Toyota Highlander vs Volkswagen Tiguan
For 2008–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 15.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 26.0 for the Volkswagen Tiguan. 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.
Toyota Highlander
15.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
42% fewer than the Volkswagen Tiguan
- Complaints
- 3,784
- Sold
- 2,525,131
- Recall campaigns
- 35
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2014, 2016 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Volkswagen Tiguan
26.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.7× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- 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 Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Tiguan?
For 2008–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 15.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Tiguan has 26.0, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 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 Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Tiguan years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Toyota Highlander: 2008 and 2010; 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.