Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Camry
How the Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Camry: The Tiguan averages 127.5 complaints per year, with engine and electrical issues dominating, while the Camry averages 214.3, including brake and powertrain problems. The Tiguan has 40 recalls, the Camry 31. Choose based on your tolerance for specific failure types. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan, in ownership terms, is a compact SUV that has generated a high volume of complaints, averaging 127.5 per year over the past decade. The pattern suggests that owners frequently encounter serious engine and electrical issues, often leading to multiple dealership visits. Living with a Tiguan may involve unexpected breakdowns, warning lights, and costly repairs, as reflected in the sample complaints about head gasket failures and electrical gremlins.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a higher average complaint rate of 214.3 per year, but the nature of the issues is different. Owners report problems with the powertrain, brakes, and engine, including transmission noises and sudden acceleration incidents. While the Camry has more complaints overall, the issues are more varied and sometimes relate to safety-critical systems, which could be a concern for buyers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Tiguan | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,275 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 31 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 127.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 35 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Volkswagen Tiguan
- 01ENGINE376
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM278
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER267
- 04POWER TRAIN149
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE125
Owners report oil leaks and head gasket failures, leading to engine default mode and lengthy repairs. For example, a 2021 Tiguan owner experienced oil splashing onto the windshield and another had a head gasket blow at 30,000 miles.
Electrical issues are common, including problems with the infotainment system, warning lights, and sensors. One owner described the radio turning off and on, and another had a central warning light illuminate after a software update.
Powertrain complaints often involve check engine lights and sensor replacements that provide only temporary fixes. One owner noted recurring issues with sensors and warning lights over several months.
“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's dad who was following behind the vehicle noticed oil splashing onto the front windshield of his vehicle. The contact's dad then noticed whi…”
“I’ve had my Volkswagen Tiguen since 2021 fresh off the lot. I have been the only owner of the car at about 30,000 miles my head gasket blew, causing the engine to go into default after weeks in the dealer. They replaced the head gasket and stitched it up, the…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are reported, including grinding noises and the need for replacement. One owner described a grinding noise upon acceleration, and the dealer recommended a transmission replacement.
Brake problems include a lack of response when pressing the pedal, as one owner experienced on a steep hill. Another owner reported unintended acceleration when applying the brake in a parking lot.
Engine complaints include sudden acceleration incidents and coolant valve bypass issues. One owner reported three instances of uncontrollable acceleration, leading to a crash, while another had a code indicating a recall for a coolant valve that wasn't covered for their VIN.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Volkswagen Tiguan — 40 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Long Wheelbase and Jetta vehicles. Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks.
The risk: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volks…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, the…
The risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this rec…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan, Taos, and 2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. The left or right rear suspension knuckles may corrode, crack, and break.
The risk: A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both rear suspension knuckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numb…
The defect: 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 com…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 p…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has fewer complaints per year (127.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Tiguan's issues are more concentrated in engine and electrical failures, which can be severe. The Camry's higher complaint rate includes more safety-related incidents like brake failures and sudden acceleration, which may be more alarming to buyers.
Key differences
- The Tiguan has more engine-related complaints (376) than the Camry (315), with issues like head gasket failures and oil leaks.
- The Camry has significantly more brake complaints (290) compared to the Tiguan (not in top components), including reports of brake failure.
- The Tiguan has a higher number of recalls (40) than the Camry (31), but the Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs 31).
- The Tiguan's electrical system complaints (278) are higher than the Camry's (246), with issues like infotainment glitches and warning lights.
- Inspect the engine for oil leaks and check service records for head gasket replacements, as these are common failures.
- Test the infotainment system and check for any warning lights that may indicate electrical issues.
- Check the transmission for any unusual noises or hesitation during test drive, as replacements are reported.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially at low speeds, and ask about any recalls related to brake or acceleration issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine and transmission for the Tiguan, and brakes and transmission for the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles on varied roads, including hills, to assess brake response and acceleration behavior.
- Ask for service records and note any repeated repairs for the same issue.
- Check online forums and NHTSA complaints for model-year-specific issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Volkswagen Tiguan | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 | 119 |
| 2025 | 46 | 153 |
| 2024 | 62 | 48 |
| 2023 | 60 | 62 |
| 2022 | 261 | 59 |
| 2021 | 136 | 155 |
| 2020 | 139 | 270 |
| 2019 | 189 | 393 |
| 2018 | 282 | 736 |
| 2017 | 75 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Tiguan total complaints
- 1,275
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volkswagen Tiguan total recalls
- 40
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volkswagen Tiguan avg complaints/year
- 127.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volkswagen Tiguan top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN