Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints

584 consumer complaints on file.

#11722170March 5, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The cylinder head has passages that collect carbon build up that build up outside of general maintenance that clog the cylinder head and can eventually lead to combustion failure. This car has been taken to an independent, reputable mechanic in the area, as well as now the dealer. Dealer has confirmed they have at least 4 other vehicles currently with the same issue in just this one location, and parts replacement to remedy the issue (new cylinder heads) are on back order (over 2500 on order in US). This car has been caught early, before this engine failure, as the check engine light first came up and multiple rounds of mechanic checking and trying to fix have lead to this conclusion. Car at this time has not failed in a safety situation, but has the potential to if not remedied, by engine failing while driving. Engine has been inspected by mechanic, and is currently being inspected by manufacturer. Error code was presented once reading the module, and check engine light is visible to prompt servicing the car (code for emissions)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721732March 3, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V854000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721280March 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I had a warning light for lane assist not working that would ding constantly. Dealer said known issue. Replaced steering wheel. Now I’m out of warranty at 59000 miles and it needs another steering wheel. They did not fix the issue. It is part of the airbag system and I’m worried about the lane assist which I can’t turn off might go haywire and make vehicle swerve itself into other cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721247March 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Since buying the car in August 2025, I've had multiple issues. Ive had a noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle, brought it in and they could not identify the issue or fix it, to this day I still have this noise coming from the front passenger side. Furthermore, I've had numerous hazard lights come on the dash, lasting 2-4 days and then disappearing and reappearing later on. These lights include the check engine light, oil leaks, and not allowing the car to drive over a certain limit due to engine issues. I've also brought these issues to the service center so they can diagnose and fix the issue. They are unable to find anything wrong. Most dangerous event is the car completely shut down on me while driving. This is extremely dangerous to not only myself but others around me. I brought this concern to the service center and they could not figure out why this happened. This car is unsafe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721146February 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Purchased my Tiguan 2026 11/12/25 at night. Brought the vehicle home and next morning, I went to drive it and it went into a 'limp mode" engine stuttering multiple emergency lights on the dashboard. Brought back to dealership ( did not even have the vehicle a full day) Was told that the salesman had put bad gas in it the put an additive in it. I picked it up a couple days later. During that time had issues off and on with the sensor lights coming back on.Finally the car's lights came on again and while I was on the highway it would not go over 55. (2/24/26)Called the dealership and went back. In the meantime, I did research on the computer and multiple reports of people with the 2026 Tiguan sel turbo had the same issue and it had to do with a software update that had know resolution in sight. When I dropped the vehicle off, I noted what I had come across and after they ran the codes on my vehicle they said that I was spot on and it was not bad gas. They emailed Corporate and asked what the next steps were... and have not heard back. I have since contacted VW corporate about the issue. they contacted me yesterday and offered ME A $200 GIFT CARD AND FREE RENTAL FOR MY INCONVENIENCE!! AND TOLD ME IT WOULD BE AT LEAST UNTIL APRIL (MAYBE) FOR THE SOFTWARE UPDATE! I HAVE SINCE ASKED FOR PAPERWORK FOR BUYBACK AND ARE IN THE MIDST OF FILLING OUT. IT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED YET. HOWEVER, I think more should be offered for the inconvenience.. Like car payments etc.. It is too bad because I really liked the vehicle and don't want to have shop around for another one. You think they would do better for us customers on this issue!! The sad thing about it is. I had a 2022 VW Tiguan that I turned in to get the 2026. It was perfectly fine. If I would have known this issue, I would have kept my 2022 Tiguan. I have lost the chance to keep my vehicle...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720621February 26, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
-The lane keep assist keep intermittently turn on and off along with my vehicles warning light on the dash. -The light is very distracting when driving. It'll take my eyes off the road when it turns off. It'll turn off but then back on, and sounding the warning alarm in my car. -Reading TSB, it's a common issue and the fix is replacing the whole steering wheel -Vehicle hasn't been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep. -We didn't have any errors happen, and it just popped up on February 25th, 2026. My biggest concern is safety. I have a toddler that always comes with when I have to drive, I don't want anything with my steering or taking my eyes off the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720470February 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
While driving at road speed, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted itself into Neutral (N) without driver input. The engine continued running, but the vehicle lost drive power. Simultaneously, the dashboard displayed multiple warning indicators including: “Exhaust System Malfunction” warning Semi-Automated Driving Assistance warning SOS / emergency system warning The driver safely pulled to the roadside and turned the vehicle off. Upon first restart, the vehicle would not shift into Drive. After turning the vehicle off again and waiting approximately 30 seconds, it restarted and allowed Drive engagement. The “Exhaust System Malfunction” warning remained illuminated for the remainder of the trip. The vehicle was taken to a Volkswagen dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the condition after a 50-mile drive. Dealer reported only a rear radar fault code and stated no other diagnostic trouble codes were stored. Warning lights had cleared by the time of inspection. This was an unintended transmission disengagement event while in motion. The loss of drive power at speed presents a safety hazard. The vehicle is a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan built mid-2025 and currently has approximately 1000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720385February 25, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer since November 2025 unrepaired regarding the side curtain air bag. The dealer informed the contact that Part Number: 5NN880742G; was on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719475February 20, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle started smoking last September/October (2025) after catching several examples of it on camera, VW says it needs new heads. I’ve been on a “waiting list” ever since. The vehicle continues to get worse, recently the low oil light came on as it burns oil excessively . I’ve called VW and they’ve documented it. I’m concerned because I work out of town - My wife drives this car with our 2 1/2 year old and 5 month old.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719259February 19, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Constantly beeps travel assist unavailable, steering wheel has already been replaced but it started again, no way to turn off the constant beeping while you are driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718195February 16, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a serious transmission defect in my vehicle. The drive and reverse gears are not functioning properly. After driving for a few minutes and parking, when I attempt to reverse on an inclined surface, the vehicle unexpectedly moves forward instead of backward. Similarly, when the vehicle is parked facing downhill and I shift into drive to move forward, it rolls backward. There are no warning lights or dashboard indicators alerting me to any malfunction. Due to this defect, I have nearly collided with objects multiple times within just 15 days of ownership. Most concerning, I almost hit another vehicle behind me while attempting to drive forward, as my vehicle suddenly rolled backward unexpectedly. This creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other drivers. I purchased this used vehicle with less than 10,000 miles from EchoPark dealership. Unfortunately, I am unable to return the vehicle because their return policy is limited to 7 days. However, this issue appears to be a significant mechanical or transmission defect that poses an immediate safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717907February 13, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over and added oil to the engine. The failure occurred on several occasions, and the contact stated he consistently added oil for the vehicle to return to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that it was normal to consistently check and add oil to the engine and stated that the issue was not a failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717756February 13, 2026
ENGINE
Oil light continues to come on after about 1,000-1,500 miles after an oil change. This has happen several times now and I have to put oil in it to keep it from ruining the engine. I see hat there have been complaints about this already with these models with excessive oil consumption and even engine failure. This needs to be fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717719February 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, SEATS
The emergency brake came on and the engine turned off on its own , may be a faulty sensor in the seat. Sensor is detecting no one is in the drivers seat, and you are sitting in it. Car put on emergency brake and shut engine off at red light, as it turned green and you move foot from brake to gas pedal, putting car at risk of collision from behind. Dealership said they can’t reproduce this and therefore can’t fix it. Told Don’t Move when you’re driving by dealership. Car gave no warning. Happens at red lights and while backing up in reverse. The problem appeared on the evening I received car. Dealership said the service supervisor drove car and can’t get it to reproduce problem, so can’t fix it. Told don’t move while driving. Your car is ready Showed service advisor on the instrument panel in the car diagram the front two seats are not registering in the diagram, took car back into service and provided loaner once again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717424February 11, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
On 7/22/25, I started an oil consumption test. It was eventually diagnosed that it was an issue because the cylinder head was replaced 9/25/25. Then a total engine replacement 1/26/2026 and on 2/10/2026 the dipstick tube was replaced. The car has consistently had engine oil consumption and still under the manufacturer warranty. It’s a lemon
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717363February 11, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Loss of acceleration. Errors. Turbo failure before 3,000k miles. Received five errors alerts at once: 1. Emergency Assist not available 2. Engine Speed Max 4000rpm 3. Error: Drive System currently unavailable 4. Error: Cruise Control System 5. Travel Assist currently unavailable. Initial occurrence was misdiagnosed at dealership as a computer system failure. They cleared the alerts but not the problem. Returned to Service a second time (currently there) and they identified the turbo needs full replacement and it is not safe to drive. No ETA on a fix “due to parts back ordered”; potentially mid-March
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716748February 9, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I got into the middle lane, getting ready to turn left. I was going about 15-20 mph, when I got into the middle lane, the Emergency Brake came on and slammed my car into park. The master technician experienced the problem. There was no warning lamps, but there were symptoms that lead up, like trying to back up or go forward when turning on the vehicle and it deploying the emergency brake and putting it into park MULTIPLE times.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716217February 6, 2026
AIR BAGS
Hello, I have a VW Tiguan 2025 lease since June2025. i just received a Safety Recall letter from VW on February 2026 advising that because of a potential airbag defect I should not have anyone seating in the passenger seat of my car until further notice. a recall repair is not yet available. How can VW asks to keep a car with such inconvenience of not being able to have a passenger?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716095February 6, 2026
ENGINE
Turbocharger failed. This new car was one week old and had approximately one hundred miles on it. There are numerous reports of this condition online. The car can no longer be driven and the part is on national backorder.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715976February 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was driving slowly in traffic, several unknown warning lights illuminated orange, and the speedometer and RPM went to zero. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that minutes later, the vehicle returned to function as intended. The contact's wife stated that after several minutes, the lights and indicators returned to normal function. A short while later, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then returned to function as intended. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver’s side door failed to open. While using the key fob, the doors failed to open. The contact's wife tested the door, and the only door that opened was the rear passenger’s side door. The contact's wife opened the driver’s side door manually. The vehicle then failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Three hours later, when the contact arrived at the residence, the contact was able to start the vehicle, the doors opened as intended, and the contact was able to drive around the neighborhood. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,180.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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