Used Volkswagen Tiguan 2024-present reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

The Tiguan will likely have been used on the school run, so check the interior for signs of wear and tear. Be sure to inspect the bodywork for stone chips and parking scuffs, as well as the alloy wheels for damage. Make sure the car has a full service history and check the electrics are all working as they should be.

Given how reliant the latest Tiguan is on digital systems, it’s worth spending extra time testing the infotainment setup. Check that the touchscreen responds quickly, the menus load without lag and that features like smartphone connectivity, navigation and climate controls all function properly. Any glitches, freezing or slow response times could point to software issues that may require updates.

If you’re looking at plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions, make sure the charging system works as expected and that the battery holds charge properly. Ask how the car has been used – regular charging tends to keep PHEVs in better condition. On all models, listen out for any unusual noises from the suspension over bumps and ensure the gearbox (especially DSG automatics) shifts smoothly without hesitation, as this can highlight potential wear or early issues.

At the time of writing, the Tiguan has just one recall listed. To check whether a car has been affected, you can contact your local VW dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.

Reason for recall

Volkswagen AG has established that on Tiguan vehicles of a limited production period, there is the possibility that because of a faulty protective felt in the event of a front crash, a tear in the seat belt on the front seats could occur. In the event of an accident, the seat belt could get caught in the side lever for seat height adjustment. The faulty protective felt on the lever for the seat height adjustment can cause the seat belt to tear in the event of a front crash. A torn seat belt increases the risk of severe or deadly injuries in the event of accidents.

How the manufacturer will repair: For safety reasons, the replacement of the faulty protective felt on the lever to the seat height adjustment is necessary. Until the check, do not use the vehicle with the front seats in a seat position that is far back and low down. Otherwise, there is a risk that the seat belt could tear in the event of a front crash and the risk of severe or deadly injuries is increased.

Number of affected vehicles: 337

Date of recall: 19/12/2024

The third-generation Tiguan is not a reliable car, according to the What Car? Reliability Survey. It came last out of 76 rivals in the family SUV category, scoring just 64.2% – well behind key rivals such as Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Volvo XC40.

The Tiguan also recorded the highest fault rate in the survey, with 81% of vehicles experiencing at least one issue. Problems with the infotainment system were the most common, affecting 31% of cars, while faults with the braking system and non-engine electrical components each accounted for 19%.

Repairs were often time-consuming. Around 41% of affected vehicles were off the road for more than a week, and only 28% were fixed within a single day. On the positive side, Volkswagen covered the cost of all repairs.

As a manufacturer, Volkswagen also did poorly, finishing joint 24th with Ford out of 30 brands with a score of 90.5%. This placed it ahead of MG and Nissan, but behind competitors such as Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Peugeot and Skoda.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.