Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints (2024)

77 consumer complaints on file.

#11715560February 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, ENGINE
Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began experiencing ongoing mechanical and electrical issues that required multiple repair attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for service on the following dates: •November 29, 2024 •December 2, 2024 •December 16, 2024 •December 23, 2024 •January 6, 2025 In total, the vehicle was out of service for 21 days in December and 28 days in January. Despite repeated repair attempts, the issues were not resolved. Due to the excessive time out of service and repeated unsuccessful repairs, I submitted a request for Volkswagen to repurchase the vehicle. This request was denied. The vehicle was returned to me on February 1, 2025. On February 9, 2025, while parked in my driveway and not in operation, the vehicle caught fire. I was later informed that the fire originated in the dashboard and was electrical in nature. This incident presented a significant safety risk. Had the fire occurred while the vehicle was in operation or spread to my residence, it could have resulted in serious injury, loss of life, or significant property damage. I am reporting this incident due to concerns that the electrical failure and resulting fire may indicate a broader safety defect affecting this vehicle model. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether further investigation or corrective action is warranted in the interest of public safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714738January 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Carnet system has been replaced once on the vehicle due to non-function…not even a year later not working again
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712400January 21, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Lane keep assist will activate randomly and try to steer the car and vibrate the steering wheel like lane departure warning going off. Also the Lane keep assist and emergency sos fault lights will randomly come on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709259January 6, 2026
I suspect the car seat is counterfeit, Other/I am not sure, Carry Handle, Shell, Base
The car seat was put in the rear seat of the vehicle. The seat belt was used first and then switched to the lower anchors to secure it in the seat. First noticed there was more then an inch of play in the seat after tightening it down with the seat belt and then the lower anchors. Next the seat would not level up either in the rear seat of the vehicle. After moving the height adjustment to the different levels it had the seat would still not get level and be in the indicator on the bubble. We tried several times to get it level and tighten it down and it still would not level up and still had a lot of play in it side to side. Based on this we did not feel comfortable putting the baby in this seat. The car seat was not inspected by anyone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707991December 31, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Four cracks of varying lengths ranging from roughly one inch to four inches have spontaneously appeared on the drivers side of the windshield. These were first noticed when entering the car, not while driving. Cracks can be felt from the inside of the vehicle only. One crack appears to be jagged and looks black when looking through the windshield from the inside.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707075December 26, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Complaint Type: Vehicle Safety / Potential Defect / Dealer Negligence Description of Complaint: I am reporting a serious safety issue resulting from negligent service performed by Kocourek Wausau Imports. After the dealership performed my 2024 Tiguan’s second oil change under warranty, strong fumes and white smoke entered the cabin multiple times, causing vomiting, severe headaches, and forcing me to leave work early. The dealership initially claimed the vehicle was safe to drive. Only after my insistence did they admit a mechanical issue involving the cam/valve area, stating a plug required replacement. The part was on backorder, and I was not warned of any risk. Shortly thereafter, I discovered the engine was completely out of oil, despite recent dealer service. A vehicle of this model and age should never lose its entire oil supply immediately after a service, creating a serious risk of engine failure, fire, and exposure to toxic fumes for the driver and passengers. This incident represents: -Grossly negligent maintenance -Returning a vehicle unsafe to operate -Exposure to harmful fumes inside the cabin -Potential permanent engine damage due to oil starvation Requested Action / Resolution: -Investigation into dealership practices and potential vehicle defects -Determination of whether this constitutes a safety-related defect -Notification of corrective action to prevent recurrence -Documentation that the vehicle is safe to operate before further use I am submitting this complaint to formally document the endangerment and unsafe condition, which may affect other vehicles serviced by this dealership. Contact Information: [XXX] : [XXX] // Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706466December 22, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SEATS
The engine started smoking at 11,000 and new valve seals were replaced in the head. The engine has started to smoke again at 16,800 mile and dealer said the next step would be to replace the head. Car has been to the dealer 6-7 times for electrical and engine problems. The SOS light comes on almost every morning. Driver seat memory does not work and dealer can't figure it out after 5-6 times, they have replaced about everything on the seat and it still doesn't work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704851December 13, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
On [XXX], my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line AWD (VIN: [XXX] ) was damaged in a deer collision, requiring replacement of the right headlight assembly (P/N 5NL941114D/E, adaptive IQ.Light matrix with turning signal). The part was ordered June 9, 2025, via New Motors VW (Erie, PA) but remains on national backorder with no ETA (dealer confirms not even "top 25" priority). The vehicle has been undrivable and unreleasable from Betts Brothers Collision (Titusville, PA) for 194 days (as of Dec 13, 2025). The shop refuses to release it without the OEM headlight for safety reasons—operating with one functional headlight + inoperable turning signal violates FMVSS 108 (S9.1: paired headlamps required for visibility; turning signals per S5.1.1). This creates an unreasonable crash risk (impaired night driving, rural area with no transit). VW Care (Case #[XXX]) refuses ETA, loaner (via Customer Mobility Program), or lease/insurance relief despite $10k+ hardship (6 months payments/insurance + lost use). PA BCP mediation (forwarded Nov 3) and CFPB #[XXX] pending—no resolution. Similar backorders reported nationwide (e.g., 4-6 month waits on forums/X). VW's systemic parts shortage effectively renders the vehicle a safety defect—demanding NHTSA investigation for trends/recall/service campaign. No crashes/injuries yet, but prolonged hold endangers if forced release. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699413November 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The defect has occurred since the day the vehicle was leased. The entire multimedia and safety interface shuts down randomly while driving (screen goes black, GPS stops, rear camera and driver-assistance functions stop working). This happens in multiple areas across the city, not in a single location. The dealership initially blamed my internet or phone, delaying proper diagnosis. The first available service appointment was more than a month later, and the vehicle was first taken in on January 27, 2025. Since then, the vehicle has been in the shop more than five times across multiple dealerships, including over a month during the most recent repair attempt. I have also been required to visit the dealership more than 30 times for the same issue. Dealership technicians and the service manager stated that the vehicle is defective, that nothing else can be done, and that all repair attempts have failed. The manufacturer claims it is an “environmental connectivity issue” in one spot, which is not accurate. Multiple videos requested and submitted show the failure happening in different areas of the city. At the dealership’s request, I drove with a technician who recorded the failure again. Customer Care instructed me to return the loaner vehicle immediately and take back the defective vehicle, even though it is unsafe to operate. The Customer Care manager refused to speak with me and required an appointment several days later, but they still demanded that I return the loaner and pick up the unsafe vehicle now. When I requested written documentation acknowledging that the vehicle is unsafe, they refused to provide it. This is an unresolved, repeated safety defect that puts me at risk while driving. Please, I'll appreciate any help. Thank you in advance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699394November 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment center freezes and spontaneously disconnects. At first, I though it was my phone and switched carriers. It was not. It also does not recognize my key is present and I have to pshycially lock and unlock it. Sometimes the doors won't open and it happens several times. It is unsafe when I am driving and the gps goes out and I have been distracted, missed turns and put myself and others in danger. Also, you can only get gas if the doors are unlocked. This is not safe becasuse someone could take your purse or child while you are pumping gas. The vehicle has been updated, keys replaced but nothing has helped the issue. There were no warning lights.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699306November 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During normal operation on a public road, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan suddenly began emitting smoke from the front of the vehicle. This occurred without any warning lights, messages, unusual smells, or symptoms beforehand. Within moments, flames became visible from under the hood. The occupants, including a child and an elderly family member, immediately exited the vehicle. The fire spread rapidly and resulted in a total loss. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames, and both fire and police reports were created documenting the incident. The vehicle was nearly new, with approximately 7,000 miles on it, no mechanical issues, and no prior maintenance warnings. Nothing unusual occurred during the drive, and the vehicle had been used under normal, paved-road conditions. On November 5, 2025, Volkswagen conducted an inspection at the IAA facility in Puyallup, WA. Volkswagen later denied liability, stating that burned and unburned vegetation was found in the engine compartment and suggesting that external organic material may have caused the fire. This explanation appears unreasonable, as vegetation in the engine bay does not normally ignite spontaneously in a modern vehicle operating under standard conditions. The vehicle is currently with State Farm at the IAA facility in Puyallup, WA, and is available for further inspection by NHTSA if needed. This incident posed a serious safety risk to the occupants and to other motorists, and may reflect a potential safety defect requiring further investigation
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698781November 11, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel gauge does not read properly even after it has been replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695570October 25, 2025
ENGINE
My car was less than a year old, had been at the dealership for routine maintenance on September 24th, and with no warning signals from the vehicle's electronics smoke started coming out from the hood while I was ~20 minutes into my drive to work. Within a short period of time there were flames, and ultimately the car was engulfed in flames, resulting in a total loss.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694160October 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The entertainment screen/backup camera screen turns on and off constantly. It will not stay on and shuts off completely after so many times of it turning on and off and doesn’t turn back on unless you hold the power button down for 15 seconds but still continues the on and off. Nothing has been done to the screen for it to start doing this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693230October 14, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 10/11/2025 while driving, the vehicle caught fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689507September 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 9/14/2025 my 2024 VW Tiguan failed to unlock while my two-year old daughter was inside. My keys were in my front passenger seat. The unlock/locking mechanism on the doors on the outside of the car did not work and my trunk would not open. My child was trapped in the vehicle for about 20 to 30 minutes in hot conditions until emergency help arrived. After inspection, Volkswagen stated there was “nothing wrong” with the vehicle; however, a locking system that prevents occupants from exiting or others from entering in an emergency presents a clear safety defect and risk of injury or death. My child was distressed and overheated but was evaluated at the hospital and is okay. Emergency help was needed to get the door open. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689239September 23, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield wiper motor damaged. Yes available for inspection. Preventable damage to wipers causing visibility issues. The damage was inspected by a Volkswagen service center. No one else has inspected it. The service center gave me an estimate to repair the windshield wiper motor for an estimate of $1100. When asked how to shut it off , they didn't know and had to go back to their colleagues, then he came back and gave me a 4-5 step process on how to shut off the wiper, similar to a combo on a playstation or sega remote. The failure happened due to my lack of knowledge on how to shut off the automatic wiper sensors off. The manual doesn't clearly state how to completely disable the automatic sensors. Due to this, the wiper was damaged in a car wash, ripping off one of the wipers and no both wipers not functioning. I took the quote for repair and called the corporate office of Volkswagen and they denied pick up any of the cost and said it was damage done to the car. But I argued that it was preventable and that it didn't clearly state in the manual (Owner's Manual Tiguan Edition 08/2023 United States version) how to shut it off completely. I asked for the call to be escalated, they refused, then I came back and said I wanted to know where in the manual does it clearly state how to disable the auto sensors. The leadership member couldn't tell me at first where it was documented, after a few minutes he finally gave me the page numbers were it DID NOT state HOW to completely disable the sensor. He said decision was made. He took me from page 112 to 114 to 37 and where we landed was where they made the decision " Page 114 Fig 106 labeled "A" "Rain/light sensor deactivated and a square next to "A". The design of the wiper functionality is flawed and so is the documentation to support what it truly does or how it is managed. This is also NOT aligned with what I was told at the service center. But the member of leadership didn't care to know what they handled it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688904September 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan (purchased used) has a recurring and unsafe issue related to acceleration and the automatic start/stop feature. When accelerating from a stop or while maintaining slight pressure on the gas pedal, the vehicle lurches forward as if aggressively accelerating, even though my foot pressure has not changed. Additionally, when the start/stop feature re-engages after idling, the vehicle sometimes lunges forward despite my foot being firmly on the brake pedal. This behavior has occurred multiple times, creating near-miss situations that could have resulted in accidents. Service History: The issue was replicated by one Volkswagen technician during an overnight test drive but was not accurately reflected in the official service notes. A different technician (shop foreman) later claimed the concern could not be replicated and dismissed it as a “normal vehicle characteristic,” despite my report. The dealership performed a factory reset but the problem persists. Safety Concern: This is a serious safety risk that poses a danger to myself, my passengers, and others on the road. I am especially concerned because my teenage daughter is about to begin driving this vehicle, and I do not feel it is safe for her. Manufacturer Response: Volkswagen of America has declined my buyback request, stating that the situation “does not merit an offer.” I strongly disagree, as the vehicle’s behavior is not normal or acceptable, and could result in unintended acceleration accidents. Request: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this issue is a defect in the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan and whether other vehicles may be experiencing the same unsafe condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688177September 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear camera has been inoperable since June 2025. VW have not issued a fix. This is a safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686500September 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO DISCONNECTS AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS DUE TO WIFI TURNING OFF AUTOMATICALLY. AND VEHICLE IS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 times. BUT NO RESOLUTION. WIFI TURNS OFF ITSELF AND CARPLAY OR NAVIGATION IS INTERRUPTED. EVERY-TIME THIS HAPPENS AND CAR NEEDS TO BE PULL OVER AND HARD RESET THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM TO GET THE WIFI BACK ONLINE. IT STARTED JUST AFTER TWO MONTHS OF PURCHASE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Volkswagen Tiguan