NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
140 reportsMileage unknown · Sep 8, 2025
Engine
Exceeding manufacturer recommended oil consumption. Car emits white smok out of the exhaust upon start up. The vehicle has been in the shop three times for this problem. The first time valve seals were replaced. The second time the oil pressure regulator was replaced the third time the recommended fix is to replace the engine he…
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Exceeding manufacturer recommended oil consumption. Car emits white smok out of the exhaust upon start up. The vehicle has been in the shop three times for this problem. The first time valve seals were replaced. The second time the oil pressure regulator was replaced the third time the recommended fix is to replace the engine head however they are nationally on backorder for months now so the fix has yet to be applied. Personal research has resulted in numerous Facebook groups and reddit post of customers with the exact same story.
NHTSA ODI #11685625
Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2025
Unknown Or Other
The overhead console on the VW Tiguan fell out of the ceiling. This is actually the second time this has happened (was originally replaced by the dealership at time of purchase). It so far has only fallen out a little bit and I taped it a bit, but it's still coming out. It blocks visibility and exposes electrical wires of the ca…
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The overhead console on the VW Tiguan fell out of the ceiling. This is actually the second time this has happened (was originally replaced by the dealership at time of purchase). It so far has only fallen out a little bit and I taped it a bit, but it's still coming out. It blocks visibility and exposes electrical wires of the car. If it should fall out during a sudden stop, the whole thing could hit me in the head and cause an accident as I am a shorter driver and closer to the windshield. VW extended the warranty coverage given this known defect, but completely dependent on miles driven versus age of car-so mine is unable to be fixed without a costly repair, that I still cannot trust will not happen again since this is a repeated issue. Many VW owners have the same problem and this is a safety hazard VW needs to address immediately.
NHTSA ODI #11680166
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2025
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper
The windshield wipers have been acting up, turning on unexpectedly when I use the turn signals, with no input from me, or when I drive over bumps, which seriously blocks my view and creates a danger on the road, especially in bad weather or during turns. This problem started showing up in October 2023 when the car had about 16,0…
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The windshield wipers have been acting up, turning on unexpectedly when I use the turn signals, with no input from me, or when I drive over bumps, which seriously blocks my view and creates a danger on the road, especially in bad weather or during turns. This problem started showing up in October 2023 when the car had about 16,000miles, still under the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. I took it to a dealership that month, but they checked the turn signals, scanned for faults, and found nothing, yet the issue didn’t go away. I tried again in September 2024 with another appointment, but the dealership wanted $250 for a diagnostic and to keep the car overnight, so I couldn’t proceed. The car and wiper system can be inspected if needed. There were no warning lights or messages beforehand; the trouble began in October 2023. Only the first dealership looked at it, with no fix. I have several videos showing the problem.
NHTSA ODI #11679481
40,000 miles · Jul 21, 2025
Structure
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the interior overhead console had become detached from the interior roof of the vehicle. The contact used tape to temporarily secure the console. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not y…
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The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the interior overhead console had become detached from the interior roof of the vehicle. The contact used tape to temporarily secure the console. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #11675112
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2025
Unknown Or Other
The overhead console came loose while parked during a heat wave and over the course of a day, it ended up hanging by the wires needing to be held up while driving. It blocks the rearview mirror, has exposing wires and swings around. This occurred during a heat wave. It seems that the plastic holding the screws melted, causing it…
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The overhead console came loose while parked during a heat wave and over the course of a day, it ended up hanging by the wires needing to be held up while driving. It blocks the rearview mirror, has exposing wires and swings around. This occurred during a heat wave. It seems that the plastic holding the screws melted, causing it to fall off. There are no warning lights or sounds and were none prior. Warranty states they do not cover this damage. Many others online say this happened to them with the same vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11669694
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System
It appears that my Volkswagen Tiguan is experiencing an issue where the fuel nozzle shuts off prematurely during refueling, requiring multiple attempts to fill the tank completely. There have been no recalls on my vehicle, but it is getting to the point where I can barely fill my tank up due to prematurely shutting off. This has…
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It appears that my Volkswagen Tiguan is experiencing an issue where the fuel nozzle shuts off prematurely during refueling, requiring multiple attempts to fill the tank completely. There have been no recalls on my vehicle, but it is getting to the point where I can barely fill my tank up due to prematurely shutting off. This has been an ongoing issue
NHTSA ODI #11664618
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2025
Unknown Or Other
The overhead console is falling off due to weak plastic brackets in the housing. This overhead console failed over time with no contact and seems to be a big issue for many 2020 Tiguan owners. The console hanging down creating a driving hazard. There are many forum discussions laying out the issue and VW will not repair.
NHTSA ODI #11663926
Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2025
Exterior Lighting
Aftermarket headlights were purchased online. Manufactured by AKD Aokeding in China. The headlights were installed by a ASE certified tech. The left low beam light went out within minutes while driving. Headlights were removed and internals inspected. The construction of these lights are very unsafe and would not meet any man…
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Aftermarket headlights were purchased online. Manufactured by AKD Aokeding in China. The headlights were installed by a ASE certified tech. The left low beam light went out within minutes while driving. Headlights were removed and internals inspected. The construction of these lights are very unsafe and would not meet any manufacturer specs. Not sure how these headlights would pass any safety compliance. The internal components were loose, unsecure and fragile. The wiring used was very thin approximately 28/30 gauge diameter. Right side headlight displayed excessive heat. These lights and company products need further review for further sales to the U.S. Other complains are online about this manufacturer.
NHTSA ODI #11656671
Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2025
Electrical System
After sitting in the hot sun for an hour or so, turned it on, and got a "check starter" warning, and all the dash instruments went off. No lights, turn signals, brake lights. Radio worked, windows worked for a bit, then nothing. Had power steering and brakes. Had warning lights on the mirrors. No AC/heat. Speedometer, tach, fue…
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After sitting in the hot sun for an hour or so, turned it on, and got a "check starter" warning, and all the dash instruments went off. No lights, turn signals, brake lights. Radio worked, windows worked for a bit, then nothing. Had power steering and brakes. Had warning lights on the mirrors. No AC/heat. Speedometer, tach, fuel, temp, display - all off. Car still ran. Found issue to be a faulty ignition switch
NHTSA ODI #11656447
Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2025
Unknown Or Other
Car-Net module that connects with emergency services keeps failing. This part has failed 2x on my vehicle and it is not even 5 years old yet. A simple internet search shows that this is a known issue and is experienced across models and production years for Volkswagen vehicles.
NHTSA ODI #11651801
Official recalls
3Apr 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.
Sep 23, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The third row seat belt anchor bolts may not have been properly torqued.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Improperly torqued bolts may prevent the third row seat belt from performing as designed in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. Owners are advised: No one should occupy the third row seat due to the safety risk. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen number for this recall is 69BA.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts:rear/other
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The third row seat belt anchor bolts may not have been properly torqued.
Consequence: Improperly torqued bolts may prevent the third row seat belt from performing as designed in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. Owners are advised: No one should occupy the third row seat due to the safety risk. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen number for this recall is 69BA.
Seat Belts
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The third row seat belt anchor bolts may not have been properly torqued.
Consequence: Improperly torqued bolts may prevent the third row seat belt from performing as designed in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. Owners are advised: No one should occupy the third row seat due to the safety risk. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen number for this recall is 69BA.
Aug 26, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗