Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Volkswagen Tiguan - part 1

My vehicle stalls and completely stops at red lights, stop signs, and low speeds. Currently my vehicle is stalling and stopping at accelerated speeds at 20 mph.

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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.

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Consuming too much oil and only getting worse. Have to add 1 qt of oil around every 400 miles. Worried that all the burning could cause a vehicle fire.

See all problems of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

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.

I own a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan that has experienced ongoing excessive oil consumption. At approximately 60,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a much more serious incident. While traveling approximately 75 mph on the interstate, the vehicle began actively spraying engine oil, covering the exterior of the vehicle. A warning light then appeared instructing me to check the engine oil level. I was able to exit the interstate and pull into a gas station. Once parked, the vehicle was leaking an excessive amount of oil onto the concrete underneath it. I contacted the dealership, and they immediately understood the issue because they had seen the same problem occur in other Volkswagen Tiguans. I am concerned that the sudden and substantial loss of engine oil while traveling approximately 75 mph presents a serious safety risk. This type of failure could potentially cause catastrophic engine damage or engine failure at highway speeds, leaving the vehicle disabled in active traffic. I am also concerned about the possibility of oil contacting hot engine components and creating a fire hazard. This incident is especially concerning given the vehicle's prior history of excessive oil consumption and the dealership's statement that they had encountered the same issue in other Volkswagen Tiguans. I am concerned there may be an underlying defect involving the engine or oil system. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can document the incident and evaluate whether similar complaints involving 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles indicate a broader safety-related defect.

On August 14, 2026, I brought my Volkswagen, with approximately 7,500 miles and still under warranty, to bay ridge Volkswagen, an authorized Volkswagen dealership in brooklyn, NY. At approximately 8:00 am, the dealer informed me that my vehicle had an applicable recall/service campaign and that several updates would be performed, in addition to scheduled maintenance. I was instructed to leave the vehicle until approximately 4:00 pm. At approximately 4:00 pm, dealership personnel specifically told me that the vehicle was ready. I accepted the vehicle and drove away. Immediately after leaving, I discovered that the engine warning/check-engine light was still illuminated. I immediately returned to the dealership. Only after returning was I informed that the problem associated with the warning light had apparently not been completed or resolved. I spoke directly with technical personnel and was told that some technicians had already left for the weekend and that the vehicle might require replacement of a component. The exact component responsible for the warning light is currently unknown. The vehicle remains available for inspection. My safety concern is that an authorized Volkswagen dealer represented the vehicle as ready and released it for operation while an engine warning condition remained unresolved and while dealership personnel were apparently still uncertain whether a component required replacement. The warning light was present immediately when I drove away from the dealership. The dealership had possession of the vehicle from approximately 8:00 am until 4:00 pm that day. I have requested from Volkswagen the diagnostic trouble codes, technician notes, details of the applicable recall/service campaign, confirmation of what work was actually completed, and written confirmation as to whether the vehicle is safe to operate. The vehicle has only approximately 7,500 miles. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident and the unresolved warning condition.

See all problems of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

Known issues with Tiguan models of overconsumption of motor oil due to faulty engineering of top(head) of engine.

See all problems of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? during a multipoint inspection that was earlier than advised due to multiple dashboard lights engaging, we were told that our car has an oil leak due from the timing covers and lower pan seal. They removed the oil separator and found value stem seals to be out towards the exhaust side creating an oil leak that stemmed from blown timing covers and the lower oil pan seal being the cause of the leak. The oil separator was noted as failed. This car has been brought in for every inspection and continued to have lights on post inspection that we were told regularly that they forgot just to turn off the lights but that the oil had been changed. In fact, our next oil change wasn't due until February 2027. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? our safety has been put at risk driving a car with a substantial oil leak and faulty components that only seem found after we are 8,000 over the warranty. In searching the internet, this oil valve and leak situation is common in 2022 Tiguans enough so that there are multiple threads and articles about it. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? the dealer confirmed that this is an ongoing issue with these cars and that volkwagen may be looking into doing a rebate for repairs. That doesn't fix the issue with the safety of the vehicle. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? we will be checking in with our insurance provider as well as an independent service center after dealing with heritage Volkswagen group due to our warranty. That warranty obviously provided us nothing for its cost or coverage. The lights were present and always brought in to be checked at the dealer we bought the car from. Again, we were always told that the lights didn't mean anything and they were left on after service accidentally.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, there was an engine failure, and internal parts fell apart and started grinding into the oil pan. The message "limp mode” and the vehicle failed to exceed 4,000 rpm. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be disassembled to be fully diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

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I got this car in 2024 and it burns through oil. I am constantly replacing the oil and have had to have the seals replaced a couple of times. Every 200 to 300 miles I have to put oil in it. It’s too new of a car for that. I know a lot of other owners have had issues.

My name is [xxx], and I am writing today to express my complete frustration mentally and financially with a cpo 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN [xxx]) I purchased xxx. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (case xxx). My recent service visit on xxx was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to vw of [xxx] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer. ” I paid $1,605. 37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Our 2018 Volkswagen had a light that came on so we took to dealership. The part that needs replaced is the cylinder head assembly which will be over $6000 plus $3k for timing. It will take over 28 weeks to get the part. So the car is not able to be driven. After looking into this, this is a known issue and there is a class action lawsuits going on right now. There are 4,600 back order parts nationwide. This is a defective part that the company has not recalled. The dealership is aware also that this is a known issue. There was not an injury but they say it is unsafe to drive. Volkswagen has no resolution for problem for a known defect part.

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while the outside temperature was cool, the vehicle operated normally. However, when the heat index was high, the message that the starter was hot was displayed. Shortly afterwards, the instrument cluster went black, and the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to coast the vehicle to the roadside. The contact waited approximately five minutes and restarted the vehicle. While driving in a subdivision, the vehicle stalled again. The local dealer was contacted, but there was no response despite the contact leaving a voicemail. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

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The car, a 2019 vw Tiguan, had a “check engine” light come on, and the resulting diagnosis and repairs - using vw’s specific engine fault codes - led to the replacement of both water pumps at 72,000 miles. An investigation of the water pump problem on such cars revealed that volkswagon previously settled a major nationwide class-action lawsuit (apparently kept secret) covering certain 2014–2021 models with 1. 8l and 2. 0l engines. This resulted in an extended warranty covering the repair or replacement of failed water pumps. For some reason our car was not covered by the extended warranty, even though the engines in the 2017 Tiguans are all the same. Why weren't we, as the owners of a 2019 Tiguan, notified of the results of the class-action lawsuit, and given the extended warranty? I want to know the difference between the water pumps in the affected vehicles, and the one in our car. The water pump # in her Tiguan is identified as o6l 121 111 m. What differentiates her water pump from those covered by the settlement? why are we forced to pay a good deal of money to correct a pretty disturbing vw design flaw (a plastic water pump), when others aren’t?.

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The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light on an extremely hot day, the message that the starter was hot was displayed and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. On another occasion, while making a turn, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The contact was able to safely coast over to the emergency lane. After waiting for the engine to cool down, the vehicle was restarted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Xxx my Tiguan was serviced at byers vw and received the recommended 80k maintenance. During this recommended service my vehicle passed the multi-point inspection except tires and brakes. On xxx I contacted your service department because as I was driving to [xxx] my check oil level came on. An appointment was scheduled for Tuesday. After the inspection was completed Tuesday it was determined that the value seal needed to be replaced which was already completed 25k miles prior therefore a request to replace the cylinder head would be sent to my warranty company which is through vw drive easy. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

My Tiguan leaks and burns oil like crazy. Now it has 111k miles on it, but this has been an ongoing issue for the last five years since I've had it. I now have to put a quart of oil in every 100 miles. This is not the fault of me getting an oil change, this is a persistent problem caused by the manufacturing of the car. I have had the engine nearly seize up while driving on the freeway due to low oil from this issue. Please investigate and fix.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole or an object on the roadway and the vehicle stalled. The failure had reoccurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Oil consumption/ needs to replace cylinder head.

Oil warning light was on while driving on a highway. My vehicle was losing engine oil. I just had an oil change recently. Current odometer is at 25000 miles.

I'm filing an urgent safety complaint regarding a series of severe defects in my 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN: [xxx]) that pose immediate, life-threatening hazards. On xxx, I took delivery of the vehicle, which was refueled by the dealership. By xxx, with temperatures soaring to 104°f, I encountered three critical issues: 1. **engine stall during low-speed turn**: while turning at 2 mph, the engine shut off without warning, losing power steering and brakes, and displaying a message to "manually restart the engine. " 2. **engine stall while reversing**: the engine stalled again while reversing into a parking spot, triggering the same emergency warning. 3. **structural window seal failure**: at 55 mph, the driver-side window seal tore away, becoming a projectile that struck the passenger-side window, creating a severe distraction and road hazard. Despite reporting the engine stalling issues to the dealership, the service manager didn’t open a formal repair order, citing the stalling as "intermittent. " on July 5, while attempting to refuel with half a tank, gasoline violently sprayed from the rear undercarriage, indicating a catastrophic failure of the fuel tank venting system. These incidents within 72 hours of delivery highlight systemic manufacturing and quality control failures. I have had the car towed back to the dealership via flatbed tow and the Volkswagen roadside assistance representative assisted with this transaction. I urge the NHTSA to investigate the fuel tank venting mechanisms, engine management software, and exterior seals of the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. Immediate action is necessary to quarantine this VIN ([xxx]) and assess potential safety recalls or stop-sales. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I have a 2022 Tiguan 2. 0l gas engine with a 10yr 120k mile Volkswagen warranty and all previous maintenance and services performed by the Volkswagen dealer. Just over 40k miles and a check engine light comes on so I go to the dealer. The oil separator, an emissions device, failed and needs to be replaced with the oil pan and timing chain cover. This separator is not noted anywhere on the manufacturer service schedule but based on talking to the dealership and my own research its is a known issue failing frequently over the last 5-6 years with Volkswagen redesigning parts several times in failed attempts to correct the issue but, to date, they have not issued a recall. As such, owners are having to pay significant repair bills as Volkswagen refuses to repair this under emission control or extended warranty coverage.

Like many others, at 55k miles, our oil separator malfunctioned causing our oil pan to crack and dump every drop of oil. We had to replace the oil pan and fortunately our mechanic friend figured out it was the new pcv valve malfunction causing too much pressure in the engine. My wife was luckily pulling onto our property when the car essentially shut itself off. When searching for the valve I needed, talking to multiple parts dealers and then a vw tech, none of them are sure why there’s no recall. It happens between 50-60k to thousands of people now. Then I watched videos on the issue and the mechanics online are all saying the same thing- this should’ve been a recall 2 years ago and are all asking the same question. It’s time vw does what’s right. It’s awfully coincidental that they installed plastic oil pans that would crack and leak under instead pressure, rather than a blowout seals because of the valve failure.

Taking left turns is dangerous. My turn very slowly and hard press on pedal to turn. Oil consumption is insane. Started at 38k miles, manufacture warranty ended after 4 years. I’m under 52k miles now and have to fill oil about every 1k miles. I’ve had 4 oil changes this year alone. I’m regular about maintenence. Last oil change was 08/03/26 check oil light came on 8/15 had to add 3. 5 quarts 8/26/26 will keep track of each time I need to add oil and update here. This has been an issue for many Tiguan owners where is the recall???.

Oil separator valve went out which caused the upper timing cover gasket, cambridge assembly seal, oil pan and seal to fail. Could have caused the engine to fail whiling driving which could have resulted in an accident occurring. Confirmed by dealership. No other inspection has been done on it. Oil light came on whiling driving. I put in more oil. It goes in for regular oil changes and as not been noted prior to 6/19/26 that there was an issue with the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly stopped. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message “service now” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel pressure sensor and fuel system sensor failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a grievance was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.

When driving, the vehicle self shifted into neutral and was unresponsive. All of the dash warning lights came on and I was not able to apply throttle or shift the car into drive. I had to coast in neutral to the side of the road. This is a safety issue and there was a high possibly of crashing if it wasn’t on a rural road. This is the second time this has happened. The first time vw service said nothing had occurred and gave me my vehicle back.

The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 mph, the vehicle suddenly became inoperable; the power steering became inoperable, and the brake pedal became difficult to depress. The message "no key fob detected" illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. No repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. The VIN was unavailable.

I was driving in 4 lane town traffic going under 10 mph and the hazard lights came on by themselves, and the car died. Propulsion stopped. Fortunately I was able to pull onto a striped median, and once I was over shock, 3-5 ish minutes, I started the car and drove to the dealership. I don’t remember any warning message, and it seems like the steering and brakes were hard once it was dieing, but I was so shocked it’s hard to remember exactly. This happened in rainy weather, about 65 degrees around [xxx] on [xxx], in bentonville, ar. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

This vehicle is burning oil! I have stayed on top of getting the regular/required oil changes but inbetween we have had to constantly top off the oil. I also get all oil changes at the dealer. Last time when I complained about it the guy told me that it would be a lot of work to try to find out why and left it at that. My warranty expires in November and I don't want to get burned by this by needing a new engine!.

Oil change and check engine light continuously appear. Have gotten oil changes during the prescribed timings and still after being within the timeframe of the oil change the sensor appears. The car has stalled while driving due to this and have on multiple occasions have had to buy oil to add to the vehicle even after getting a oil change at a dealership.

Excessive oil consumption. Check oil level light comes on repeatedly between oil changes. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The dealer has now looked at the issue 2x. Potential safety issue should the engine be affected while driving. The problem has not been reproduced by the dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer 2x. 1st issue appeared at approx. 33k miles and again at about 35k miles.

23 Tiguan. . Been having to top off oil every couple thousand miles sometimes up to a quart and they tell me it's within "tolerance" to lose oil. Bad pcv caused leak at timing seal and oil pan, oil everywhere needs extensive cleanup. This consumption has happened consistently since buying the vehicle and am being told with the new pcv installed we have to wait to see if the oil problem continues before we can do a consumption test. There should be no reason to be losing up to a quart every few thousand miles and this should be fully investigated.

My car jumps and lags due to fuel injector. It will be replaced by Volkswagen but only if there believe it’s ana issue even though there are several reports of this issue.

The car stopped at a light on a busy street in [xxx] (in the middle lane), then the engine stopped, and my wife could not restart it. I went as fast as possible and met her. I was eventually able to get it started. This is the third time we have had problems like this. I did the same thing for me and another time for my wife. I believe it is the stop-start capability, but I can't say for sure. We have also had bad engine oil burning problems and electrical problems. All of these (I now know, but did not before) are recurring problems for 2019 Tiguans. The cylinder head was rebuilt last year, associated with a similar instance. I am now fully aware that the 2019 Tiguans are known to experience all of these problems, but when I brought my car in on previous occasions, that never got mentioned. I am told xyz is an issue, then billed for repairs. The car was originally leased, and when I purchased it at the end of the lease, I also purchased a full premium warranty. When the issue happened in may of 2025, the policy eventually covered this, but it took over a month of justifications and records before the third-party insurance company agreed to cover the repairs. All of this said, I am no longer comfortable that this car is safe for my wife to drive, as the issues that are repeating are known issues, and yet Volkswagen seems to sweep these under the rug from both a manufacturer and dealership perspective. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).