2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 192 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 17 Tiguan model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 6 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsOct 31, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Campaign 22V815000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyApr 6, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
Campaign 22V226000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsMar 27, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The tire information label contains inaccurate tire dimension and inflation pressure specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The incorrect specifications can result in improper tire inflations or to installing a tire of the wrong size on the vehicle. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D2.
Campaign 19V241000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, springs, coil springsMar 6, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Campaign 19V188000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelNov 26, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Campaign 18V824000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
192 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 27, 2024
The windshield fluid washer disappeared aka consumed mystery without the operator usage. I had to fill in a gallon of the windshield washer every2-3 months, and I did not do any washing or anything to use the fluid. Last week, the check engine came in and told me to fill the washer fluid and it could not pump the washer fluid onto the windshield while I was driving the vehicle during the snow storm that blind me visibility on the road that could cause a very serious accident if that happened. This is a very serious safety issue that could kill someone. as of today, 12/27/2024 I just filled the windshield washer fluid and it consumed 3 gallons of the washer fluid. The question is where all the fluid went even that I did not use it?
Service brakes, Dec 7, 2024
At 79,200 mi. metallic grinding noise was coming from rear wheel. Disassembly of rear brake pads on driver side revealed inner brake pad completely worn to the metal backing (no braking material remaining.) An inspection of the pad showed that the manufacturer installed the pad such that the brake pad wear indicator was positioned too far from the pad. The wear indicator never made contact with the pad and therefore, never made the characteristic high pitched audible tone as the inner pad reached critical wear. This resulted in a complete failure of the driver side rear brake pad.
Service brakes, Dec 3, 2024
The electronic parking brake would not disengage. After trying all the tips found online I finally got it to disengage but now it won’t re-engage and I am getting a warning “electronic brake fault” on the dash. It’s very dangerous not to have a working parking brake.
Engine, Oct 8, 2024
The car is burning a large amount of oil. I have taken it to the dealer for an oil consumption test 3 times. Every time, VW has indicated that the problem is normal. A tech stated that it is normal to burn a quart of oil every 1000 miles between oil changes. The engine has not ceased yet but it is a real fear of mine, especially since I drive my son in this car.
Lane departure, Oct 7, 2024
Blind spot detection not working. Repaired May 2023. Occurred again September 2024. No warning that it's been deactivated. Error message when blind spot sensing is activated. VW dealer diagnosed issue.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Aug 23, 2024
A month ago I started my vehicle and 1/2 a mile into driving, all my electronics turned off with no warning(radio, instrument cluster, A/C, gauges, turn signals, headlights). The only electrical component working was the power windows. I couldn't see my speed, any warning lights or my turn signals. I immediately pulled over as I couldn't even tell if my car was still drivable. I Turned off the car (just the engine at this point) and tried to start it again with no response when I turned the key. When it finally turned back on, all the electronics turned on and immediately turned off again. The display on the instrument cluster briefly said "check starter system". Since then it will happen any time it is hot out. Heat is definitely what is triggering the symptoms. This same issue has been seen in the VW 2019 Jetta. This is a huge safety issue.
Visibility, Aug 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2024
Me and my family were driving to Los Angeles on a freeway. All of a sudden the car showed a warning saying something like "Limited to 4,000 RPM", and we felt strong vibration under the hood. We decided to pull over at a first available gas station. While turning into the gas station, the car refused to go and refused to start, making a loud clicking sounds. We had to tow the car to the nearest VW dealership (Galpin VW). Later they informed us that they have to replace fuel injectors and harness and it will cost us approximately $2,600. After paying the amount, I found that VW issued a recall/bulletin for this very problem - VWP-23-03 for my model year (VW Tiguan 2019). I contacted VW but they refused to honor the warranty claiming that the warranty does not apply to my VIN. It seem obvious to me that this is the same exact problem as described in the bulletin VWP-23-03. I feel like VW has made a mistake by not applying this bulletin to my VIN number (and probably others) and is endangering motorists that would otherwise get this serious issue fixed during regular maintenance.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2024
Starter system of the car, due to excess heat on days when the car is parked outside, it gives warning of starter system and the ignition turns off by itself
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2024
On [XXX] my sunroof spontaneously shattered while my husband and I were driving down a country road in New Hampshire. There were only pine trees on either side of the road, and nothing dropped on the roof to shatter the glass. The glass rained down on me and the pop noise was very alarming. The only thing we can surmise is that the glass shattered due to temperature differential whereby the hot outside air, since it was an August day, and the cold air conditioning inside the car stressed the glass. However, we have never had this happen before in any car. We were grateful the glass did not fall into our eyes but this could have had a very different outcome. We became concerned for people in climates like Arizona or Florida who may experience this danger, especially when driving on the highway. Regardless, the sunroof glass should be able to withstand the heat of the outdoors and the Volkswagen air-conditioning system. We concluded that this had to be a defect in the glass used, and we feel compelled to write and report this incident. We were put at risk by shattered glass raining down on the front seats, and the dealer was unresponsive and said the sunroof shattering spontaneously was not typical. It has not been inspected yet, and police have not been involved as there was no accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jul 25, 2024
I was driving on a hot day and all of the instrument panel, air conditioning, all controllers, like signaling, windshield wipers, radio and all electronic gear turned off. Without the equipment and tools available, I could not change lanes or come to a stop safely. It would be difficult for me to say if other systems were affected. I was luckily not going very fast at the time and was able to navigate to the shoulder and stop my car without incident but it was a very stressful situation that I had never experienced in a vehicle before that time. Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection. This happened for the first time today so I have not tried to reproduce the issue. However, many others have complained about it on forums. Here is one of many examples: [XXX] A car's electronic systems should not completely turn off because of changes in the weather. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 22, 2024
Around 8 times now if my vehicle senses something in the front it will abruptly brake very hard. There doesn’t have to be anything in the view, simply pulling out of a gas station it will do, and it’s almost caused a collision, as it takes a few seconds to be able to disable, manually. This is extremely dangerous, and is going to eventually hurt someone seriously. It is imperative that something be done concerning this issue before innocent people get hurt as a result of a faulty braking sensor. Please take this complaint seriously as it has on multiple occasions almost caused a collision. Thank you!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 12, 2024
It’s happened twice in extreme heat; the first time I was driving not even 3 minutes after starting the car. All of a sudden there was a screen on the dash that popped up and said “ignition off, please stop the car safely”. The car was still able to drive but nothing else was working- gas gauge, speedometer, a/c, radio, etc. The second time happened when I had just started the car. Let it run for about 2-5 minutes and then the dash said “check starter system”. Is still fully capable of reversing, driving but just nothing else electrical working.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 12, 2024
Since 03/2023, I have experienced several false applications of the automatic emergency braking system. One particular incident involved the vehicle going 75mph on the freeway when the braking system has been applied. Other times have been between 20-40mph on city roads. I have reported this to the local dealer, they have the logs of my car doing this however they will not release them to me. Volkswagen has offered a warranty extension on this issue, however that's not a solution. I work in automotive repair, this is a software programming issue. Volkswagen has no fix. This car is going to kill me or someone else. Please review all the other similar complaints with this year, make and model.
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2024
My car dash and all electrical components are shutting off WHILE I’m driving! All needles go to 0, radio shuts off, AC/HEATER, turn signals, brake lights, headlights, ect. The engine seems to run for a moment and then shuts off. Once the car is pulled over to the side of the road (if I make it!) and turn the car completely off and try to start it again, it won’t turn on immediately. I’ve had to sit for 5 -10 minutes on the side of the freeway multiple times on my way home from work as the car would continue to shut down on me. It’s absolutely terrifying. Luckily I wasn’t driving at night and was visible in the daylight and LUCKILY I didn’t have my children in the car with me when this has happened.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2024
Moldy smell in car. Wet seatbelt back passenger and carpet on floor. When seatbelt pulled out, wet and moldy smelling. Sunroof cloth has water stains from what appears to be a leak even though sunroof is closed. Car smells like mold and I am concerned to be breathing it. I am in remission from Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and any environmental irritants put me at risk significantly of relapse and I could get a fungal infection. I need this addressed as I do not want to be at risk, nor do I want anyone else jeopardized. MOLD SPORES are DANGEROUS. I called VW and they told me it was part of a recall but my car does not qualify because of my mileage. I have 124K miles. This is a serious problem, and VW is not willing to help me. This is a manufacturer defect and I want it addressed and fixed by VW.
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2024
While driving the car a message appears " check starter system" and the car stops. This happened after about a quarter mile away of driving after starting the car. This has happened twice on really hot days. The first time it happened the car started back up normally, the second time (today) it did the same shut off three times before I had it towed. I am going to call the Volkswagen dealership tomorrow morning about this. I read online that the 2019 Jetta was recalled for what sounds like the same exact issue.
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2024
VW has only issued an ignition failure recall for 2019 - 2021 Jetta's. I just purchased a 2019 VW Tiguan and because the recall does not extend to this model the repair to replace the ignition switch due to a failure that is identical to the Jetta is being refused. It is absolutely a safety risk and needs to be extended to include other car models of the same year. I was on my way to a mechanic when I lost all power to the car, the dash lights went out, and the check starter system error message popped up. It was 89 degrees here with overcast and was actually a lower temperature day when two days prior it was 100. CarMax specifically is only willing to replace the starter/alternator because there is no recall notice for the Tiguan. I am trying to get them to fully repair the car to a safer standard, but there is no guarantee without an actual recall for this model.
Forward collision avoidance, May 25, 2024
The automatic emergency braking(AEB) on the vehicle is too sensitive or goes off for no reason. On multiple occasions I the AEB system goes off when exiting parking lots onto busy streets. On one occasion the driver behind me had to suddenly stop to avoid rear ending my car. On a separate occasion the system when off while turning right onto a busy street. The right turn could have been performed safely but the system went off leaving my car in the middle of the road while cars were headed my way which could have cause my car to be t-bones if the drivers were speeding or not paying attention. My wife and kids were in the car with me. The system causes you to to come to a complete stop and unable to disengage the brake for 5-10 seconds. There have been other incidents where luckily the streets were not so busy.
Forward collision avoidance, May 14, 2024
I was driving down a completely clear road, not a single car or turn in sight. When suddenly my cars front collision warning comes on the screen and brakes my car for me. There was no advance warning, just hard braking.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 17, 2024, crash
The emergency braking system caused a rear accident . Leaving at fault " unable to control vehicles ", listed by State Farm, resulting in a personal injury claim with no injuries for $475,000.00 all parties including Volkswagen will be sued . The vehicle has caused loss of employment and a lawsuit on top of that I'm still paying a $586.00 Car note and $686.00 car insurance just for me to drive now . I'm mad asf !!!!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 1, 2024
I have a 2019 VW Tiguan with 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder and auto trans. I am experiencing frequent delayed acceleration from standing start in duration of 2 - 6 seconds. This BW is equipped with Drive By Wire technology which means an electrical wire with a solenoid at each ends sends a signal to motor to rev up. If that signal is not perfect the car suffers from a delay in acceleration from stopped position. I have reported this twice to NHTSA since Aug 2019 when car was newly purchased. Within first week I experienced a “delayed acceleration” from stop and under 1800-2000 rpm’s and under 25mph so this is NOT turbo lag as service manager first suggested. This always occurs from a dead stop pulling into traffic whether left, right or straight away driving. The delay occurs about half the time 5 out of 10. Fortunately for me the six second delay event occurred in church parking lot. During these episodes the engine remains at idle with the accel pedal fully depressed to floor, and at end of the event motor races and car takes off. To repeat there is NOT a mechanical linkage for accel pedal to motor, with “Drive By Wire” technology. There are literally thousand of reports online about these failures and a cottage industry has sprung up to decrease these “delays” (Roar Pedal etc) but they are ineffective. I believe this “drive by wire technology “ is a means that an auto mfg attempts to meet EPA city CAFE fuel requirements. I have requested VE replace one or both solenoids but they refuse until they can replicate the issue and BE corporate isn’t listening and a new 2023 Tiguan I test drive for comparison suffered same issue but less frequent in short 30 minute drive. It is up to you to investigate and require auto manufacturers to correct this major problem in public confidence in auto mfgs and regulatory organizations tasked with protecting the public.
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2024
The system says ignition switched off. Please check the starter system. Then, all electrical system is turned off. It seems the same problem with 2019 VW jetta
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2024
The car automatically and inadvertently engages the parking brake while driving, as in approaching an intersection or in heavy traffic on highway. This obviously puts occupants and others at significant risk, as the driver cannot accelerate to avoid a potential collision, the car could be hit from behind, or the car could fishtail if the roads are snowy. It is wintertime and our roads are snowy, so we drive the car as little as possible. This first occurrence was more than one year ago. This initial warning in the car display is "Driver Door Contact Switch" error, particularly during cold weather, which precedes a cascade of other electronic alerts and activities described elsewhere, such as errors messages and sounds, and automatic engagement of the parking brake while driving. Some VW models have a recall for this exact problem, indicating that airbag deployment may also be affected: [XXX] This technical tip for many additional VW models indicates that the proper service procedure (error U019900) is to replace the door wiring harness: [XXX] The recall should be widened to include the models affected as indicated in this Technical Tip!! Our local VW dealer (which sold and services the car) claimed not to know anything about this common problem. At our first appt, they replaced the car battery. Prior to our second appointment (each requires ~4 weeks lead time), they said that they would not replace the wiring harness unless the error code occurred while the car was in their possession, despite multiple OBD error codes as cited in the technical tip above. The dealer ultimately agreed to replace the part only after (1) I sent a copy of the class action lawsuit; (2) I sent a copy of the relevant VW Technical Tip; AND (3) I said that I would pay for the repair (despite being covered under warranty). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jan 12, 2024
Warning sign with message, ‘Only exit vehicle in P position. Please service vehicle.’ displays. Other vw cars recalled for this ‘same issue’ but not Tiguan. Please let them recall and fix the problem.