2023 Volkswagen Tiguan problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, most often about engine. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
68
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Median mileage
14,171 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 25 of 68 complaints (37%).
  • Electrical System (12) and driver assistance & safety tech (11) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 14,171 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury.
  • The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has 1 recall on file.
  • It ranks 9th of 18 Volkswagen Tiguan model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 75% fewer complaints than the 2022 model year (270).

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan problems by category

  • 25 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    13 complaints
  • Electrical System
    12 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    11 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    4 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine24
Electrical system12
Unknown or other11
Power train8
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking7
Fuel/propulsion system6
Forward collision avoidance: warnings4
Service brakes4

When problems happen (mileage)

2Under 10k210k–30k130k–60k260k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints that list mileage.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls (1)

  • Recall 25V082000Feb 12, 202529,569 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    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."

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

    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.

Recent 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 30, 2026MDElectrical System
    The infotainment center in my 2023 VW Tiguan SE has completely died. With this failure, the reverse camera no longer activates or functions whatsoever. I am unable to access any of the features of the car that are adjusted via the infotainment center. I have contacted both the manufacturer and dealer, but there are no recalls on this year of vehicle, only the newer years. It is available for inspection. There was no indication of an issue before this failure occured and it…
    NHTSA complaint #11768177 · source
  2. Filed Sep 25, 2026MNVisibility & Wipers
    The vehicles back up camera system crashes and restarts until it ultimately stops working completely. The part (3G5035842J) specified by the dealer to repair the issue is not available for up to 2 months because it is on national back order.
    NHTSA complaint #11767042 · source
  3. Filed Sep 21, 2026100 miLAEngine
    The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, the vehicle hesitated while moving forward. The vehicle jerked while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.
    NHTSA complaint #11765955 · source
  4. Filed Sep 16, 2026NCOther / Unknown
    My VW Tiguan 2023 has a systematic problem on the Emergency Call function. The car has the module replaced twice within couple of months. Recently, it has failed by the 3rd time. You can find attached: - VW App showing an active problem with the emergency call function - A WV service invoice from 05/16/26, stating the first replacement of the SOS communication module - A WV service invoice from 07/24/26, stating the second replacement of the SOS communication module…
    NHTSA complaint #11764764 · source
  5. Filed Sep 15, 2026NVDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    On September 14, 2026, my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line experienced a sudden electronic/system failure while the vehicle was in use. The infotainment system entered a continuous reboot cycle and subsequently displayed a black screen. At approximately the same time, the SOS/emergency-call indicator illuminated red and the vehicle/app reported “Emergency call function limited! Service vehicle.” Multiple vehicle functions then became unavailable, including Front…
    NHTSA complaint #11764278 · source
  6. Filed Sep 10, 2026OHEngine
    2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, approximately 34,316 miles. While driving on I-26 in South Carolina, the EPC warning and amber warning triangle illuminated. I pulled over and stopped. After approximately 10 minutes, I restarted because I was in an unsafe location. No warnings were displayed after restarting, but approximately five miles later they returned, and I exited the highway. After stopping, extensive engine oil was visible on the rear/underside of the vehicle. I immediately…
    NHTSA complaint #11763400 · source
  7. Filed Sep 3, 2026INEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a significant engine-related failure involving the oil separator/PCV system. Volkswagen diagnosed a failed oil separator/breather that caused excessive crankcase pressure, resulting in substantial oil expulsion and damage/leaks involving the plastic/composite oil pan and timing-chain cover. Volkswagen also identified oil contamination around…
    NHTSA complaint #11762040 · source
  8. Filed Aug 6, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine
    The vehicle has experienced multiple intermittent electrical and safety-related malfunctions that have become more frequent over time. The most serious issue involves the Automatic Emergency Braking system activating unexpectedly while the vehicle is slowly reversing out of a residential driveway. The brakes suddenly apply with significant force even when there is no visible obstacle behind the vehicle. This causes the vehicle to stop abruptly, jerks all occupants forward,…
    NHTSA complaint #11755378 · source

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Other 2023 Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology