NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
17 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 3, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other
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, t…
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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
NHTSA ODI #11761829
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2026
Engine
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11760349
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2026
Engine
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 compo…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11750439
Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine
*AFTER A OIL CHANGE ONLY RUNS 2,000 MILES A MONTH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR LOW OIL. WHEN CAR TURNS IN MORNING TURNS ON FINE AFTER I WORK FOR 8HRS TURN BACK ON AND WHITE SMOKE COMES FROM THE EXHAUST. WINDOW SOMETIMES WONT WORK. *CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING.WE FIRST THOUGHT OIL WAS NOT BEE…
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*AFTER A OIL CHANGE ONLY RUNS 2,000 MILES A MONTH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR LOW OIL. WHEN CAR TURNS IN MORNING TURNS ON FINE AFTER I WORK FOR 8HRS TURN BACK ON AND WHITE SMOKE COMES FROM THE EXHAUST. WINDOW SOMETIMES WONT WORK. *CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING.WE FIRST THOUGHT OIL WAS NOT BEEN DONE AND TOOK IT AGAIN AND THEY DID OIL CHANGE AGAIN SAME PROBLEM KEEPS HAPPENING . TOMORROW 7/1/2026 WILL BE TAKEN AGAIN AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS *CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH A "CHECK OIL LEVEL ". PROBLEM START TO APPEAR ON MAY 7 2026. CAR WAS SEEN BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR A OIL CHANGE ON 5/9/2026 , ON 06/16/2026 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK WITH A "LOW OIL LEVEL", ON 6/18/2026 OIL WAS CHANGE AT A SHOP AND TODAY 6/30/2026 LIGHT IS BACK ON NOT EVEN A MONTH ON MY LAST DEALERSHIP OIL CHANGE MILES DONT MATCH MY ORIGINAL MILES " 36,063 THANK YOU!
NHTSA ODI #11747516
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2026
Engine
I own a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 24,000 miles that was purchased used with only 2,300 miles and a clean title. The vehicle has developed significant oil consumption/seepage issues related to the EA888 2.0T engine. It began with oil seeping around the oil fill tube and cap due to a failed crankcase pressure assem…
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I own a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 24,000 miles that was purchased used with only 2,300 miles and a clean title. The vehicle has developed significant oil consumption/seepage issues related to the EA888 2.0T engine. It began with oil seeping around the oil fill tube and cap due to a failed crankcase pressure assembly (PCV/oil separator). I replaced it myself with genuine Volkswagen parts, but the oil level continues to drop after normal driving, indicating either a residual leak or excessive consumption. The dealership denied warranty coverage over the phone solely because the vehicle was in a prior accident (repaired with OEM parts), without performing any inspection or oil consumption test. This appears to be a known defect in these engines. Volkswagen considers up to 1 quart every 1,200 miles “normal,” which I believe is unreasonable for a near-new vehicle. I am concerned about long-term engine damage and safety if oil levels drop critically while driving. Please investigate this matter for a potential recall or safety action.
NHTSA ODI #11744608
Mileage unknown · May 11, 2026
Engine
On April 19, 2026 at approximately 9:40 PM, I was driving my leased 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan southbound on [XXX] [XXX] . I had three minor passengers with me — my daughters ages [XXX] and [XXX] , and their stepsister age [XXX] . We were returning home to [XXX] from a family trip to Walt Disney World. Without any warning — no da…
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On April 19, 2026 at approximately 9:40 PM, I was driving my leased 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan southbound on [XXX] [XXX] . I had three minor passengers with me — my daughters ages [XXX] and [XXX] , and their stepsister age [XXX] . We were returning home to [XXX] from a family trip to Walt Disney World. Without any warning — no dashboard lights, no sounds, no hesitation — the engine completely lost all power at highway speed. I pressed the gas pedal repeatedly with full force and there was absolutely no response. The car decelerated uncontrollably in active nighttime highway traffic. We were stranded on the highway shoulder for approximately one hour before the car restarted. I drove home on side roads. This is a recurring defect. In December 2025, I brought the vehicle to Gunther Volkswagen of [XXX] , where it was documented on official repair order RO#XXX that the vehicle ‘SHUTS OFF AT LOW SPEEDS.’ The dealer replaced the EVAP canister and N80 purge valve under warranty. The defect was not resolved. In May 2026, an independent professional diagnostic by 4 Rings European using an Autel MaxiSys Ultra scanner (Report ID: XXX) found 30 stored fault codes across 19 vehicle systems, including fault code P253200 (Ignition Switch Run Position Circuit High) — directly consistent with the sudden engine cutout — plus active cylinder misfires on cylinders 2 and 3, three active EVAP system fault codes confirming the December 2025 repair failed, and a compromised airbag system (U140000 — function restriction due to low voltage). The vehicle was subsequently taken to Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek again in May 2026, where the dealer diagnosed low voltage faults and replaced the battery under warranty. This is the second warranty repair attempt for recurring defects on this vehicle. I have filed a formal evidence preservation demand with Volkswagen Group of America’s General Counsel. I have also filed a BBB AUTO LINE arbitration INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11737039
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
The vehicle experiences sudden loss of motive power during acceleration. Between 30–60 mph, the transmission fails to upshift correctly, causing the engine RPMs to spike to 5000 while the vehicle fails to gain speed. This creates a severe safety hazard when merging into high-speed traffic. Additionally, the infotainment system f…
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The vehicle experiences sudden loss of motive power during acceleration. Between 30–60 mph, the transmission fails to upshift correctly, causing the engine RPMs to spike to 5000 while the vehicle fails to gain speed. This creates a severe safety hazard when merging into high-speed traffic. Additionally, the infotainment system frequently blackouts and reboots while driving, and there are intermittent malfunctions with the power windows and door locks. Authorized dealerships have been unable to resolve these persistent safety defects after multiple repair attempts.
NHTSA ODI #11736204
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2026
Engine
My car has started using oil. I was driving home and the low engine oil light came on. I pulled over and checked the oil, the dipstick showed low but not out. I drove it home and put 3 quarts in. I made an appointment to get it checked. It should not be low on oil. I was not due for an oil change or any maintenance. They kept my…
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My car has started using oil. I was driving home and the low engine oil light came on. I pulled over and checked the oil, the dipstick showed low but not out. I drove it home and put 3 quarts in. I made an appointment to get it checked. It should not be low on oil. I was not due for an oil change or any maintenance. They kept my car for 3 days and did an oil change. Said to bring back after 1000 miles. This makes no sense To me. Why not do an oil consumption test?!!!? I have had multiple issues with this car. This is just the newest issue. I'm concerned that my regime engine is going to fail. I'm reading about multiple issues with the 2020-current models of this car burning through oil.
NHTSA ODI #11730714
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2026
Engine
Told the dealer there’s an issue at 4 thousand miles due to low oil and they changed the oil at my request and told me it’s normal to have to add oil ant the problem continued every couple thousand miles I’ve tried vw America and filed a claim I believe it’s on deaf ears then at 23000 miles I requested a oil consumption test and…
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Told the dealer there’s an issue at 4 thousand miles due to low oil and they changed the oil at my request and told me it’s normal to have to add oil ant the problem continued every couple thousand miles I’ve tried vw America and filed a claim I believe it’s on deaf ears then at 23000 miles I requested a oil consumption test and they confirmed there’s definitely an issue with the valve guides snd the head but parts are on back order might be 6 months or longer I told them that they knowingly sold me a new car with defective motor and wanted them to buy it back they won’t listen and told me to continue to drive the car until the parts come in and I said that this might screw up other parts they say as long as I keep oil in it it should be ok I’m not pleased at all
NHTSA ODI #11730674
Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2026
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a serious transmission defect in my vehicle. The drive and reverse gears are not functioning properly. After driving for a few minutes and parking, when I attempt to reverse on an inclined surface, the vehicle unexpectedly moves forward instead of backward. Similarly, when the vehicle is…
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I am filing a safety complaint regarding a serious transmission defect in my vehicle. The drive and reverse gears are not functioning properly. After driving for a few minutes and parking, when I attempt to reverse on an inclined surface, the vehicle unexpectedly moves forward instead of backward. Similarly, when the vehicle is parked facing downhill and I shift into drive to move forward, it rolls backward. There are no warning lights or dashboard indicators alerting me to any malfunction. Due to this defect, I have nearly collided with objects multiple times within just 15 days of ownership. Most concerning, I almost hit another vehicle behind me while attempting to drive forward, as my vehicle suddenly rolled backward unexpectedly. This creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other drivers. I purchased this used vehicle with less than 10,000 miles from EchoPark dealership. Unfortunately, I am unable to return the vehicle because their return policy is limited to 7 days. However, this issue appears to be a significant mechanical or transmission defect that poses an immediate safety risk.
NHTSA ODI #11718195
Official recalls
2May 20, 2026
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Tiguan vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V082. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91NF. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 27, 2026.
Feb 12, 2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Volkswagen) 91NY and (Audi) 90AV.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗