GradeVolkswagen Tiguan Reliability Grade
Above-average reliability
Grade a specific Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Volkswagen Tiguan earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The engine (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,558 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Volkswagen Tiguan reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017
Years to avoid: 2018 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2022 (oil burning)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Volkswagen Tiguan last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs. other compact SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | A- | A | A- |
| Nissan Rogue | B+ | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-5 | B+ | B+ | B+ |
| Toyota Venza | A- | A- | B+ |
| Honda CR-V | B- | B+ | B |
| Chevrolet Equinox | C+ | B+ | B |
| Kia Sportage | C- | B+ | B |
| Subaru Forester | B+ | B | B |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | B- | B+ | B |
| GMC Terrain | C | B- | C+ |
| Hyundai Tucson | D | C+ | C |
| Ford Escape | F | F | F |
| Jeep Cherokee | C- | F | F |
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Rate your TiguanVolkswagen Tiguan reliability FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
Above-average reliability. The Volkswagen Tiguan earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The engine (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,558 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Volkswagen Tiguan last?
We estimate a well-maintained Volkswagen Tiguan lasts around 175,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Volkswagen Tiguan model years are 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
What Volkswagen Tiguan years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Volkswagen Tiguan years to be most careful with are 2018 and 2022. The 2022 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is oil burning. The 2018 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission C-), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Volkswagen Tiguan transmission a B+ (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Volkswagen Tiguan engine a B- (average reliability).