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.
Air bags, Mar 27, 2023
I had a tire blowout on the highway and caused my airbags to go off without having impact on my vehicle. The airbags going off was extremely dangerous and could of caused serious harm to me or someone else by possibly crashing into another vehicle. I luckily managed to keep my car in control with minimal damage to the body. The dealer inspected and other than replacing tire and alignments is the 10,000 charge for airbags and seatbelt fixing. There were no warnings by the vehicle before incident.
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2023
Door switch notice pops up on the dashboard display. It comes on and off randomly. Took to mechanic, he said it has to do something with the door driver side door wire mesh
Seat belts, Structure, Seats, Feb 2, 2023
Sunroof drains are not draining correctly causing vehicle to flood when there is precipitation, flooring is wet/molded, seat belts have mold on them, unpleasant smell, and condensation collects on the windows. Also causing water marks/stains on vehicles exterior body.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 23, 2023
Error code: "Driver door contact switch". When this comes on randomly I can't unlock or lock my doors. I have had to climb out of my car through the passenger side door after parking because the driver's side won't unlock. Fault: "Auto parking break" When this comes on I can't turn on or off the parking brake. Sometimes when I'm driving and there is a bump or a change in surface level the parking break comes on. My car stops all of a sudden and cars behind me swerve not to hit me. I have noticed that the issues can go as fast as they come on. They only really happen in cold weather. Last year (2022) was the first year that things happened. I took my car in to see what Volkswagen could do. They said that because the error codes weren't running then they couldn't diagnose the issue. They also said that they have never heard of this before. However, when the error codes are on it's unsafe to drive the car. I have read that other Volkswagens have this issue. The link below is one example. https://knightlawgroup.com/volkswagen-tiguan-wiring-harness-automatic-braking-problems/
Power train, Jan 18, 2023
It has already recall for other model but not ‘Tiguan’ Recall code is ‘37M2’ Please do recall and save us from danger. Please.
Engine, Dec 12, 2022
My problem does not involve a crash but involves frequent DELAYED ACCELERATION in warm and cold weather, due to Drive-by-Wire technology or software. My VW service department does not acknowledge the problem and considers this delayed acceleration as turbo lag! Really, turbo lag at idle and no forward movement! Example sitting in parking lot at idle, auto trans in D drive. I stopped to let out my wife of car and I depressed accelerator pedal and nothing happened for six second delay, the motor continued at idle, 1000 rpm, than after approx., full six seconds (i was counting) then car raced off and I had to brake. This issue occurs from full stop warm or cold and from idle to 1800 rpm and up to 25mph and from first week of ownership beginning in October 2019. This had been reported up to eight times and only serviced by the selling VW dealership. The internet is full of remarks from VW owners of multiple VW models with same 4 cylinder turbo and many other European and Japanese manufacturers. I suggest these cars with 4 cylinder and turbo be investigated. I previously owned a 2016 GMC Terrain with drive by wire that never in three years displayed this similar issue.
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2022
I came to a stop light, and the car would not accelerate when I took my foot off the break and pushed the gas pedal. The lights remained on. I had to turn off the car and restart it. Additionally, the car has been leaking.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 13, 2022
While driving at night the cars IP displayed a warning "ignition system shutdown please check your start system", the Instrument panel and information display then went dark with no symbiology speed, revs or turn signals. The head lights and tail lights shut off and cabin fan and side windows stopped working. The engine continued to run so I was able to safely exit the highway but was a stressful and dangerous moment. When the vehicle was taken for repair VW service says issue was caused by a malfunctioning battery which was replaced at my cost with an OEM part. this has not fixed the issue though and I am attempting to get a new appointment for service.
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The battery was jump started and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to two independent mechanics who tested the battery and determined that the battery did not need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2022
Rooftop leakage , consistent with rain and snow and 2/3 inches of water sitting on the right side passenger floor and that side is wet for a long time and sometimes mold was formed. Car is now smelling bad. We never crossed our mind about blaming the roof leak but drivers blaming each other for leaving the window a jar or kids spilling water bottles in the car. Now the car was parked in the driveway sitting tight and right. And today, checked the car to move, saw 2/3 inches of water from last week rain with storm IAN. So the problem of manufacturing fault has been with us since we bought it in 2019.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 3, 2022
On 3 different occasions, the emergency braking system has automatically activated with no pending accident or obstruction present. The car has been to the dealer for inspection and there is an open work order on it with no solution given.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 22, 2022, crash
From a stop at an intersection, the initial depressing of the accelerator produced no throttle response and then suddenly the car lurched forward. This resulted in rear ending the care in front at the intersection. The collision avoidance did not stop the car before contacting the car in front. Even after the accident the car continued to respond in the same way until it was placed on the two truck.
Power train, Aug 26, 2022
Hi, My 2019 VW Tiguan, has the warning sign that ‘Only exit vehicle in P position.Please service vehicle’ But I found out it has recall for other vw cars for same issue but not tiguan. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 19V615 VW ACTION CODE 37M2, 37L5 At dealer, they will charge for diagnosing for $280 because it has not recalled. It should be recalled. Thank you.
Electrical system, Engine, Lane departure, Aug 11, 2022
Blind spot indicator went out dealer replaced under warranty (passenger side) warranty expired a few thousand miles later and now the driver side is faulty. Vehicle has a rough idle and oil leaks. Dealer will not diagnose problem and now that car is out of warranty they wont do anything unless paid for. Car has rough idle and miscellaneous oil leaks occasionally almost stalling. Independent shop ran a diagnostic and shows one cylinder misfiring and want to inspect pcv as most the time these fail on VW
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Aug 11, 2022
At a random time with nothing in the way the rear and front collision auto braking will engage. The last time this happen the vehicle was halfway into the street when it came to a sudden stop. Both forward and backward. I have a video of this happening. The local dealership says this a normal.
Seat belts, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the audible passenger’s side seat belt alarm would randomly activate and the seat belt warning light would illuminate even though there was no front seat passenger seated in the vehicle. The seat belt was then connected in order to deactivate the alarm. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 22, 2022
While attempting to accelerate on major highways (55-75 mph), suddenly orange "EPC" light along with orange triangle with ! appears on dashboard. Vehicle immediately begins losing speed, unable to keep up with traffic speed - capped at around 39 mph. Notification on touchscreen display, select "Vehicle Status", "1 message" next to the another identical orange triangle with !. Touched the messages to find orange ! and meter symbol, left of "Engine speed maximum 3000 rpm." Immediately drive to dealership, when I turned off the engine and parked the car to talk to a service center representative, it wiped the error from the vehicle completely. No EPC light, no message, and no data storage for the error that occurred. The dealership told me they were unable to re-create the issue, and sent me on my way. A few months later, the same issue had repeated 3-4 times, I took it to the same dealership, still unable to recreate issue. Now 2 full years have passed, warranty is expired, I bring it in having had the issue dozens of times (and documented with timestamped images), and the same dealership is claiming that the issue is the engine harness. This is extremely unsafe for other drivers, passengers, myself and my passengers. I have been fortunate enough to not have had any vehicles too close behind me when this failure occurs.
Structure, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the right hydraulic arm of the hatchback was corroded and upon closing the trunk manually, the right hydraulic arm detached and hit her on the right side of the head and shoulder. A bystander approached the contact to check on her. The contact then sought medical assistance. The contact was informed that she had sustained a severe concussion. The contact continued to undergo pain and physical therapy. The contact was later diagnosed with oxepedo myalgia and tumor on the right shoulder. Additionally, the contact was informed that she needed a surgical procedure for shoulder replacements. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that there was no proof of the incident. The contact stated that the failure occurred 14 days after the dealer had sold her the vehicle brand new. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Since the initial failure, the failure occurred intermittently and the vehicle would restart soon after failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 19, 2022
My Tiguan is doing the same thing as the Atlas. I have been told by the Dealer and the Vw representative that did a physical inspection of my vehicle. That the issues are the same. I was doing 70 mph on the highway all the dash lights went on and then the breaks engage bring my vehicle to a complete stop. This was in March of 2021. Vehicle was taken straight to dealer I was told then what was happening. And was told the issed was resolved. Then in January 2022 the vehicle did the same thing once at a low speed, and again that same morning going 30 mph, were the truck behind us did everything he could to avoid hitting the vehicle as my vehicle came to a complete stop. I was the front car and thankfully the truck behind me was the only other vehicle on the road. I pulled in to a parking lot, I attempted to back up and the vehicle would not go in to reverse. I had to have my vehicle towed to the dealership where has sat since January. They have not been able to repair the unit. As they are waiting for a wire harness for the door. Vw corporate has been notified and is not been helpful at this point.
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 21, 2022
Driving on clear road with sunny skies when vehicle break system warning light came on and vehicle suddenly and without warning began breaking. The sudden breaking of the vehicle with no reason or cause surprised me and put me in a dangerous position that could have resulted in an accident. Luckily the vehicle behind me was far enough behind where it was able to break without rear ending me. There was no warning that the vehicle had sense something on the road (none which were visible to me) before slamming the breaks. I will be reporting this to the dealer, but it has occurred twice before and I’ve always been told they don’t see any issues on there side, only been told to write down time, road conditions and location where it occurred so they could look into the system next time.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Feb 21, 2022
1. Seat belt in middle row. Seat belt will not retract. 2.electric system. Driver door contact switch, car still running, electric brake, drive window will not roll up, passenger window on left side will not roll up, driver door will not unlock.
Air bags, Dec 28, 2021
Passenger and driver air bag lights have come on 3 times (not working). Huge safety concern
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 24, 2021
While driving 25mph with no vehicles or other obstructions ahead, the vehicle forward collision warning audibly warned of an imminent crash, displayed a visible indicator on the dashboard screen, and applied strong braking force for about 2 seconds as I had been accelerating slightly. There were vehicles directly behind mine which may have collided with me if I had stopped suddenly. There was no risk of a frontal collision. This occurred as the vehicle was driving on a standard asphalt road and approached a red brick style crosswalk (there were no pedestrians). This has not been reproduced or inspected by law enforcement, a dealer, or others. There was no warning prior to this event.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 12, 2021
Automatic start/stop feature malfunctioned while vehicle was at a complete stop in a left hand turn lane at the front of an intersection. Caused major traffic jam because vehicle would not restart. No warning signals were given prior to failure, car engine simply turned completely off and dashboard message then read to "manually restart engine". Attempted to do so but it did not work. After that, I randomly started turning the car off and on, switching from park to drive in whatever order to try to get the engine to restart since manually restarting the "normal" way did not seem to work. While the car was not restarting, the yellow engine light did appear, I am not sure exactly when. No one's safety was at risk in this particular instance, however it could have been depending on when this problem occurs. It has happened twice prior to this incident but both times occurred in a parking lot, not in open traffic. Eventually, after about 5 minutes the car did restart and I was able to resume driving. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone for this particular issue and therefore not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center.