Ford Escape vs Volkswagen Tiguan
For 2008–2022 models, the Volkswagen Tiguan has 26.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 61.2 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2008–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
61.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.4× the Volkswagen Tiguan’s rate
- Complaints
- 21,739
- Sold
- 3,553,535
- Recall campaigns
- 67
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010 and 2013. Fewest: 2012 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Volkswagen Tiguan
26.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
58% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 2,053
- Sold
- 789,415
- Recall campaigns
- 33
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2009–2011 and 2013. Fewest: 2008, 2017 and 2020–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 56,350 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 26,000 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 5,700 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 8,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 67,487 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Volkswagen Tiguan?
For 2008–2022 models, the Volkswagen Tiguan has 26.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 61.2, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Tiguan is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 56,350 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Volkswagen Tiguan years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2008–2010 and 2013; Volkswagen Tiguan: 2009–2011 and 2013.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.