What owners reported
Newest filingsFiled Sep 16, 2026MA
At approximately 53,876 miles, my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a severe, premature failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve / oil separator assembly. The failure of this component caused an immediate, dangerous buildup of internal crankcase over-pressurization. Because the excess pressure could not vent safely, it caused a catastrophic domino effect through the engine block, structurally blowing out multiple critical engine gaskets and rubber oil seals. Furthermore, the extreme downward pressure physically cracked the factory-installed composite plastic oil pan, leading to an immediate and rapid engine oil leak. A sudden and rapid loss of engine oil and internal oil pressure while operating a vehicle at highway speeds poses an extreme safety hazard. Had the oil pressure dropped completely while driving with my children in the vehicle, it could have resulted in a sudden engine seizure, sudden loss of motive power, or complete engine failure on a live highway, placing my family and surrounding drivers in imminent danger of a high-speed collision. Volkswagen is aware of this engine design defect, as evidenced by active internal Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and a pending federal class-action lawsuit (Reece v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.) detailing identical PCV-induced seal and plastic oil pan failures in the exact same model year. Volkswagen's failure to issue a safety recall for this unlisted "lifetime" part forces families to drive under the
Filed Sep 9, 2026AK
2021 Tiguan parking brake comes on without being commanded. There is a fault with the drivers door. I believe the the driver door module or corresponding wiring. The front drivers window toggle switch does not work the toggles switches for the rest of the window work only if the is not an error displayed on the dash. The lock button does not work on the drivers door at all and only works on the rest of the door when an error message is not displayed on the dash. The dash displays the following errors: 1. Driver Door Contact Switch. 2. Start/Stop. 3. Electronic Parking Brake. It also displays Attention: Engine is running. So far the parking brake only comes on(un commanded) when the vehicle is stopped.
Filed Sep 6, 2026ME
Like many others, at 55k miles, our oil separator malfunctioned causing our oil pan to crack and dump every drop of oil. We had to replace the oil pan and fortunately our mechanic friend figured out it was the new pcv valve malfunction causing too much pressure in the engine. My wife was luckily pulling onto our property when the car essentially shut itself off. When searching for the valve I needed, talking to multiple parts dealers and then a vw tech, none of them are sure why there’s no recall. It happens between 50-60k to THOUSANDS of people now. Then I watched videos on the issue and the mechanics online are all saying the same thing- this should’ve been a recall 2 years ago and are all asking the same question. It’s time VW does what’s right. It’s awfully coincidental that they installed plastic oil pans that would crack and leak under instead pressure, rather than a blowout seals because of the valve failure.
Filed Sep 4, 2026NJ
The J949 SOS emergency communication unit failed, disabling vehicle 911 automatic crash notifications and emergency response capabilities.” NHTSA opens defect investigations based on consumer complaint clusters for this exact failure pattern.
Filed Aug 28, 2026FL
Known issues with Tiguan models of overconsumption of motor oil due to faulty engineering of top(head) of engine.
Filed Aug 27, 2026FL
Taking left turns is dangerous. My turn very slowly and Hard press on pedal to turn. Oil consumption is insane. Started at 38k miles, manufacture warranty ended after 4 years. I’m under 52k miles now and have to fill oil about every 1k miles. I’ve had 4 oil changes this year alone. I’m regular about Maintenence. Last oil change was 08/03/26 check oil light came on 8/15 had to add 3.5 quarts 8/26/26 Will keep track of each time I need to add oil and update here. This has been an issue for many Tiguan owners where is the recall???
Filed Aug 25, 2026CA
Noticed the check engine oil light started coming on periodically between oil changes 3-4 years ago, but no external or noticeable oil leaks. Was told by VW multiple times it’s standard for VWs to burn oil. I started having to top off oil much more frequently over the last year, 1 quart per 1000 miles. The check engine oil light would turn on every month at random times while driving. Took my car to a shop; they removed 02 Sensor 1 and borescoped the exhaust system. Found oil leaks from valve seals, leaking into the exhaust manifold. A few weeks later, the check engine light came on for the first time (codes: P24D6 and U3501). Brought car to another shop; they scanned the car and the following codes were found: U350100 (Passive/Sporadic) - Control Module Input Power "A" Circuit Low U041600 (Passive/Sporatic) - Invalid data received from vehicle dynamics control module) P003000 (Passive/Sporatic) - O2 Sensor Heater Control Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1 U105400 (Passive/Sporadic) - Information electronics 1 control unit No communication P24D600 (Passive/Sporadic) - Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system pressure sensor/switch B circuit range performance. The second shop also stated the valve stem seals needed to be replaced in addition to the Upstream Oxygen sensor and PCV valve. The car was brought to Volkswagen for repair under the extended warranty. Volkswagen confirmed the PCV valve and valve stem seals were bad and needed to be replaced. VW also noted smoke coming from the exhaust.
Filed Aug 20, 2026WA
Vehicle abruptly lost power on the highway and limited itself to 3000 RPM. PCV valve failed and oil pan cracked at only 45k vehicle miles.
Filed Aug 10, 2026OK
PCV value/oil leak is a known issue with this specific model of car. The repair I was quited was over $2700 when the car is just out of warranty. There was no oil light indication showing that the oil was low! I only checked everything out because I saw oil in the drive way. The car read zero oil on the dip stick. I added 4 quarts and finallt started to get into operating range. My wife drives this car and could have been in a major accident if it hadn't been noticed. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Filed Aug 6, 2026MI
My name is [XXX], and I am writing today to express my complete frustration mentally and financially with a CPO 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN [XXX]) I purchased XXX. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (Case XXX). My recent service visit on XXX was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to VW of [XXX] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.” I paid $1,605.37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FRE
Filed Aug 1, 2026CA
My Tiguan leaks and burns oil like crazy. Now it has 111k miles on it, but this has been an ongoing issue for the last five years since I've had it. I now have to put a quart of oil in every 100 miles. This is not the fault of me getting an oil change, this is a persistent problem caused by the manufacturing of the car. I have had the engine nearly seize up while driving on the freeway due to low oil from this issue. Please investigate and fix.
Filed Jul 27, 2026CA
Electrical screen fail. Makes backup camera turn black and turns off while using. off and on repeatedly while in use. Very dangerous.
Filed Jul 14, 202651,960 milesCA
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving downhill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted into a driveway and restarted. Upon restarting the vehicle, the electronic power control (EPC) warning light and the yellow triangle for the central warning light illuminated. The vehicle was idling roughly and jerking while driving to the dealer. The vehicle was previously serviced at 50,500 miles due to an EPC fault, and dealer replaced an electronic actuator. Additionally, the battery was replaced at 50,500 miles, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,960.
Filed Jul 9, 2026TN
The PCV valve does not last past 60k miles. Multiple forums and customers stating this. When the failure shows up as a check engine light symptom it has already caused a major oil leak in the crank shaft that leaks with the car off at about 500ml and is significantly worse while driving- Up to a quart of oil loss from driving 10miles. VW has had issues with the PCv valve design from 2012. I bought a 2012 Passat but it did not leak till well after 200k miles but the code would continuously go on and off.
Filed Jun 25, 2026RI
Approximately 1 year after purchase, we started having the oil light come on. Returned to dealer and they stated it was normal. This continued for approximately 4 or 5 more times. A "comprehensive" test/diagnostic was conducted and they said normal consumption but no issues. Moving now in 2026 with 40k and now out of warranty with age of vehicle, we brought it back to Scott Motors and NOW it's an issue with the head. The same common problem that they have known about with all their vehicles in this class with this motor since I believe 2018. They want to split the repair bill 50/50 and then 70/30. I stated I addressed and documented the issue years ago and now since we are out of warranty, now you find it. Please Help.
Filed Jun 14, 2026NJ
My 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The oil level drops rapidly between oil changes, and I have had to add oil multiple times to prevent engine damage. The low oil warning light has appeared unexpectedly while driving, creating a safety hazard. I am concerned about potential engine failure, stalling, or loss of power at highway speeds. I have reviewed multiple NHTSA complaints from other 2021 Tiguan owners (IDs 11742786, 11741539, 11741067, 11739933) reporting the same oil consumption and low oil pressure issues. This indicates a pattern of defects involving the EA888 2.0 TSI engine. Volkswagen dealerships often claim this is ‘normal,’ but the frequency and severity of oil loss suggest a mechanical defect involving piston rings, PCV system, or internal engine components. This poses a serious safety risk, especially during long distance travel. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2021 Tiguan model year.
Filed Jun 12, 2026VA
The component that is failing is the Radio. The radio consistently turns off when using it and power cycles itself back on which creates a concern when I am using the phone or the Maps feature. I had the same issue with a 2019 Volkswagen Passat, that I previously owned and I now see that there are known issues with other Volkswagen vehicles for the same thing, but there is no recall on my vehicle. I have spoken to my dealership about it and they advised me that there is not a recall for the issue so I would have to pay for them to take a look at this. There are no warnings such as lamps or anything else prior to the failure happening besides if the radio has sound coming through it, you won’t hear the sound anymore and within 60 seconds it will power cycle down for about a minute and then come back on and have to completely reload. There has been no inspection by the police or manufacturer to my knowledge.
Filed Jun 8, 2026IL
On 03/11/26 Volkswagen pushed an over the air update related for an infotainment System Software Update. Immediately upon completion of the updated the Central caution light (exclamation mark inside of a triangle) was illuminated along with the SOS warning light. This has caused by SOS safety system to not function properly. The dealer charged me $200 to diagnosis a problem VW created and stated the SOS Control Module needs to be replaced. They claim the part is on National back order for the past three months. I have been unsuccessful receiving information regarding the repair of my vehicle. I am concerned the SOS system will not function if it is needed.
Filed Jun 2, 2026TN
Rear view mirror has come detached from the main roof and it's presented that the only option to repair this is a complete windshield replacement. If the mirror is adhered to the windshield, this presents a major design flaw and safety hazard. I should not have to replace an entire windshield to replace just a rearview mirror. Also, because this is requiring me to seek additional services outside of the VW dealership, I would have to drive without a safely secured rear view mirror, presenting a safety hazard.
Filed May 30, 2026PA
Tha back up camera system is glitching out. We reset the system but is keeps freezing/blacking out after about 30 seconds. This is known issue with this model of Volkswagen.
20 of 140 complaints, reproduced as filed.