Volkswagen Tiguan: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 93,828 Volkswagen Tiguan cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2007 and 2026.
In a sample of 392 cars, 38.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (9.9% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 2% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen Tiguan
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.9% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 8.4% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 8.4% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.1% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 3.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.1% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 1.8% |
| Brake disc badly corroded | 1.5% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 1.5% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 1.5% |
Share of 392 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 12.5% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.4% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 93,828 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 2% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2007 to 2026 |
All Volkswagen Tiguan passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-10 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 7 |
| 2025-04-25 | seats | – | 0 |
| 2024-12-23 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 3 |
| 2024-03-07 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 24 |
| 2023-05-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2 |
| 2022-05-20 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 84 |
| 2022-04-08 | electrical system | serious | 232 |
| 2022-03-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 145 |
| 2021-11-05 | brakes | serious | 0 |
| 2021-09-08 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 3 |
| 2021-07-09 | seats | serious | 11 |
| 2021-03-29 | towbar and trailer coupling | serious | 1,142 |
| 2021-03-05 | seats | – | 0 |
| 2021-03-05 | seats | – | 0 |
| 2020-12-16 | brakes | serious | 863 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Volkswagen Tiguan fail the APK?
In a sample of 392 cars first registered 2012–2021, 38.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (9.9%), tyre tread depth insufficient (8.4%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (8.4%).
Does the Volkswagen Tiguan have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 2% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volkswagen models
Golf · Polo · Up! · Passat · T-Roc · Touran · ID.3 · T-Cross · ID.4 · Fox · Caddy · Taigo · Transporter · California · Kombi
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.