Ford Explorer vs Volkswagen Tiguan
For 2008–2022 models, the Volkswagen Tiguan has 26.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 54.1 for the Ford Explorer. 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 Explorer
54.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.1× the Volkswagen Tiguan’s rate
- Complaints
- 15,014
- Sold
- 2,775,428
- Recall campaigns
- 72
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016. Fewest: 2009 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Volkswagen Tiguan
26.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
52% fewer than the Ford Explorer
- 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 Explorer or the Volkswagen Tiguan?
For 2008–2022 models, the Volkswagen Tiguan has 26.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Explorer has 54.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 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 Explorer and Volkswagen Tiguan years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Explorer: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016; 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.