*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Engine
Car burns excessive oil (1 quart per 1000 miles). Smoke comes from tail pipes. Had PCV replaced. Engine blocked scoped and valve guide #3 is bad. VW has not recalled this common issue and does NOT have the parts available to fix (on 6+ month back order).
Aug 1, 2024Engine
I am calling to open a formal escalation case against Volkswagen. I just had a major engine replacement now covered under warranty. Immediately upon delivery, the vehicle began severely leaking drivetrain fluid from the bevel box. The dealership text-admitted that their Technical Service Bulletin repair failed and that the unit needs to be replaced, but they are trying to charge me out-of-pocket for a defect directly tied to the warranty repair window. This is a severe safety risk of a drivetrain lockup on the highway. They also notified me after the fact my engine was completed that my catalytic convertor was failing or had failed along with a fan. None of these items were made aware to me…
Oct 23, 2026Engine
Cylinder head failure. Vehicle is currently at VW dealership waiting on part that is in a nationwide backorder as so many are failing. I was told it will be at least a 4-6 week wait for repair, maybe longer as part is backordered. Vehicle had a full inspection done by VW dealership. Vehicle was needing oil in between oil changes, then after last oil change, the low oil light came on 3 days after a full oil change. Then started going through 2 quarts a quart a week and noticed smoke coming from the exhaust. Took it to the VW dealership where I purchased the vehicle to get an inspection and when I told the service center the symptoms, they said it was probably the cylinder head, its a common…
Oct 16, 2026Electrical system
Driving totally fine and my car makes a loud noise, tells me to check starter system and pull over. ALL electronics shut off and engine continues to run. Speedometer, gas gauge, radio screen, lights, turn signals, hazards, brake lights, EVERYTHING electronic shuts off. Starter was checked, battery was checked, alternator was checked, everything is fine. This is a VW issue as MANY 2019 Tiguans have been experiencing this exact issue this year. This is NOT safe!
Oct 10, 2026Engine
The cat has been leaking oil and has gotten worse this past month. The plastic plug has been changed but it keeps leaking.
Sep 24, 2026Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed the failure but was unable to retrieve any fault codes. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to retrieve any fault codes. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Jun 25, 2026 · 68,000 milesEngine
Vehicle: 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Mileage: Approximately 84,000 miles Problem: Intermittent Park-position/gear-selector warning and transmission emergency mode My 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has developed an intermittent safety-related transmission/gear-selector problem. The vehicle intermittently displays the warning: âOnly exit vehicle in P position. Please service vehicle.â At other times, the vehicle also displays: âTransmission in emergency mode.â The warnings are intermittent, but they have occurred while operating the vehicle. The problem appears to involve the vehicleâs ability to correctly recognize or communicate the transmission/gear-selector position. I am concerned that this…
Sep 5, 2026Electrical system
On unusually hot days, my VW Tiguan 2019, pops up a Check Start system and shuts down the dash and all electrical components (speedometer, A/C, infotainment system, blindside monitors, brake lights etc.) Car still runs but everything does not work. On searching, there are other VW users complaining about this issue as well making it a known manufacturer defect/issue. I called my local VW dealer letting them know that this is a safety issue and to find out if there is currently a recall for this issue but was told there is none. As this is a massively known safety issue. I think the NTHSA must mandate Volkswagen to do a complete recall for all VW vehicles they know are affected by this issue…
Jul 15, 2026
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
