2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Report

2019 VW Tiguan: Strong crash ratings, but concerning electrical and engine stall complaints, plus 5 recalls.

170Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
5Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
4Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (20)Electrical System (18)Forward Collision Avoidance (13)Engine (12)Service Brakes (10)Power Train (7)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (4)Suspension (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved strong crash test ratings from NHTSA, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 170 total complaints, including 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries, there are notable issues beyond crashworthiness. A significant number of complaints (20) fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER,' suggesting a variety of less categorized problems. However, specific patterns emerge in 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (18 complaints) and 'ENGINE' (12 complaints), with multiple reports of the vehicle shutting off while driving, often linked to the 'starter system' or ignition switch, posing a high risk of crash. The vehicle also has 5 recalls, addressing issues from tire pressure monitoring and incorrect tire labels to fracturing rear coil springs and potential instrument cluster failures, all of which could increase crash risk. The recall for 'STRUCTURE:BODY' regarding an insufficiently attached accessory rear hat spoiler also highlights a potential road hazard. These recalls, combined with the recurring electrical and engine-related complaints, indicate areas where the vehicle's reliability and operational safety could be compromised despite its robust crash test performance.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Vehicle Shutting Off While Driving
Multiple complaints describe the vehicle suddenly losing all power, including steering, brakes, and lights, while driving, often accompanied by a 'check starter system' warning. This is frequently linked to the ignition switch or electrical system.
High Common unknown miles
Delayed Acceleration/Hesitation
Drivers report significant delays (3-6 seconds) in acceleration from a stop, leading to dangerous situations when pulling into traffic.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Sunroof Leaks And Shattering
Complaints include water leaks from improperly routed sunroof drains leading to electrical shorts and mold, as well as instances of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Rear Coil Spring Fracture
A recall (NHTSA ID: 19V191000) addresses rear coil springs that may prematurely fracture, potentially damaging a rear tire and causing loss of vehicle control.
High Rare unknown miles
Incorrect Tire Information Label
A recall (NHTSA ID: 19V072000) indicates the tire information label has inaccurate tire dimension and inflation pressure specifications, which can lead to improper tire inflation or incorrect tire installation.
Medium Rare new miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan:

Electrical System 10% of complaints

Frequent reports of vehicle power loss, 'check starter system' warnings, and issues with lights or instrument cluster, often linked to high temperatures or ignition switch.

Engine 7% of complaints

Complaints include engine stalling, loss of power, high oil consumption, and water pump leaks.

Forward Collision Avoidance 7% of complaints

Issues with automatic braking engaging unexpectedly while driving.

Power Train 4% of complaints

Delayed acceleration from a stop and transmission entering emergency mode.

Structure:Body 2% of complaints

Sunroof shattering and water leaks leading to electrical issues.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Parking brake not disengaging due to electrical shorts from water intrusion, and automatic braking engaging unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

Is the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has 170 complaints, including 5 crashes and 4 injuries, with recurring issues like the vehicle shutting off while driving and delayed acceleration, which are significant safety concerns. There are also 5 recalls addressing various safety-related components.

What are common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan include electrical system failures (18 complaints) often leading to the vehicle shutting off while driving, engine problems (12 complaints) such as stalling and power loss, and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions (13 complaints) causing unexpected braking. Delayed acceleration and sunroof-related issues (leaks, shattering) are also frequently cited.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Yes, the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has 5 recalls. These include issues with the tire pressure monitoring system, an incorrectly installed accessory rear hat spoiler, inaccurate tire information labels, prematurely fracturing rear coil springs, and instrument cluster failures that could prevent notification of a key left in the ignition.

Does the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan have transmission problems?

While not explicitly listed as 'transmission' in the top complaint components, 'POWER TRAIN' has 7 complaints, with specific reports of delayed acceleration from a stop and the transmission entering 'emergency mode.' These indicate potential issues with the vehicle's power delivery system.

What are the biggest safety risks for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The biggest safety risks for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan appear to be the sudden loss of power or vehicle shutdown while driving, often linked to electrical system or ignition switch failures, and significant delays in acceleration. Both can lead to a loss of control or increase the risk of a collision, especially in traffic or at high speeds. Additionally, recalls for fracturing coil springs and incorrect tire information pose crash risks.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring electrical and engine issues, including reports of the vehicle shutting off while driving. Thoroughly check for completed recall repairs and consider an extended warranty, especially if purchasing a used model.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The data includes 170 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.