Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints

584 consumer complaints on file.

#11738876May 19, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Vehicle was brought to Volkswagen dealer on 4/2/26 for recall service/software update. Prior to service, rear camera and safety assistance systems operated normally. During recall procedure, update reportedly failed and vehicle was returned with rearview camera, parking sensors, and multiple driver assistance/safety systems inoperative. Vehicle has remained unrepaired for approximately seven weeks pending parts or further repair, with no clear resolution timeline provided. Failure occurred directly following dealer-performed recall work involving safety-related systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738451May 18, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The problem occurred immediately after picking my car up from a valet on 5/17/2026 around 9:00pm. The valet had pulled my car up to the front of the Seattle Park ‘N Fly Valet by Sea-Tac airport. I pulled out onto International Blvd, and within a few seconds, the accelerator pedal became completely unresponsive. I was able to coast the car into the Denny’s parking lot just north of the valet lot (about 0.2 mi north of the valet). Everything else seemed to work just fine, except for the accelerator pedal (brakes worked just fine). I turned off the engine, and when I tried to restart the car, it was turning over but wouldn’t start. I called out someone to jump the battery, but the battery was fine. We then disconnected and reconnected the battery, and this resolved the issue and I was able to restart the car and drive away. It was dangerous that I was able to pull out onto a road, just to immediately lose any ability to accelerate. I’m lucky there was a nearby parking lot and I didn’t pull into busy traffic. Something seems to have happened at the valet, that was then triggered as soon as I pulled out onto the road. My guess is they tried to start the car and use the twist shifter in some combination that caused a fault that only triggered once I started to get up to speed. It’s strange because they were able to pull my car up to the front of the lot just fine, and I was able to pull out onto the roadway just fine, but the loss of acceleration only happened once I tried to get it up to speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738385May 17, 2026
SUSPENSION
I am filing a complaint regarding my 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ). Leased December 2025. My vehicle has been unusable since January 2026 following an accident because Volkswagen has been unable to supply a necessary replacement suspension strut required to complete repairs. The vehicle remains in a repair facility solely due to this part being on extended backorder. This is a critical suspension component that directly impacts vehicle safety and drivability. Despite repeated attempts to obtain updates, Volkswagen has failed to provide a clear timeline for when the part will be available. As a consumer, I am continuing to make payments on a new leased vehicle that I cannot use because the manufacturer cannot provide essential replacement parts within a reasonable timeframe. I believe this raises concerns regarding parts availability for safety-related vehicle components on new model vehicles. I am requesting that this issue be documented and reviewed. 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
#11738159May 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SEAT BELTS
Parking brake violently engaging with every stop
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737534May 13, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V854000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted, however the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. In addition, the contact contacted multiple dealers and was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the unrepaired recall was a serious safety hazard. The manufacturer was not contacted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737071May 11, 2026
ENGINE
The light appears on my dash indicating low oil level frequently between oil changes. I have to add oil to my car every 2-3 weeks. An abundant amount of white smoke comes from the exhaust pipes. I’ve been told it’s burning oil. This could ruin my engine or become catastrophic by fire. I was told it could be something to do with the pistons or cylinder head. Mechanic shops don’t want to/have the ability to work on Volkswagens. The dealership says this is normal. I’m afraid for my children and my safety. This is a major safety issue that needs to be corrected. This is potentially life threatening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737039May 11, 2026
ENGINE
On April 19, 2026 at approximately 9:40 PM, I was driving my leased 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan southbound on [XXX] [XXX] . I had three minor passengers with me — my daughters ages [XXX] and [XXX] , and their stepsister age [XXX] . We were returning home to [XXX] from a family trip to Walt Disney World. Without any warning — no dashboard lights, no sounds, no hesitation — the engine completely lost all power at highway speed. I pressed the gas pedal repeatedly with full force and there was absolutely no response. The car decelerated uncontrollably in active nighttime highway traffic. We were stranded on the highway shoulder for approximately one hour before the car restarted. I drove home on side roads. This is a recurring defect. In December 2025, I brought the vehicle to Gunther Volkswagen of [XXX] , where it was documented on official repair order RO#XXX that the vehicle ‘SHUTS OFF AT LOW SPEEDS.’ The dealer replaced the EVAP canister and N80 purge valve under warranty. The defect was not resolved. In May 2026, an independent professional diagnostic by 4 Rings European using an Autel MaxiSys Ultra scanner (Report ID: XXX) found 30 stored fault codes across 19 vehicle systems, including fault code P253200 (Ignition Switch Run Position Circuit High) — directly consistent with the sudden engine cutout — plus active cylinder misfires on cylinders 2 and 3, three active EVAP system fault codes confirming the December 2025 repair failed, and a compromised airbag system (U140000 — function restriction due to low voltage). The vehicle was subsequently taken to Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek again in May 2026, where the dealer diagnosed low voltage faults and replaced the battery under warranty. This is the second warranty repair attempt for recurring defects on this vehicle. I have filed a formal evidence preservation demand with Volkswagen Group of America’s General Counsel. I have also filed a BBB AUTO LINE arbitration 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
#11736961May 11, 2026
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
In mid-March 2026, the airbag error light came on in my vehicle. I took the car into the dealership I leased it from for service. They were ale to replicate the issue and discovered "a fault for passenger seat belt tensioner igniter". After this discovery it was recommended that no one sit in the passenger seat until the igniter was replaced. The dealership claimed they ordered a replacement part that has been on backorder since March, so my vehicle has not been fixed still. In my research, I've seen 3,000+ 2025 Tiguans were called for an airbag error issue, but somehow my VIN is not showing up as part of the recall even though it is having a similar airbag issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736339May 7, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated upon inspecting the oil canister, the dipstick was dry. The contact stated that a quart of oil was added weekly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was advised that a quart of oil was needed to be added every 1,200 miles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736296May 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving the Front windshield spontaneous cracked. There was a loud cracking noise, prior to the AC and vent being turned on. The crack is formed from the driver side bottom edge of the window shield and across horrizontally three feet towards passenger side same crack ending upwards slightly diagonally. There is NO Evidence of impact, crack line is smooth to touch from the outside windshield. Purchased vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned. Owned the vehicle less than two years. And only driven the car for less than 5k miles. This is unsafe and deemed to be a design flaw.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736204May 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experiences sudden loss of motive power during acceleration. Between 30–60 mph, the transmission fails to upshift correctly, causing the engine RPMs to spike to 5000 while the vehicle fails to gain speed. This creates a severe safety hazard when merging into high-speed traffic. Additionally, the infotainment system frequently blackouts and reboots while driving, and there are intermittent malfunctions with the power windows and door locks. Authorized dealerships have been unable to resolve these persistent safety defects after multiple repair attempts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736182May 6, 2026
ENGINE
2.0 liter engines suffer from excessive oil consumption due to defective piston rings which can lead to engine failure. This is a class action lawsuit in other states. We now need a new engine at the cost of $6,500
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735803May 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Travel Assist keeps showing unavailable and giving constant warnings
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735684May 4, 2026
ENGINE
Car is burning an excessive amount of oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735669May 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle purchase on 3/18/2026 with 17 miles. At 30 miles the SOS button started flashing red, then green, then red then no light at all. I called dealership and was made to think it was no big deal and that a dealership has to reset. I also let them know my info center was freezing. Took car back to dealership 6 hours away - they had car for 5 days and when I got in the same Issue of the info screen freezing was present. SOS button was fixed. I also gave them a list of many issues that needed to be looked at that I felt were not addressed or resolved. Dealership told me that all Tiguans are having a issue with the SOS and the info center freezing. They showed me it was in the system, but no fix. SO I was sold a car they knew had issues that could not be resolved right now. As a consumer I should have been told the issues so I could make a decision to buy or not. I called VW from the dealership 4/24 and was told I would get a call back. I have called and called trying to call the case manager with no avail. I have been told by VW only the case manager. Plug for phone charger almost fried my phone. Was so hot my phone turned off, turning off my navigation. So my phone was off, navigation off and SOS button not working. I was on the road in the middle of nowhere going back to the dealership 6 hours away.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735018May 1, 2026
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption. Paid out of pocket and 2 weeks later the same issue. Dealer is aware of this common problem and refuses to do anything. These vehicles have faulty piston rings and PCV valves.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734800April 30, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The travel assist warning displays frequently depending on where hands are positioned on steering wheel. Sound is a distraction while driving and hand placement can to unsafe to avoid the warning being triggered. I have had the steering wheel replaced due to the issue but now with the new steering wheel the problem is back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732934April 22, 2026
ENGINE
Noticed large amount of oil on driveway. Check engine light came on. Took it to the VW dealer. They advised that there is a recurring problem with 2022 Tiguan, where a premature head gasket failure causes engine and coolant leaks. Requires a cylinder head replacement. Since a large number is affected, there is a 8-10 back order of the part. Also, I was told that VW is repairing the defect under Service Bulletin TSB 15-23-01 or TSB /action 2071245, however they would not honor it in my case since the vehicle has 90000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732617April 21, 2026
ENGINE
2026 Tiguan SEL Turbo R-Line goes into limp mode. Volkswagen originally diagnosed this as a software issue. A software fix was finally released (after two months of waiting) but the 'fix' does not solve the problem. I had the software patch applied at my dealership last week but found the car to be exhibiting the same problem this morning. Car shakes and shudders and goes into 'limp mode'. Due to significantly reduced power, it is not safe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732422April 20, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that twice while driving 50 MPH, an unknown message was displayed, indicating that the vehicle was not detecting a passenger. The horn inadvertently beeped three times, and the vehicle stalled and lost steering and braking functionality. The vehicle was restarted each time. On the second occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then towed to be diagnosed by the dealer, and the contact was informed that her hands might have been off the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to turn off. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was determined that the steering wheel assembly needed to be replaced due to an electrical charge from skin to confirm that both hands were on the steering wheel. However, in the event that both hands were not on the steering wheel, the system would activate a fault code, and the vehicle might stall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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