Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints (2023)

72 consumer complaints on file.

#11773933October 27, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
**Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line – Front Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Assist Malfunction** **Vehicle:** 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen **Date Purchased:** July 27, 2026 **Approximate Mileage at Warranty Contact:** 29,075 **Affected Components:** Front Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist, and Associated Wiring I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding the malfunction of the front camera and driver-assistance systems on my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line. While driving, my vehicle unexpectedly emitted a loud warning beep, and the dashboard displayed messages indicating that Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Assist were deactivated. Both systems stopped functioning. Although the vehicle continued to drive normally, the sudden loss of these driver-assistance functions was concerning, particularly because they are designed to assist the driver during normal vehicle operation. After experiencing these warnings, I took my vehicle to Brandon Tomes Volkswagen for diagnosis. During the inspection, the Volkswagen technician identified evidence suggesting previous work or disturbance involving the front camera assembly. The technician noted that the mounting bolts differed from the expected hardware. Volkswagen documented the inspection through a technician's video and provided a repair estimate totaling $1,610.92, including replacement of the front bumper harness and a 360-degree camera calibration check. I purchased the vehicle used from Carvana on July 27, 2026. When I contacted Carvana regarding the malfunction, its representative acknowledged that its pre-sale inspection records showed the rear camera passed inspection but contained no specific record of the front camera being checked. I also contacted SilverRock, the vehicle's warranty provider, and reported that the front camera was not working and was affecting Lane Assist. At the time, the vehicle had
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773737October 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The F5 module has gone out on this vehicle after the most recent OTA update. Vehicle cameras, navigation system or any other infotainment systems do not work. I have taken this vehicle to a volkswagon dealer and am told since my car is no longer under warranty I will be responsible for the very costly replacement of this module. The replacement part has been on order since late September 2026 and the dealership cannot give me an eta for the part. In doing research this appears to be a worldwide issue with the replacement module on indefinite backorder. Not having cameras or a navigation system is big safety concern for me and my family.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771910October 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has recurring oil consumption and an inoperative infotainment head unit. The engine requires approximately one additional quart of oil every 2,000 miles between oil changes. This requires repeated monitoring and oil additions. The cause of the oil loss or consumption has not been confirmed. The infotainment screen remains black. It briefly lights up or attempts to start, but does not successfully boot and remains unusable. This is a recurring problem. If accurate: The rearview camera image also does not display when reversing, limiting visibility behind the vehicle. The oil consumption was first noticed as soon as we bought the vehicle new, and reported a couple times at the dealership we purchased from, who then stated it was normal. The head unit problem began around 60,000 miles, around 8/2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770330October 10, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The infotainment screen went black and does not appear to work. I had tried the method of hard resetting the system and it did not work. I went to get it check at the dealer and it was not able to get fixed. This is a safety hazard as the screen was not able to display the use of the rear camera increasing a risk of a crash. The screen also acts as an aid for the driver which becomes a risk when the display no longer works.This has only occurred once before and fixed on its own. This had unexpectedly happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768177September 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment center in my 2023 VW Tiguan SE has completely died. With this failure, the reverse camera no longer activates or functions whatsoever. I am unable to access any of the features of the car that are adjusted via the infotainment center. I have contacted both the manufacturer and dealer, but there are no recalls on this year of vehicle, only the newer years. It is available for inspection. There was no indication of an issue before this failure occured and it still remains unusable after various attempts to resolve the issue per online recommendations. I cannot see behind me as the car has various blind spots now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767042September 25, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The vehicles back up camera system crashes and restarts until it ultimately stops working completely. The part (3G5035842J) specified by the dealer to repair the issue is not available for up to 2 months because it is on national back order.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765815September 21, 2026
AIR BAGS
All side airbags deployed without crashing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765955September 21, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, the vehicle hesitated while moving forward. The vehicle jerked while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764764September 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My VW Tiguan 2023 has a systematic problem on the Emergency Call function. The car has the module replaced twice within couple of months. Recently, it has failed by the 3rd time. You can find attached: - VW App showing an active problem with the emergency call function - A WV service invoice from 05/16/26, stating the first replacement of the SOS communication module - A WV service invoice from 07/24/26, stating the second replacement of the SOS communication module Currently, the module is failed (as shown on the App screenshot) and it is the 3rd time this has happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764278September 15, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On September 14, 2026, my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line experienced a sudden electronic/system failure while the vehicle was in use. The infotainment system entered a continuous reboot cycle and subsequently displayed a black screen. At approximately the same time, the SOS/emergency-call indicator illuminated red and the vehicle/app reported “Emergency call function limited! Service vehicle.” Multiple vehicle functions then became unavailable, including Front Assist/automatic emergency braking, cruise control, navigation, compass, and Dynamic Road Sign Display. The instrument cluster displayed active warnings, and the Dynamic Road Sign Display fault generated a loud warning chime approximately every 30 seconds while driving. The repeated audible warning was significantly distracting. Attempts to restart the infotainment system and completely power-cycle the affected systems did not restore normal operation. Disconnecting and reconnecting the 12-volt battery also did not correct the original failure. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis. I am reporting this because the failure was not limited to entertainment or convenience equipment. The electronic failure coincided with loss of multiple driver-assistance functions, including Front Assist/automatic emergency braking, as well as loss of the vehicle’s SOS/emergency-call capability. The repeated warning chimes also created an additional distraction while operating the vehicle. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Volkswagen dealership awaiting diagnosis/repair. Volkswagen Customer CARE case 07734827 has been opened regarding the incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763400September 10, 2026
ENGINE
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, approximately 34,316 miles. While driving on I-26 in South Carolina, the EPC warning and amber warning triangle illuminated. I pulled over and stopped. After approximately 10 minutes, I restarted because I was in an unsafe location. No warnings were displayed after restarting, but approximately five miles later they returned, and I exited the highway. After stopping, extensive engine oil was visible on the rear/underside of the vehicle. I immediately checked the dipstick and no oil was visible. At no time did I observe a low-oil-level or low-oil-pressure warning. An authorized Volkswagen dealer diagnosed a faulty oil separator causing internal engine pressure to build, which caused the oil pan to crack and upper timing cover to leak. The oil separator, oil pan and upper timing cover were replaced under warranty. During approximately two months before the failure, the vehicle had several times briefly displayed “Max engine speed: 3,000 rpm.” The night before the incident, the check-engine light illuminated but was no longer illuminated before the return trip began. The vehicle had received scheduled service, including an oil/filter change, at approximately 29,780 miles, only about 4,500 miles before this failure. My safety concern is the sudden pressure-related engine failure and major oil loss at highway speed, together with no observed oil warning despite no oil being visible on the dipstick immediately after the incident. The servicing dealer has stated that it does not know what causes these oil separators to fail. I am reporting this incident so NHTSA can evaluate whether it may represent a broader safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762040September 3, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a significant engine-related failure involving the oil separator/PCV system. Volkswagen diagnosed a failed oil separator/breather that caused excessive crankcase pressure, resulting in substantial oil expulsion and damage/leaks involving the plastic/composite oil pan and timing-chain cover. Volkswagen also identified oil contamination around engine sensors and a P0341 camshaft-position fault. The vehicle has previously experienced EPC/check-engine warnings and entered limp mode, creating concern about potential loss of power while driving. The dealer’s repair required replacement of the oil separator/PCV system, oil pan, timing-chain cover and associated gaskets, along with cleaning oil from the engine compartment and sensors. The repair estimate was approximately $2,490, later reduced to approximately $2,300. Volkswagen declined my request for goodwill assistance. I am concerned that a failure of the oil separator/PCV system can create excessive crankcase pressure and cause oil to be expelled from the engine, damage other engine components, contaminate sensors, trigger fault codes, and potentially result in reduced engine power or limp mode. Sudden oil loss or loss of engine power can create a serious safety hazard, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. This vehicle has also experienced recurring alignment problems, requiring three alignments in approximately six months, raising additional concerns about the vehicle’s overall reliability and safety. I request that NHTSA investigate whether oil-separator/PCV failures and their resulting oil loss, component damage, sensor faults, and potential loss of power represent a broader safety defect in 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755378August 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The vehicle has experienced multiple intermittent electrical and safety-related malfunctions that have become more frequent over time. The most serious issue involves the Automatic Emergency Braking system activating unexpectedly while the vehicle is slowly reversing out of a residential driveway. The brakes suddenly apply with significant force even when there is no visible obstacle behind the vehicle. This causes the vehicle to stop abruptly, jerks all occupants forward, and creates a risk of being struck by other vehicles because the sudden stop is unexpected. The vehicle has also experienced an intermittent engine shutdown while stopped in traffic. While waiting at a stoplight or waiting for another vehicle to reverse, the engine will unexpectedly shut off and a message appears instructing the driver to place the vehicle in Park. This creates a safety hazard because the vehicle cannot continue moving until it is restarted. Additional intermittent electrical issues include the infotainment/navigation screen freezing or glitching, the air conditioning unexpectedly blowing warm or hot humid air instead of cold air, and the horn failing to operate properly. The horn will sometimes not sound at all or will be much quieter than normal, reducing the driver’s ability to warn other motorists or pedestrians in an emergency. These problems occur intermittently and without warning. There are no consistent warning lights prior to the failures other than the message instructing the driver to place the vehicle in Park when the engine shuts off. The unexpected braking, engine shutdown, and horn malfunction create significant safety concerns for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. The cause of these issues is UNKNOWN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750842July 16, 2026
ENGINE
XXX my Tiguan was serviced at Byers VW and received the recommended 80k maintenance. During this recommended service my vehicle passed the multi-point inspection except tires and brakes. On XXX I contacted your service department because as I was driving to [XXX] my check oil level came on. An appointment was scheduled for Tuesday. After the inspection was completed Tuesday it was determined that the value seal needed to be replaced which was already completed 25k miles prior therefore a request to replace the cylinder head would be sent to my warranty company which is through VW Drive Easy. 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
#11750506July 15, 2026
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption. Check Oil Level light comes on repeatedly between oil changes. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The dealer has now looked at the issue 2x. Potential safety issue should the engine be affected while driving. The problem has not been reproduced by the dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer 2x. 1st issue appeared at approx. 33k miles and again at about 35k miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741235June 1, 2026
ENGINE
23 Tiguan..been having to top off oil every couple thousand miles sometimes up to a quart and they tell me it's within "tolerance" to lose oil. Bad pcv caused leak at timing seal and oil pan, oil everywhere needs extensive cleanup. This consumption has happened consistently since buying the vehicle and am being told with the new pcv installed we have to wait to see if the oil problem continues before we can do a consumption test. There should be no reason to be losing up to a quart every few thousand miles and this should be fully investigated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739405May 21, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on the highway in my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (approximately 70,068 miles), the EPC warning light and oil warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to stall/lose power. I exited the highway immediately and shut the vehicle down safely. A substantial amount of engine oil leaked from underneath the vehicle after stopping. The vehicle was towed to a Volkswagen dealership. Dealer diagnosis included: * cracked oil pan, * oil separator failure, * and timing chain cover leak. The dealership advised there was no metal contamination found in the oil or filter and no confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure at this time, though the long-term condition of the engine cannot be guaranteed after the oil-loss event. I am submitting this report because the sudden oil-loss event and stalling condition occurred while driving on the highway and created a potential safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731753April 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
When I’m stopped, the car sometimes shuts off. The horn works intermittently. When I start the car, it feels like it’s going to stall. At times, all of the dashboard warning lights come on. Also, when I’m backing out of my driveway with nothing behind me, the car will sometimes automatically brake hard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727081March 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Air conditioning system is faulty. Purchased a new Volkswagen Tiguan in 2023. The blower motor was faulty in 2024 and was replaced in 2025 the A/C began making noises again and stopped working off and on in September 2025 and now the unit does not work at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724773March 16, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The failure persisted even after the vehicle had received several oil changes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that an oil change was completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve stem seal had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,061.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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