Complaint volume
176 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints
176 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan, grouped by component category.
176 Total complaints
6 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
5 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are unknown or other, electrical system, forward collision avoidance. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 6 crash reports, 1 fire report, 5 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 63 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 11,386 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to unknown or other, electrical system, forward collision avoidance?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints?
6 Crash
1 Fire
5 Injury
0 Fatality
5 Towed
2 Medical attention
What are the most common 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan complaint categories?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 13
ENGINE 12
SERVICE BRAKES 10
POWER TRAIN 7
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5
SUSPENSION 5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4
176 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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 !!!! | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | POWER TRAIN | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | SUSPENSION | I am writing a complaint in reference to Safety Code Recall : 42J5 April 10, 2019. I bought my vehicle at Shearer VW in South Burlington VT on June 1, 2019. When I bought my vehicle I wasn't informed of any Recalls. I took my vehicle to Montpelier Volkswagen to get an oil change on Dec. 22, 2023 and was informed that I had a broken rear axle coil spring and bushings that needed to be replaced . I was given an estimate and appointment for Jan. 12, 2024. In talking with my local mechanic to try to get an earlier repair (both him and Montpelier VW tell me that my car is a safety hazard with these problems.) my local mechanic found this safety recall and advised me to see if my vehicle was ever checked for defects. My vehicle year, make and model are listed in this recall. I have talked to VW Customer Care and Shearer VW where I bought my car and neither can answer my questions. Shearer VW did not know such a recall ever existed. My questions are: Where was my vehicle when this recall came out? Was my car on the list for repair because of the problem stated in the recall 42J5? Was my car checked for this safety recall? If it was checked, did parts get replaced or not? I think this was a serious recall and for VW to have no knowledge of this recall really bothers me. How can I get questions answered? My coil spring has broken and it does make me wonder if it had anything to do with a defect in materials or problems in the spring production process? Maybe not but I want answers. I have owned many vehicles and never had coil springs and bushings go like this . I do have 82,00 miles on my car now but other vehicles lasted through 100,000 miles + without any problems with this. I have now spoken to numerous individuals who have had the same kind of issues with their VW's. VW is offering me nothing but a big bill for repairs. And I am driving a very UNSAFE vehicle. Can you please help me get answers ? I think all VW dealerships should know about recall | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Take blind spot indicator is not working.Not warning of another car in our blind spot posses a safety risk to us and other drivers on the road with us.The dealer, Garvey Volkswagon Queensbury NY 12804, confirmed our complaint. Our car has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer. The problem first appeared in April 2023 without any warning. I contacted Volkswagon of America and they said they would not pay for the repair. I have a statement from the dealer and Volkswagen of America. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ENGINE | Road trip from VA to NJ approx 700 mi. Mid-trip, stopped for fuel and oil check. Thereafter, engine started to run rough. Check engine MIL on. Could not find any problem. Back on road. Received a low engine oil warning. Checked engine, oil all over back of engine compartment. Shut down engine and towed to nearest VW dealer. Found engine dipstick not completely seated. I checked and measured force needed to completely seat dipstick, at 30 lbs. Dipstick insert sleeve is plastic. Dipstick can be inserted to bottom w/o seating. Any leakage of vacuum from this engine causes extreme performance problems. Oil spewing in engine compartment is a significant fire hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The read window defroster was not working well. A few days ago, when I turned on the defroster and drove for about 10 minutes, all of a sudden, the rear window made an explosion sound, and windows cracked like a spiderweb. I stopped the car and got out the car and shut the door, the cracked window shattered in pieces. It seems like the heating element overheated as the crack propagated from where the electicla wired were attached. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | STEERING | In September 2022, we began to hear clunking sounds from the front left, especially when turning. We took the vehicle to the VW dealer and were told that there is a known issue with the steering and they will order the part. At this point, the vehicle was still under warranty. For several months, we continued to ask the dealer for an update on the part and were told that it was back-ordered but to continue driving the vehicle, as it was safe to do so. We continued to drive the vehicle as our daily driver. We also informed the VW dealer that the clunking was becoming louder and more prevalent. They continued to tell us the vehicle was safe and the part was back-ordered, with no estimate of when it would be back in stock. We asked about the part every time the vehicle was at the dealer, and called periodically to check in, almost every month until August 2023. At no point did VW reach out to us. Fast forward to September 2023. We took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a routine oil change, and asked that they evaluate the steering. This mechanic told us to stop driving the vehicle immediately as the vehicle could lose steering at any time. I immediately called the dealer and was told again that the vehicle was safe to drive. When I informed the dealer that I had in writing to stop driving the vehicle immediately, they offered us a loaner. The dealer stated there is still no estimated time of delivery for the needed part, and also stated that 800+ vehicles are waiting on the same part. I assume not all these vehicles have been parked & that most remain on the road, unaware that they may lose their steering. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced rough starts. Additionally, the vehicle drove rough and there was an oil odor present while driving. Upon inspection, it was discovered that there was no oil on the dip stick. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the turbo was faulty and needed to be replaced. The turbo was replaced but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 35,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 35,000 |
| Sep 2023 | STEERING,AIR BAGS,WHEELS | Vehicle was purchased from Volkswagen Marin Dealership As Certified Pre-owned 2019 model year Tiguan SE 4motion Turbo Color Red on August 24, 2021 and has 18,664 mileage already upon delivery. We have received a recall letter for the water pump & made an appointment to the Dealership& brought the car there In VW Sunnyvale, Ca.. According to the service advisor (Tanya) that the recall we are acquiring is not in their database, but oil change service performed on 27,450 mileage (estimated) during that scheduled appointment for water pump service recall letter received. My wife paid for oil change service charges and fees total amount paid in cash for $450.00 - Now there are issues coming out while driving (1) frequently low tire pressure Front R-side (2) airbag icon shows (3) steering wheel steers to the right while driving; (4) the Volkswagen net-software was not activated nor provided.(5) the 4 alloy wheels has like a mirror scratch all over the design of the wheels This are the issues came out in the vehicle that we've purchased and owned possession... Please advise, hoping to get this into your attention and safety concerns is our main priority. Submitted by MR&MRS [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Was waiting at an intersection and began to pull out into traffic. The vehicle's wheels drop momentarily into the gutter section of the street (also causing the vehicle body to rock forward/down), but then the parking sensors "detect" the street itself as an object and slam on the brakes. This locks the vehicle's brakes while it is half in the oncoming traffic's lane and is difficult to recover and continue driving. This happens several times a year after owning the vehicle for 3 years and is bound to cause an accident. In the most recent case, there was plenty of space before the next vehicle, but this won't always be true. The vehicle has not been inspected for this specific problem. It appears that the sensors are working "properly" in that they detect and alert of objects reasonably. The issue is with the logic built into the vehicle's computers when deciding when to apply/hold the brakes. The vehicle should be smart enough to recognize when body roll or other factors are causing a false positive and not be so quick override the driver's intentions. There is no warning when the system will misbehave and cause the vehicle to stop abruptly. The same intersection can be traversed hundreds of times and then suddenly it will beep and immediately lock the brakes. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Driving my car on highway at 74 mph with no cars in front of or around me when the car braking system engaged by itself causing my Tiguan to slow from 74 to 50 in seconds. Took car into Vw dealer and had it there for 8 days. Was told there was no code from a scan and no duplication on test drive. Test drive was all of 3 miles.Dealer kept referring to TSB 45-21-01 vw bulletin. Turns out on research VW bulletin of that number is part of lawsuits. Having the brakes engage like that certainly put myself in danger of being hit/rear ended. Told by dealer "vehicle is operating normally when compared to another vehicle same model." Lastly was told by dealer if I was that concerned about it happening again why don't I trade it in for a new car. Some fix that is. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was traveling on the highway at 70 mph with no traffic ahead of me for at least a quarter mile when the car flashed the warning light for being too close to a car and then engaged the brakes dropping my speed from 70 to 50 in 3 seconds. If anyone had been behind me I would have been rear ended at highway speed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I purchased a 2019 Tiguan as a low milage Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. In less than a year, it's been in the dealership for weeks due to an unidentified water leak. Apparently, VW's panoramic sunroof is prone to leaking. The first time I brought it in, they could not find a leak but there was obviously mold all over the rear passenger floorboard. They charged me roughly $500 to clean the drains and sent me on my way. A couple months later, the leak and mold showed up again, so I brought it back to the dealership. Without completely explaining the fix plan moving forward, they completely disassembled the interior everything from the seats, headliner and trim panels all the way to the metal! Still unable to duplicate the leak, they hired a leak specialist, and still could not find a leak. They finally called me and tried to charge me to reassemble the vehicle. As a young military family, all I value is a safe reliable vehicle, and this vehicle has been nothing but a nightmare. If there is any way you can point me in the right direction to move forward on this known issue, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you again for your time. Aaron | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Started receiving error message “ 12v Battery Almost Drained, charge while driving” took it to a shop, they told me they battery was dead and replaced it with a new one. Checked the systems said everything else was working fine. Less than a year later the car is doing the same thing again. Car will not start and has to be jumped off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 8/2/23 3:15 p.m. While starting to accellerate from a 4 way stop, the vehicle suddenly displayed a large red icon on the dash and slammed on the brakes bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. It was quite a violent stop and had there been passengers in the vehicle, they could have been hurt. Also, had there been another vehicle behind me, I could have been rear ended. There was another vehicle approximately 80' in front of me that had just turned from the crossing road and another vehicle going the opposite direction in the intersection at about the same time. The vehicle has not yet been to the dealer for inspection. There was an amber exclamation point on the dash and another icon flashed on the dash occassionally. I did not know what these meant other than there was an issue with something that needed to be addressed soon. I had never seen these lights before. They came on shortly after the vehicle was started to beging this drive approximately 15 minutes before the issue. After the violent braking, all warning lights went out and the rest of the drive continued normally. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Gear shift from gears 1 to 2 or 2 to 1, the gears often “slip” resulting in a slight delay or jolt upon acceleration. This is an ongoing issue that occurs frequently, for years. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | While driving an alert comes on that states check engine system. As soon as this happens all power in the car turns off. Engine is still running but you no longer have any turning signals, brake lights, headlights, air conditioning, etc. It happens randomly and has almost cause me to be rear ended due to car behind me not knowing I was slowing down or stopping. This happens when I am not close to a dealership so they have not been able to witness this. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | When I turned the car on to leave work, the Check Engine and EPC lights came on, the car went into "Limp Home" mode and a warning came on the dash saying "Max Speed 4000 RPMs". Immediately, I could smell fuel, so I turned the vehicle off and exited. I noticed the ground under the car was wet. My husband came to check it out and the same thing happened. We saw that fuel was flooding out from underneath the engine. As he drove the vehicle to an adjacent lot to be able to be towed, fuel spewed out from underneath the engine. We had the vehicle towed to a VW Dealership in Grand Rapids who was able to diagnose a broken fuel rail bolt inside the intake manifold after they had the same experience with a massive fuel leak. Per the service advisor, this was not the first time they've seen something like this. Given the extreme flow of fuel from the engine, I'd say I'm very lucky that this didn't happen while driving through town or at speed on the highway where a vehicle fire would be possible with fuel pouring out of the manifold onto the hot engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |