsAll Volkswagen models