2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 10/04/2026

My entire infotainment system went black and a warning about the SOS system failing came up on the dash. My back up camera does not work, the SOS system does not work, radio, charger, etc. I called VW Customer Care who sent me to the dealership. Dealer said they tried the TB 91-26-04 (2082628) software protocol from Volkswagen and had no success. They need part J794 to complete the repair. The part is on back order with no ETA of when it will arrive. Dealership gave me back the car with compromised safety features (now federally mandated). I'm a lessee under warranty. I'm also nervous that other parts of the car could also have electrical or systemic failure.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/03/2025

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line stalls completely while driving at local speeds with no warning. The vehicle has been to the dealership 4 times for the exact same safety issue. The dealership On The First 3 Attempts has changed the throttle body, start-stop mechanism, and battery, but cannot fix or diagnose the stalling. Now The Car Is Again In The Shop For The 4th Time And I’m Still Waiting For A Answer The Car Has Been Sitting In The Shop Since September 21st and No Answer Yet From Dealership The Car Is Still There and This is a severe, life-threatening defect that occurs while transporting children."

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 06/16/2026

On multiple occasions, while actively steering, I have gotten a warning on the dash to take over steering. Within seconds, the car brakes hard. I am typically in interstate traffic when this occurs.This happens when using cruise control. Speed does not matter as it has happened at 40 mph, 70 mph, and in between these two.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 09/12/2026

infotainment center, chargers and reverse camera no longer working. vehicle available for inspection my reverse camera is not working which causes safety issues as Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111, Rear Visibility, vehicles in the relevant categories manufactured on or after May 1, 2018 are required to provide a compliant rearview image during a backing event. NHTSA explains that manufacturers generally satisfy this requirement with a backup/rear camera system. vehicle has been inspected by a third party auto dealership that specializes in European vehicle. There is NO Volkswagen dealership on the Hawaiian Island of Hawaii that I live on. there were not warning signs or symptoms of the problem

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 02/01/2025

The contact owns at 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the radio screen was distorted or blank. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that with the screen blank the speedometer and vehicle alerts were inoperable. The back over prevention camera was also inoperable. The dealer was contacted and was able to reproduce the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by e-mail and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000.

ENGINE — Filed 07/25/2026

Symptoms started at 65k-70k miles, just after 50k warranty expired. First symptom was low oil warning and needing to add oil between changes. Then oil spots, then i found a bad leak and replaced oil pan, timing chain cover and assembly, turbo actuator. Warnings progressed to frequent low oil light, check engine light, blue smoke on start and acceleration, strong burning oil smell, and now visible oil spitting from tailpipe onto rear windshield. I now have to carry oil every time I drive. Timeline: bought new with 5 miles, no issues to 65k, 65k-70k start of leaks, 84k now 2 quarts per 50 miles and oil from exhaust. Ive notified VW about the situation.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 09/13/2026

The infotainment system no longer works after an over the air update. The backup camera is including all other cameras are no longer visible . Before it completely just stopped working When attempting to back out the infotainment system would freeze and not signal something was back there . The digitally dynamic road display is not working so car ACC is not operable . Additionally since the blackout the windshield wipers randomly turn on even if not raining causing distraction and obstructed visibility at times Problem has been confirmed by independent VW dealers in several states (there is a whole Facebook VW owners group where several people are reporting the same issue) there are also known topics related to these issues on VWs help center page regarding OTA updates and infotainment system issues It gives instructions on how to troubleshoot but then says see your local dealer if that doesn’t resolve the issue Vehicle has been inspected by VW dealer. The backup camera would freeze intermittently and dealer would report nothing to see so it’s working fine . After last ota update system blacked out longer and has not turned back on

STEERING — Filed 07/19/2026

See attached document for complaint.

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/07/2026

I was driving Eastbound on I-94 at 6am pitch black dark out and looked down at my dog and veered off to the grated area of the highway and the nosie startled my dog and he jumped, hitting my arm and the front left wheel went off the road and i lost control at about 50mph after braking and swerving and we hit the guardrailand scraped.the cables and rail and lost bumper, 2 tires and front end without airbags going off.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/01/2026

The back up camera, Bluetooth and radio system has all gone black.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 08/29/2026

On 8/29/2026, my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a sudden mechanical failure while I was driving on the highway at approximately 55mph, with only 27,842 miles. Prior to this incident, I had reported to the VW dealership at my previous oil change that I repeatedly had to add oil between scheduled oil changes. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began producing a significant amount of smoke and the check-engine light came on. After I pulled over, fluid was visibly leaking from underneath the vehicle. A State Trooper responded and told me I was lucky the vehicle did not catch fire. The vehicle was disabled and had to be towed from the highway to the VW dealership. The VW technician subsequently diagnosed the oil separator as having failed. In a video inspection provided to me, the technician stated that the failed oil separator caused excessive pressure in the engine crankcase, which "blew out" the upper timing cover and oil pan. The dealership replaced the oil separator, upper timing cover, and oil pan. The dealership then performed an approximately 30-mile test drive. The technician stated that the oil level remained full, but the vehicle produced a "big blue plume of smoke." He then stated, "there's an issue with these vehicles and the cylinder heads," and advised that the cylinder head now needs to be replaced. The vehicle remains at the VW dealership. I am reporting this because the failure occurred suddenly at highway speed and resulted in substantial smoke and fluid loss, creating a potential fire and safety hazard. I am also concerned that significant blue smoke continued after the initial repairs and that the vehicle now requires major engine repair at fewer than 28,000 miles. Thankfully, there were no injuries or collision. uploaded: text with svc advisor, stating part of this is a known issue; screenshot from the video the dealer sent me - the web address to view the video is at the top. i do not have the police report yet

ENGINE — Filed 08/28/2026

I own a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 72,441 miles. While traveling on the interstate, the vehicle displayed a “Check Oil Level” warning. I stopped and checked the engine oil dipstick, which came out completely dry. The vehicle’s previous oil change had been performed by Walmart, and the service sticker stated that the next oil change was due at 72,240 miles, meaning I was only approximately 201 miles beyond the recommended service mileage when this occurred. Because I was traveling and the vehicle was low on oil, I purchased one quart of 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil and added the entire quart. I then drove approximately six miles to a Walmart Auto Care Center. Walmart performed another oil change and advised me that oil appeared to be seeping underneath the vehicle, but they could not determine the source. They advised me to carry additional oil, check the oil level at fuel stops, and have the vehicle inspected by a repair facility. After leaving Walmart, I drove only approximately 10 additional miles before the “Check Oil Level” warning illuminated again. I immediately stopped and checked the dipstick. It was once again completely dry despite the vehicle having just received an oil change. At that point, I determined that continuing to operate the vehicle was unsafe and had the vehicle towed to a repair facility. During these incidents, I did not receive a red oil-pressure warning and did not hear abnormal knocking or other unusual engine noises. However, the rapid and unexplained loss of engine oil creates a serious safety concern because continued operation with insufficient lubrication could result in sudden engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles may have an engine oil consumption or oil-loss defect, particularly because similar excessive oil-consumption allegations have been raised regarding earlier Volkswagen Tiguan model years.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/25/2026

Catastrophic loss of throttle response and severe acceleration lag from a standstill under high ambient temperatures, presenting an immediate collision hazard. On more than ten (10) separate occasions, the acceleration on this vehicle from a complete standstill has unexpectedly dropped to a dangerous level, performing at or below the speed and power of an un-indicated "limp mode."This hazardous condition is explicitly triggered by ambient heat: it frequently occurs in temperatures above 90°F and consistently occurs when temperatures exceed 95°F. The defect manifests unannounced from a stop while sitting in traffic, idling at a light, or attempting to pull out or merge onto a roadway.Once the vehicle is in motion, the engine runs fine and all auxiliary systems—including the air conditioning, infotainment, and advanced driving assistance systems—operate normally. Crucially, the vehicle displays absolutely no dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), making the malfunction impossible for standard onboard diagnostics to register. Over time, I have learned to detect a subtle, tell-tale change in the cadence of the engine idle that foreshadows when this dangerous throttle failure is about to occur.Based on the symptoms, the failure appears to reside within the electronic accelerator pedal assembly, throttle body, Engine Control Module (ECM/ECU), transmission control system, or a thermal management software conflict between these components. I have presented this vehicle to an authorized dealership, Lokey Volkswagen, on two (2) separate occasions for this exact issue. On both visits, the service department failed to provide any remedy, diagnostic resolution, or repair suggestions to the lack of stored fault codes.Because this severe lag occurs when trying to accelerate into live traffic, it leaves the vehicle dangerously exposed and creeping along at walking speeds. I firmly believe this defect will result in a severe injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 08/26/2026

Following a recent Volkswagen software update, the 5F module on my 2024 VW Tiguan (VIN: [XXX], Mileage: 14,449) completely failed. The local dealership (RO Number: XXX) confirmed the failure and advised replacing the 5F module (Auth code:XXX), which is on backorder with no ETA. This initial failure disabled critical safety systems: the backup camera (violating FMVSS 111), the SOS emergency system, and the TPMS. Volkswagen Corporate (Case with [XXX]) has refused VOR escalation and denied alternative transportation. Furthermore, since retrieving the vehicle from the dealership, the electrical issues have escalated severely. The vehicle now experiences intermittent total electrical/lock-out failures 3 to 4 times a day. During these episodes, neither the key fob nor the physical interior lock/unlock buttons function. The vehicle remains completely unresponsive for several minutes before randomly working again. This poses a severe safety risk of trapping occupants inside or leaving them stranded outside. VW's negligence in addressing these escalating software and electrical safety defects is unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 08/20/2026

On XXX, my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced an internal electrical failure of the 5F Infotainment Control Module (Part #3Q5-035-842-J). There were no advance warning lights or symptoms prior to the screen going completely black and unresponsive. The failure was officially diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized dealership, Fitzgerald Volkswagen in [XXX], on XXX. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The 5F module failure completely disables the primary display screen, rendering the rearview camera system frozen and entirely inoperable. This creates a severe rear-visibility safety hazard while reversing, particularly when transporting my minor child, and fails to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS No. 111 (Rear Visibility). Systemic Failure & Backorder: The module failure also disables the radio, wireless charging, and front/rear USB ports. Fitzgerald VW special-ordered the replacement module under warranty but confirmed the part is on a nationwide backorder with no estimated time of arrival (ETA) and approximately 59 units currently backordered nationwide. The vehicle has not been inspected by law enforcement or insurance, but the manufacturer (Volkswagen Group of America) has been formally notified under Customer CARE Case #XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/15/2026

#1 issue is only the driver's side replacement windshield wiper is and has been unavailable for over 6 months. This presents a danger that focusing on a different part of the windshield is problematic; secondarily, the smears even using washer fluid are impossible to rectify. The dealership echoes the same problem on many vehicles and is blaming VW parts supplies. I will not use parts stores after many difficult and not acceptable performances of these OTC blades. The second issue is cruise control stops working erratically. This causes the vehicle to slow very quickly., also causing people following too closely to get angry us! While on a 1100 mile trip it quit tens of times; will not re-engage frequently and then suddenly become available. I'm told the steering wheel wiring is the issue and I was told to being in for diagnosis. A fault code in the steering wheel controls was documented, but parts department said these too are on a very long list of same issues on many Tiguans. Now I'm told that since the dealer verified the fault code for this issue and cleared it, but VW refuses to replace the steering wheel electronics. Many customers have told me they also have to "wait on parts.?!

TIRES — Filed 08/09/2026

235/55R 18 100H I was driving going north on [XXX], after I passed [XXX] I heard blowout sound, then immediately I stopped at side of the street, change to spare tire, and found out the inside of the tire was blown out (ripped), I didn’t hit any thing in the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 05/01/2026

The vehicle's engine oil warning light repeatedly illuminates between scheduled maintenance intervals due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle is burning engine oil at an accelerated rate, requiring frequent manual top-offs to remain safe to drive. This represents an active, known defect in the Volkswagen EA888 engine components (piston rings/valve guides). Dealership service departments are actively refusing to provide complete historical service invoices or log the oil light visits properly, creating an immediate safety risk of engine stalling or catastrophic mechanical failure at highway speeds.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/24/2025

• Day of delivery. Had trouble connecting iPhone to vehicle. Once connected, Google Maps was not functioning properly. Dealership unsuccessfully tried to trouble shoot over the phone and brought car back same day for investigation. They claim they could not find anything wrong and brought car back to me. • Infotainment system randomly reboots mid-drive. Screen goes blank/black for about 10 seconds, then VW logo appears and the system boots back up. • Google Maps navigation won't start. Have to exit and re-enter the destination, sometimes twice before it functions properly. • iPhone connects and immediately disconnects within a second, repeatedly. • System says iPhone is out of range, whether it's connected via a genuine Apple cable or Bluetooth. • System "deletes" phone. It fails to find or recognize iPhone, despite being previously registered with vehicle, requiring me to re-pair it. • Connectivity loop, and reboot issues persist regardless of whether the phone is connected to Bluetooth or via an authentic Apple USB cable. • SiriusXM connection failure. Preset stations will not load as the system is frozen in “Initializing” mode, , locking me out from changing the stations. It remains stuck on whichever station it was left on during the previous drive. • Software Update 0890 bug. Lost volume control of the radio following update — when volume is muted, changing the station automatically unmutes it, and it also randomly unmutes it even when the station is unchanged for a period of time. Also unmutes while Google Map gives verbal instructions. • Setup Wizard bug. Following dealership having reinstalled software (which did not solve any of my issues), the setup wizard appeared on the screen at every vehicle startup, even after repeatedly selecting "End" or "Don't Show Again". All of these issues were initially sporadic, but have exponentially increased in frequency over the past 3-4 months.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/04/2026

Car suddenly accelerates on its own and does not respond to breaks.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/09/2025

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 06/02/2025

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)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 10/11/2025

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

ENGINE — Filed 10/21/2025

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE — Filed 10/11/2025

On 10/11/2025 while driving, the vehicle caught fire.