What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2017–2021) Tiguan?

Tiguan owners have made 31 complaints about the 2017–2021 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 32nd out of 46 VW generations in overall reliability, with real engine and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Tiguan Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2017–2021) Tiguan Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 31 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 32nd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 46 eligible generations.

Recent 2nd Generation (2017–2021) Tiguan News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Earlier this summer a lawsuit was filed regarding dangerous defects in the Aisin AWF8F35 8-speed transmission.

    Specifically how it hesitates, shakes, and grinds its way to busted seals, oil leaks, and eventual failure.

    Volkswagen asked for the case to be dismissed on the classic legal defense of sure there complaints, but it's not that many complaints.

    And when they tried to convince the court the plaintiffs shouldn't have a case because VW couldn't have possibly known about the problems before the vehicles were sold, they were asked about a "technical tip" sent to VW dealerships on possile transmission problems before the vehicles were sold. The document describes scraping noises commonly heard when shifting into 5th gear at speeds of 20-25 mph, under light load.

    keep reading article "VW Fails to Convince Judge Their 8-Speed Transmissions Aren't Trash"

  2. Volkswagen is recalling 56,000 vehicles with rear coil springs that can snap, crackle, and pop the tires.

    This appears to be an expansion of a smaller recall for the exact same problem last month. It wasn’t until the cars were shipped and sold that VW’s supplier admitted the coil springs weren’t ready for production. Yikes. Owners of the 2015-2019 Golf, 2017-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, and 2018-2019 Tiguan should watch for a recall notice next month.

    keep reading article "VW Recalls More Vehicles with Rear Coil Springs ‘Not Ready for Production'"