NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect when air pressure drops in all four tires at the same time, failing to alert you in time.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls, 173 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan.
25 mpg combined
9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical complaints dominate the 2019 Tiguan, with the most consistent pattern being unexpected engine shutdowns accompanied by a "Check Starting System" warning. Owners describe this happening while driving, sometimes mid-turn or in traffic, with the engine stalling and then refusing to restart for several minutes. When the shutdown occurs, multiple systems go offline at once: gauges, brake lights, turn signals, air conditioning, and the radio all cut out simultaneously. Several owners note the issue appears tied to high ambient temperatures or direct sun exposure, though it can also occur without restarting successfully on the first try. Forward collision avoidance is the second most-reported system, and engine complaints round out the top three, though the starting system shutdown pattern is the most frequently and consistently described behavior across owner reports.
173
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has 6 recalls, the most serious involving rear coil springs that can fracture while driving, potentially puncturing a rear tire and causing loss of vehicle control.
The tire pressure monitoring system on certain trims can fail to detect a sudden loss of pressure across all four tires, leaving the driver unaware of a dangerous situation. Two recalls involve inaccurate tire information labels that list incorrect tire sizes and inflation pressures, which can lead to improper tire use and raise the risk of a crash; these two recalls describe the same underlying issue and only affect long wheel base models. On the body side, an accessory rear hatch spoiler on certain vehicles may not be securely attached and can separate at speed, becoming a hazard for other drivers. There is also an electrical concern: on vehicles without keyless entry, the instrument cluster may not sound an audible alert when the key is left in the ignition with the door open, raising the risk of theft or an unintended rollaway.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect when air pressure drops in all four tires at the same time, failing to alert you in time.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will update the tire pressure monitoring system software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accessory rear hatch spoiler may not be securely attached to the vehicle due to incorrect installation instructions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the spoiler at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire size and inflation pressure information on your vehicle's compliance label may be incorrect. Using wrong-sized tires or improper inflation pressure can cause tire failure or poor driving performance.
What the fix does
You'll receive a notice by mail instructing you to visit a dealer. The dealer will inspect and replace your compliance label with the correct information.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire information label on the driver's door jamb lists incorrect tire sizes and air pressure specifications for your vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the tire information label with a corrected one at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear coil springs may break prematurely, potentially affecting vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster may not alert you with a sound when the key remains in the ignition and a door is open.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster at no cost to restore the audible warning.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
