Crankcase (pcv) problems of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Nine problems related to crankcase (pcv) have been reported for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan based on all problems reported for the 2021 Tiguan.

1 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 03/09/2026

After oil changes (always maintained at dealerships) it would require a quart of oil with in 2 days. Random starts will blow smoke out the rear. Random sluggish behavior. Dealership confirmed pcv valve is causing a buildup in engine pressure which caused a premature oil pan gasket leak. Without full teardown cannot know full extent of damages caused. (which spills out of the bottom and towards tires. . . . . ) dealership and fellow Tiguan owners have all reported the same issue! with a repair cost of $1,000-8,000+. Same with alot of other years as well. . The date below that I will list is for when the problem was fully confirmed (89k miles) but has always been an issue told its fine . . . Really noticed it after (68k miles) when I purchased the vehicle. With how many people are dealing with this it is hard to understand how we dont see an open recall for them. . . . . Also dealer said pvc valves are on back order and have been. Why should one replace with oem if they won't acknowledge its a faulty part?.

2 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2026

Excessive oil consumption. Paid out of pocket and 2 weeks later the same issue. Dealer is aware of this common problem and refuses to do anything. These vehicles have faulty piston rings and pcv valves.

3 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's dad who was following behind the vehicle noticed oil splashing onto the front windshield of his vehicle. The contact's dad then noticed while the contact was driving uphill, oil was splashing out of the oil pan. In addition, the contact's dad noticed smoke coming out of the exhaust. The check engine and pcv warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact's dad noticed that the oil pan was completely empty. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cracked oil pan. The contact was informed that the oil pan, gasket, and filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's dad noticed the oil splashing underneath the vehicle again. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact noticed that oil was spilling out onto the road. The oil pan was empty. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic. The independent mechanic contacted the dealer. The independent mechanic was informed that this was a known failure with the vehicle. The independent mechanic was informed that the failure was that the pcv valve had either failed or was clogged. The independent mechanic was informed that the failure normally occurred between 60,000-100,000 miles. The contact was informed that the failure might recur after the repair, however there was no recall for the failure. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

4 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 10/19/2025

I am experiencing severe oil consumption and leakage with my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The low oil level light began coming on weekly, and I have had to add oil nearly every week to keep the engine from running dry. Recently, I noticed oil leaking underneath the vehicle and immediately parked it. After parking, the vehicle began leaking oil excessively. The problem appears related to pcv system failure, which has caused multiple oil seals to rupture. After researching online, I found many other Tiguan owners reporting the same issues — including pcv valve failure, cracked oil pans, damaged valve seals, and crankshaft seal failures. My vehicle is no longer under the manufacturer’s warranty, and the dealership has not provided a fix. This defect presents a major safety concern because the engine can suddenly lose oil pressure or seize while driving, leading to sudden loss of power or control, which could cause an accident and potential injury. It appears Volkswagen has been aware of similar issues in other model years, but has not issued a recall or permanent repair for this problem. There is currently a class action lawsuit for the exact same issue for 2022 - 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan but doesn't currently include the 2021 Tiguan that I have. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these widespread pcv and oil consumption failures in 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles.

5 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 10/13/2025

Check engine light came on with excessive oil leaking from engine. Dealer inspected and diagnosed the pcv/oil separator had failed, multiple valve stem seals had failed, and valve stem guides were worn causing excessive crankcase pressure. Dealer recommended cylinder head replacement. Vehicle has been at the dealer a month with the cylinder head on backorder and no timeline for resolution. Dealer indicated thousands of cylinder heads in the queue, with tens of units being distributed per month.

6 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 08/09/2025

Vw dealership diagnose by 2021 vw Tiguan with a cracked oil pan and timing cover. The cause was from excessive oil pressure from a failed pcv valve which cracked the plastic oil pan causing excessive oil leak. This occurred driving on the highway and the ecp light on the dash came on with a message "max epinine rpm 3000". Vehicle quickly slowed down and was extremely sluggish to maintain a safe speed with other traffic. Dealer was able to see cracked oil pan and oil leak from timing chain cover and read error codes pointing to the issue. Can physically see crack in oil pan. Oil spilled out from oil pan onto ground when tow truck moved it. Dealer produced a video of the issue and visual see the cracked oil pan and leaking timing chain cover. Ecp light and engine max speed error was displayed while driving on the highway. From my understanding, basically the pcv valve fails and it over pressurizes the crankcase. It can cause the gaskets to fail causing leaks or the oil pan to crack which in our case the oil pan cracked.

7 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2025

At about 60,000 miles a vw dealer told me it was normal for vws to use oil. Now at 80,000 I have a $2,000+ bill b/c the pcv is faulty and the timing cover has failed. I did not get a low dngine oil warning, but mechanic says panic wait it was low ( oil change 4,000 miles ago). This could have led to a seized engine on the interstate. I am upset to learn this is a common problem with this vehicle. It is an expensive repair. From other posters I fear this is not the end of the problem. Vw should recall this part .

8 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 11/08/2024

Pcv valve on my car went and caused seals to leak in my engine. This has caused oil to leak onto my exhaust system which poses a fire hazard according to the dealership. Car should not be driven. Many many complaints about this issue of the pcv valve failing have been discovered online. Worried about my car catching fire if I drive it.

9 Crankcase (pcv) problem

Failure Date: 08/29/2024

Pcv failure causing the timing cover to leak oil and causing the oil pan to crack. This is a known issue with vw tsi engines. This pcv is a major issue not only causing the damage above but others are having to replace the rear main seal and crank case because of this. It's now in the shop for the next week and I'm out of a vehicle for the next week. This is not the only problem I've had with this vehicle. The last problem I had was the housing unit of the overhead lights, sunroof controls and sos when hanging down and broke out of nowhere. The plastic melted and cracked. It was replaced but was not put back together properly. There are now gaps where it should be tightly sealed. The glove comparent arm is broken. There are wheel bearings issues too we are trying to pin point the issue. The hits keep coming and the car is just a money pit.


Other Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan


Tiguan Service Bulletins
Tiguan Safety Recalls
Tiguan Defect Investigations