Table 1 shows one common steering related problems of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Steering problems |
The vehicle is experiencing a persistent and severe manufacturing defect regarding its steering wheel geometry and vehicle alignment. While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the steering wheel alignment is visibly off-center, failing to achieve proper tracking geometry. There is comprehensive photographic and video evidence documenting that the steering wheel and tracking alignment are fundamentally incorrect. To date, this vehicle has been brought to an authorized Volkswagen dealership service department for a total of eleven (11) separate service visits specifically targeting this exact defect. The dealership service department refuses to perform further corrective actions, insisting that the off-center geometry is "normal and within factory specifications" after test-driving two other lot vehicles. The dealership has explicitly stated they will not correct this defect without direct corporate intervention. Safety risk assessment: the manufacturer and dealership's failure to remedy the off-center steering wheel geometry and tracking alignment presents an ongoing safety hazard. Operating a vehicle with compromised steering geometry introduces unpredictable handling characteristics, accelerated or uneven tire wear, and an elevated risk of sudden component fatigue. The persistent alignment deviation forces the driver to constantly compensate to maintain a straight line of travel, increasing the risk of driver fatigue and unpredicted lane drifting at highway speeds. A vehicle that cannot maintain proper tracking geometry poses a clear and present danger to its occupants and surrounding traffic. Timeline of events & notice to manufacturer: both the local franchised dealership management and Volkswagen of America corporate regional management have been formally notified of this recurring defect through 11 documented service attempts. Following initial acknowledgments, the Volkswagen corporate regional representative has ceased all communications.
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that twice while driving 50 mph, an unknown message was displayed, indicating that the vehicle was not detecting a passenger. The horn inadvertently beeped three times, and the vehicle stalled and lost steering and braking functionality. The vehicle was restarted each time. On the second occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then towed to be diagnosed by the dealer, and the contact was informed that her hands might have been off the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to turn off. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was determined that the steering wheel assembly needed to be replaced due to an electrical charge from skin to confirm that both hands were on the steering wheel. However, in the event that both hands were not on the steering wheel, the system would activate a fault code, and the vehicle might stall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.