Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.2/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.8/10, while Reliability at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.0/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.8/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.0/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $25,049–$32,028, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Tiguan sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Its value score of 8.8/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan sits in the middle of the field. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $25,049 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 31%.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Tiguan Year Should You Buy?
Across the Tiguan model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / air bag/restraint control module 17/07/2019 · 19V535000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment…
Latches/locks/linkages 24/06/2016 · 16V464000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
We rate the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #1611 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 34% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan cost?
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $25,049 and ranges up to $32,028 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Tiguan years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Tiguan years we've rated are 2017 (7.2/10), 2016 (7.2/10), 2015 (7.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Tiguan
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More Volkswagen Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year