Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2025 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 11 | 8% | 20,000 miles |
| 2020 | 16 | 11% | 40,000 miles |
| 2019 | 9 | 5% | 9,000 miles |
| 2018 | 39 | 13% | 1,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% | 66,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 6% | 45,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 6% | 9,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% | 25,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 4% | 48,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 2% | 77,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% | 87,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% | 78,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% | 41,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof console detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached sunroof console. The contact was informed that the sunroof console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle needed to be ordered; however, the parts were on back-order. The contact stated that he had been waiting on the delivery of the parts for 45 days and parts were still on back-order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the overhead console detached from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the overhead console to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
The contact leased a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was entering the vehicle, she noticed that the overhead console was not properly secured. While his wife was driving at unknown speeds in high temperatures, the overhead console detached from the roof. The contact was unable to utilize the lights, blue tooth, sunroof, and other features on the console. Additionally, the wires were exposed. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the contact was informed that the parts were backordered; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Covina Volkswagen (528 S Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723) where the console was disconnected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. …
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that water was entering the rear seat of the vehicle. The contact stated that the water intrusion had caused a short circuit in the vehicle and the vehicle was driving with Reduced Engine power. The contact stated that the water intrusion also disrupted the Bluetooth functionality. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the gateway control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V947000 (Electrical System, Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that after a heavy rainstorm, approximately 4-inches of water was discovered in the rear driver's side floor and on the rear driver's side seat. Upon inspection, the contact discovered mold inside the vehicle due to the rainwater entering the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was due to a faulty drainage from the sunroof. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the right hydraulic arm of the hatchback was corroded and upon closing the trunk manually, the right hydraulic arm detached and hit her on the right side of the head and shoulder. A bystander approached the contact to check on her. The contact then sought medical assistance. The contact was informed that she had sustained a severe concussion. The contact continued to undergo pain and physical therapy. The contact was later diagnosed with oxepedo myalgia and tumor on the right shoulder. Additionally, the contact was informed that she needed a surgical procedure for shoulder replacements. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that there was no proof of the incident. …
My 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a failure of the airbag control module caused by water intrusion through the HVAC access area and failed seam seal tape at the cowl support. The dealership confirmed that water leaked through a factory seam, accumulated at the airbag module, and caused the module to fail. The airbag warning light is illuminated, and the system is inoperable. This failure matches the same defect pattern covered under Volkswagen's recall campaigns for the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport (water intrusion leading to airbag control module failure), but my VIN is not included. The root cause and safety implications are identical: water entering through a body seam/HVAC area and compromising the airbag system. This is a safety critical issue that disables the airbags and creates a risk of injury in a crash. …
There is an excessive amount of water leaking into the passenger compartment and also the cargo area The result is that considerable mold growing on the carpeting of the entire car The dealer has ordered repair parts but the parts are on back order leaving me to drive the vehicle while it has mold I have been advised if I remove the molded carpeting I will invalidate the warranty Very dangerous as occupying this vehicle results in inhaling mold
Related recalls (2)
Structure › Body
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan vehicles. During the repair of roof damage, an incorrect roof reinforcement assembly may have been installed.
Remedy: Dealers will be replace the roof reinforcement, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Tiguan years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (39), 2020 (16), 2021 (11), 2019 (9) and 2016 (6) model years. Body complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Tiguan body problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 22V-226 (body, Apr 6, 2022); 21V-732 (roof and pillars, Sep 23, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Tiguan body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 23,000 miles; 80% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (90 mentions), followed by the interior panels › ceiling (6).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.