2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

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

While stopped at a traffic light, the engine shut off without warning and would not restart after releasing the brake. Vehicle required shifting back into Park to restart. Documented in dealer repair order #XXX dated XXX. Vehicle also experienced random infotainment shutoff and inoperable wipers with no driver input across multiple repair visits. These recurring electrical failures pose a safety risk. Vehicle is my sole work transportation as a licensed Realtor. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

During normal operation on a public road, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan suddenly began emitting smoke from the front of the vehicle. This occurred without any warning lights, messages, unusual smells, or symptoms beforehand. Within moments, flames became visible from under the hood. The occupants, including a child and an elderly family member, immediately exited the vehicle. The fire spread rapidly and resulted in a total loss. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames, and both fire and police reports were created documenting the incident. The vehicle was nearly new, with approximately 7,000 miles on it, no mechanical issues, and no prior maintenance warnings. Nothing unusual occurred during the drive, and the vehicle had been used under normal, paved-road conditions. On November 5, 2025, Volkswagen conducted an inspection at the IAA facility in Puyallup, WA. Volkswagen later denied liability, stating that burned and unburned vegetation was found in the engine compartment and suggesting that external organic material may have caused the fire. This explanation appears unreasonable, as vegetation in the engine bay does not normally ignite spontaneously in a modern vehicle operating under standard conditions. The vehicle is currently with State Farm at the IAA facility in Puyallup, WA, and is available for further inspection by NHTSA if needed. This incident posed a serious safety risk to the occupants and to other motorists, and may reflect a potential safety defect requiring further investigation

On 9/14/2025 my 2024 VW Tiguan failed to unlock while my two-year old daughter was inside. My keys were in my front passenger seat. The unlock/locking mechanism on the doors on the outside of the car did not work and my trunk would not open. My child was trapped in the vehicle for about 20 to 30 minutes in hot conditions until emergency help arrived. After inspection, Volkswagen stated there was “nothing wrong” with the vehicle; however, a locking system that prevents occupants from exiting or others from entering in an emergency presents a clear safety defect and risk of injury or death. My child was distressed and overheated but was evaluated at the hospital and is okay. Emergency help was needed to get the door open. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan (purchased used) has a recurring and unsafe issue related to acceleration and the automatic start/stop feature. When accelerating from a stop or while maintaining slight pressure on the gas pedal, the vehicle lurches forward as if aggressively accelerating, even though my foot pressure has not changed. Additionally, when the start/stop feature re-engages after idling, the vehicle sometimes lunges forward despite my foot being firmly on the brake pedal. This behavior has occurred multiple times, creating near-miss situations that could have resulted in accidents. Service History: The issue was replicated by one Volkswagen technician during an overnight test drive but was not accurately reflected in the official service notes. A different technician (shop foreman) later claimed the concern could not be replicated and dismissed it as a “normal vehicle characteristic,” despite my report. The dealership performed a factory reset but the problem persists. Safety Concern: This is a serious safety risk that poses a danger to myself, my passengers, and others on the road. I am especially concerned because my teenage daughter is about to begin driving this vehicle, and I do not feel it is safe for her. Manufacturer Response: Volkswagen of America has declined my buyback request, stating that the situation “does not merit an offer.” I strongly disagree, as the vehicle’s behavior is not normal or acceptable, and could result in unintended acceleration accidents. Request: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this issue is a defect in the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan and whether other vehicles may be experiencing the same unsafe condition.

APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO DISCONNECTS AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS DUE TO WIFI TURNING OFF AUTOMATICALLY. AND VEHICLE IS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 times. BUT NO RESOLUTION. WIFI TURNS OFF ITSELF AND CARPLAY OR NAVIGATION IS INTERRUPTED. EVERY-TIME THIS HAPPENS AND CAR NEEDS TO BE PULL OVER AND HARD RESET THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM TO GET THE WIFI BACK ONLINE. IT STARTED JUST AFTER TWO MONTHS OF PURCHASE.