NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
191 reportsMileage unknown · Mar 1, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other
I have a 2019 VW Tiguan with 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder and auto trans. I am experiencing frequent delayed acceleration from standing start in duration of 2 - 6 seconds. This BW is equipped with Drive By Wire technology which means an electrical wire with a solenoid at each ends sends a signal to motor to rev up. If that signal …
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I have a 2019 VW Tiguan with 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder and auto trans. I am experiencing frequent delayed acceleration from standing start in duration of 2 - 6 seconds. This BW is equipped with Drive By Wire technology which means an electrical wire with a solenoid at each ends sends a signal to motor to rev up. If that signal is not perfect the car suffers from a delay in acceleration from stopped position. I have reported this twice to NHTSA since Aug 2019 when car was newly purchased. Within first week I experienced a “delayed acceleration” from stop and under 1800-2000 rpm’s and under 25mph so this is NOT turbo lag as service manager first suggested. This always occurs from a dead stop pulling into traffic whether left, right or straight away driving. The delay occurs about half the time 5 out of 10. Fortunately for me the six second delay event occurred in church parking lot. During these episodes the engine remains at idle with the accel pedal fully depressed to floor, and at end of the event motor races and car takes off. To repeat there is NOT a mechanical linkage for accel pedal to motor, with “Drive By Wire” technology. There are literally thousand of reports online about these failures and a cottage industry has sprung up to decrease these “delays” (Roar Pedal etc) but they are ineffective. I believe this “drive by wire technology “ is a means that an auto mfg attempts to meet EPA city CAFE fuel requirements. I have requested VE replace one or both solenoids but they refuse until they can replicate the issue and BE corporate isn’t listening and a new 2023 Tiguan I test drive for comparison suffered same issue but less frequent in short 30 minute drive. It is up to you to investigate and require auto manufacturers to correct this major problem in public confidence in auto mfgs and regulatory organizations tasked with protecting the public.
NHTSA ODI #11574971
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2024
Electrical System
The system says ignition switched off. Please check the starter system. Then, all electrical system is turned off. It seems the same problem with 2019 VW jetta
NHTSA ODI #11573250
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2024
Electrical System
The car automatically and inadvertently engages the parking brake while driving, as in approaching an intersection or in heavy traffic on highway. This obviously puts occupants and others at significant risk, as the driver cannot accelerate to avoid a potential collision, the car could be hit from behind, or the car could fishta…
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The car automatically and inadvertently engages the parking brake while driving, as in approaching an intersection or in heavy traffic on highway. This obviously puts occupants and others at significant risk, as the driver cannot accelerate to avoid a potential collision, the car could be hit from behind, or the car could fishtail if the roads are snowy. It is wintertime and our roads are snowy, so we drive the car as little as possible. This first occurrence was more than one year ago. This initial warning in the car display is "Driver Door Contact Switch" error, particularly during cold weather, which precedes a cascade of other electronic alerts and activities described elsewhere, such as errors messages and sounds, and automatic engagement of the parking brake while driving. Some VW models have a recall for this exact problem, indicating that airbag deployment may also be affected: [XXX] This technical tip for many additional VW models indicates that the proper service procedure (error U019900) is to replace the door wiring harness: [XXX] The recall should be widened to include the models affected as indicated in this Technical Tip!! Our local VW dealer (which sold and services the car) claimed not to know anything about this common problem. At our first appt, they replaced the car battery. Prior to our second appointment (each requires ~4 weeks lead time), they said that they would not replace the wiring harness unless the error code occurred while the car was in their possession, despite multiple OBD error codes as cited in the technical tip above. The dealer ultimately agreed to replace the part only after (1) I sent a copy of the class action lawsuit; (2) I sent a copy of the relevant VW Technical Tip; AND (3) I said that I would pay for the repair (despite being covered under warranty). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11565749
Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2024
Power Train
Warning sign with message, ‘Only exit vehicle in P position. Please service vehicle.’ displays. Other vw cars recalled for this ‘same issue’ but not Tiguan. Please let them recall and fix the problem.
NHTSA ODI #11565175
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2024
Suspension
I am writing a complaint in reference to Safety Code Recall : 42J5 April 10, 2019. I bought my vehicle at Shearer VW in South Burlington VT on June 1, 2019. When I bought my vehicle I wasn't informed of any Recalls. I took my vehicle to Montpelier Volkswagen to get an oil change on Dec. 22, 2023 and was informed that I had a…
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I am writing a complaint in reference to Safety Code Recall : 42J5 April 10, 2019. I bought my vehicle at Shearer VW in South Burlington VT on June 1, 2019. When I bought my vehicle I wasn't informed of any Recalls. I took my vehicle to Montpelier Volkswagen to get an oil change on Dec. 22, 2023 and was informed that I had a broken rear axle coil spring and bushings that needed to be replaced . I was given an estimate and appointment for Jan. 12, 2024. In talking with my local mechanic to try to get an earlier repair (both him and Montpelier VW tell me that my car is a safety hazard with these problems.) my local mechanic found this safety recall and advised me to see if my vehicle was ever checked for defects. My vehicle year, make and model are listed in this recall. I have talked to VW Customer Care and Shearer VW where I bought my car and neither can answer my questions. Shearer VW did not know such a recall ever existed. My questions are: Where was my vehicle when this recall came out? Was my car on the list for repair because of the problem stated in the recall 42J5? Was my car checked for this safety recall? If it was checked, did parts get replaced or not? I think this was a serious recall and for VW to have no knowledge of this recall really bothers me. How can I get questions answered? My coil spring has broken and it does make me wonder if it had anything to do with a defect in materials or problems in the spring production process? Maybe not but I want answers. I have owned many vehicles and never had coil springs and bushings go like this . I do have 82,00 miles on my car now but other vehicles lasted through 100,000 miles + without any problems with this. I have now spoken to numerous individuals who have had the same kind of issues with their VW's. VW is offering me nothing but a big bill for repairs. And I am driving a very UNSAFE vehicle. Can you please help me get answers ? I think all VW dealerships should know about recall
NHTSA ODI #11563246
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemLane Departure
Take blind spot indicator is not working.Not warning of another car in our blind spot posses a safety risk to us and other drivers on the road with us.The dealer, Garvey Volkswagon Queensbury NY 12804, confirmed our complaint. Our car has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer. The problem first appeared in April 20…
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Take blind spot indicator is not working.Not warning of another car in our blind spot posses a safety risk to us and other drivers on the road with us.The dealer, Garvey Volkswagon Queensbury NY 12804, confirmed our complaint. Our car has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer. The problem first appeared in April 2023 without any warning. I contacted Volkswagon of America and they said they would not pay for the repair. I have a statement from the dealer and Volkswagen of America.
NHTSA ODI #11559856
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2023
Engine
Road trip from VA to NJ approx 700 mi. Mid-trip, stopped for fuel and oil check. Thereafter, engine started to run rough. Check engine MIL on. Could not find any problem. Back on road. Received a low engine oil warning. Checked engine, oil all over back of engine compartment. Shut down engine and towed to nearest VW dealer. Fou…
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Road trip from VA to NJ approx 700 mi. Mid-trip, stopped for fuel and oil check. Thereafter, engine started to run rough. Check engine MIL on. Could not find any problem. Back on road. Received a low engine oil warning. Checked engine, oil all over back of engine compartment. Shut down engine and towed to nearest VW dealer. Found engine dipstick not completely seated. I checked and measured force needed to completely seat dipstick, at 30 lbs. Dipstick insert sleeve is plastic. Dipstick can be inserted to bottom w/o seating. Any leakage of vacuum from this engine causes extreme performance problems. Oil spewing in engine compartment is a significant fire hazard.
NHTSA ODI #11558472
Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2023
Electrical System
The read window defroster was not working well. A few days ago, when I turned on the defroster and drove for about 10 minutes, all of a sudden, the rear window made an explosion sound, and windows cracked like a spiderweb. I stopped the car and got out the car and shut the door, the cracked window shattered in pieces. It seems …
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The read window defroster was not working well. A few days ago, when I turned on the defroster and drove for about 10 minutes, all of a sudden, the rear window made an explosion sound, and windows cracked like a spiderweb. I stopped the car and got out the car and shut the door, the cracked window shattered in pieces. It seems like the heating element overheated as the crack propagated from where the electicla wired were attached.
NHTSA ODI #11552773
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2023
Steering
In September 2022, we began to hear clunking sounds from the front left, especially when turning. We took the vehicle to the VW dealer and were told that there is a known issue with the steering and they will order the part. At this point, the vehicle was still under warranty. For several months, we continued to ask the dealer…
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In September 2022, we began to hear clunking sounds from the front left, especially when turning. We took the vehicle to the VW dealer and were told that there is a known issue with the steering and they will order the part. At this point, the vehicle was still under warranty. For several months, we continued to ask the dealer for an update on the part and were told that it was back-ordered but to continue driving the vehicle, as it was safe to do so. We continued to drive the vehicle as our daily driver. We also informed the VW dealer that the clunking was becoming louder and more prevalent. They continued to tell us the vehicle was safe and the part was back-ordered, with no estimate of when it would be back in stock. We asked about the part every time the vehicle was at the dealer, and called periodically to check in, almost every month until August 2023. At no point did VW reach out to us. Fast forward to September 2023. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a routine oil change, and asked that they evaluate the steering. This mechanic told us to stop driving the vehicle immediately as the vehicle could lose steering at any time. I immediately called the dealer and was told again that the vehicle was safe to drive. When I informed the dealer that I had in writing to stop driving the vehicle immediately, they offered us a loaner. The dealer stated there is still no estimated time of delivery for the needed part, and also stated that 800+ vehicles are waiting on the same part. I assume not all these vehicles have been parked & that most remain on the road, unaware that they may lose their steering.
NHTSA ODI #11552183
35,000 miles · Oct 19, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced rough starts. Additionally, the vehicle drove rough and there was an oil odor present while driving. Upon inspection, it was discovered that there was no oil on the dip stick. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that th…
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The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced rough starts. Additionally, the vehicle drove rough and there was an oil odor present while driving. Upon inspection, it was discovered that there was no oil on the dip stick. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the turbo was faulty and needed to be replaced. The turbo was replaced but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 35,000.
NHTSA ODI #11550752
Official recalls
5Oct 31, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Apr 6, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
Mar 27, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The tire information label contains inaccurate tire dimension and inflation pressure specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The incorrect specifications can result in improper tire inflations or to installing a tire of the wrong size on the vehicle. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D2.
Mar 6, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Nov 26, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗