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2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 124.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

64 reports with mileage · 127 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports1 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

191 reports
2,742 miles · Apr 8, 2021
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD BLOW HOT AIR. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HARPER VOLKSWAGEN (9901 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37922) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE A/C UNIT AND FOUND NO FAULT WITH THE SYSTEM. AS THE FAILURE CO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD BLOW HOT AIR. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HARPER VOLKSWAGEN (9901 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37922) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE A/C UNIT AND FOUND NO FAULT WITH THE SYSTEM. AS THE FAILURE CONTINUED, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INSTRUCTED TO PURCHASE A THERMOMETER AND KEEP TRACK OF THE TEMPERATURE READINGS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THEY STOOD BEHIND THE DIAGNOSTIC OF THE MECHANIC AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT ALSO SENT AN EMAIL TO THE MANUFACTURER DOCUMENTING THAT THE TEMPERATURE READING INSIDE THE VEHICLE WAS ABOVE NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,742.*DT*DT*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE AIR FROM THE VENT REACHED 180 DEGREES.

NHTSA ODI #11407117

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2021
Power TrainService Brakes

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A SLIGHTLY SLOPED DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF. AFTER 2 MINUTES, CAR WENT BACK APPROX. 100 FEET THROUGH WALKWAY AND ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF MAIN ROAD. THIS IS A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE AS IT CAN CAUSE INJURY TO SOMEONE. WHEN CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER, THE REP SAYS THERE IS A RECALL ON E…

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MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A SLIGHTLY SLOPED DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF. AFTER 2 MINUTES, CAR WENT BACK APPROX. 100 FEET THROUGH WALKWAY AND ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF MAIN ROAD. THIS IS A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE AS IT CAN CAUSE INJURY TO SOMEONE. WHEN CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER, THE REP SAYS THERE IS A RECALL ON ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL SOFTWARE UPGRADE BUT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, ON THE NTHSA WEBSITE IT SAYS THE UPGRADE IS FOR "UPDATE TO ADDRESS ELEVATED TAILPIPE EMISSIONS THAT WERE FOUND DURING VEHICLE TESTING".

NHTSA ODI #11396852

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2021
Service Brakes

2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM WAS OVERLY SENSITIVE AND DISTRACTING. THE CONSUMER STATED TWICE THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM GENERAL ACTIVATES WHEN BACKING OUT OR IN A DRI…

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2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM WAS OVERLY SENSITIVE AND DISTRACTING. THE CONSUMER STATED TWICE THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM GENERAL ACTIVATES WHEN BACKING OUT OR IN A DRIVE THRU. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED.

NHTSA ODI #11394236

3,600 miles · Jan 29, 2021
Exterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHTS ARE LED AND THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AFS. ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM. I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY ADEQUATELY. THERE IS AN AREA THAT IS JUST IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THAT ONE CAN SEE THE ROADWAY. THEN THERE IS A DEFINITE LINE THAT BASICALLY CREATES A WALL OF DARKNESS, THAT PREVENT…

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THE HEADLIGHTS ARE LED AND THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AFS. ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM. I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY ADEQUATELY. THERE IS AN AREA THAT IS JUST IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THAT ONE CAN SEE THE ROADWAY. THEN THERE IS A DEFINITE LINE THAT BASICALLY CREATES A WALL OF DARKNESS, THAT PREVENTS ONE FROM SEEING ANYTHING BEYOND THAT, THIS CREATES A BLIND AREA. ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I HAVE DRIVEN OVER THE YEARS PROVIDE LIGHTING THAT ILLUMINATES THE AREA IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN DEFUSES THE LIGHT FURTHER TO SEE DOWN THE ROADWAY, AND DOES NOT CREATE A WALL OF DARKNESS. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP TO VW AND THE DEALER WHO STATES THAT THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING CORRECTLY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE SYSTEM ONLY UTILIZES ONE BULB FOR BOTH LOW BEAMS AND HIGH BEAMS, WITH A SHIELD THAT COVERS A PORTION OF THE LIGHTING TO CREATE THE LOW BEAMS. I GUESS THAT IS WHY THE LIGHTING HAS A VERY DEFINITIVE LINE CUTTING IT OFF BLUNTLY, THEREFORE CREATING A WALL OF DARKNESS, THIS LITERALLY CREATES A BLIND AREA FOR WHICH ONE CANNOT SEE A SUFFICIENT AREA IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. TO OPERATE IT SAFELY. TO ME THIS CREATES A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS WITH LOW BEAMS ON. AS EXPLAINED TO ME THE SHIELD GOES UP FOR WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS ARE ACTIVATED, I HAVE SEEN SOME ONLINE POSTS THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING, PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT TO DO REGARDING THIS ISSUE THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

NHTSA ODI #11390648

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2021
Unknown Or Other

KESSI KEY FOB LOSES POWER/CONNECTIVITY IN COLD WEATHER. OCCURRED TWICE IN 20-25 DEGREE TEMPERATURE. UNABLE TO UNLOCK WITH REMOTE KEY. REQUIRES POPPING OFF LOCK CYLINDER COVER, USING KEY BLADE TO OPEN DOOR, SETS OFF ALARM, MUST HOLD KEY CLOSE TO A DESIGNATED AREA ON STEERING COLUMN TO START..IF THERE IS ENOUGH POWER/TRANSMISSION …

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KESSI KEY FOB LOSES POWER/CONNECTIVITY IN COLD WEATHER. OCCURRED TWICE IN 20-25 DEGREE TEMPERATURE. UNABLE TO UNLOCK WITH REMOTE KEY. REQUIRES POPPING OFF LOCK CYLINDER COVER, USING KEY BLADE TO OPEN DOOR, SETS OFF ALARM, MUST HOLD KEY CLOSE TO A DESIGNATED AREA ON STEERING COLUMN TO START..IF THERE IS ENOUGH POWER/TRANSMISSION LEFT IN KEY FOB. COULD BE LEFT STRANDED & HAVE TO BE TOWED. KESSI KEY FOB NO LONGER OPERABLE. MUST GO TO DEALER TO GET NEW BATTERY. STORE BOUGHT BATTERIES DO NOT WORK IN MOST CASES. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE VW'S WITH KESSI KEY FOB IN PAST AND NEVER HAD ISSUE WITH KEY BECOMING INOPERATIVE IN COLD WEATHER.

NHTSA ODI #11389854

32,000 miles · Jan 21, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

SUNROOF LEAKED WHILE CLOSED FILLING THE CAR WITH GALLONS OF WATER, CREATING WATER DAMAGE AND RISK OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY. THERE IS AN EXISTING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE OWNERS WERE NOT MADE AWARE, AND THE SOONEST DEALERSHIP APPOINTMENT TO REMEDY THE ISSUE W…

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SUNROOF LEAKED WHILE CLOSED FILLING THE CAR WITH GALLONS OF WATER, CREATING WATER DAMAGE AND RISK OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY. THERE IS AN EXISTING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE OWNERS WERE NOT MADE AWARE, AND THE SOONEST DEALERSHIP APPOINTMENT TO REMEDY THE ISSUE WAS 1 WEEK FROM THE CALL, WITH NO SENSE OF URGENCY. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A VEHICLE UNDER MFG WARRANTY, WHICH IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE MEAN TIME.

NHTSA ODI #11389191

400 miles · Jan 7, 2021
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

VEHICLE STARTED LEAKING FLUIDS 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN 6 TIMES FOR LEAKING OIL FLUIDS, AS WELL AS NOISY BRAKES, AND A BUCKING TRANNY. HAS HAD SEALS REPLACED, BOOT REPLACED AND IS NOW LEAKING AGAIN 1/2021 IN THE FRONT, AND ALSO LEAKING IN THE REAR OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11387045

37,997 miles · Dec 4, 2020
Air BagsForward Collision AvoidanceCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, WHEN A VEHICLE IN FRONT SUDDENLY STOPPED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END THEIR VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE'S FORWARD COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM HAD FAILED TO ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, WHEN A VEHICLE IN FRONT SUDDENLY STOPPED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END THEIR VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE'S FORWARD COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM HAD FAILED TO ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. THE CONTACT DID RECEIVE ABDOMINAL, CHEST, AND BACK INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (HENDRICK VOLKSWAGEN OF CONCORD LOCATED AT 7500 HENDRICK AUTO PLAZA NW, CONCORD, NC 28027; (704) 743-4110) WHO WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER, THE MANAGER HAD CONTACTED THEM BACK AS PROMISED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AN OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,997.*DT*JB

NHTSA ODI #11377883

9,000 miles · Oct 29, 2020
Power Train

SPORT SHIFT. THIS IS AN UNDERPOWERED AND SOMETIMES CONFUSED VEHICLE. MOST OWNERS SAY TO DRIVE IN "SPORT" MODE TO HELP IT NOT HESITATE AS MUCH WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP (CAN HAVE LONG HESITATION FOR NO APPARENT REASON) AND WHEN PASSING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. PER MANUAL "SPORT MODE WILL NOT ALLOW TRANSMISSION TO GO INTO HIGHES…

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SPORT SHIFT. THIS IS AN UNDERPOWERED AND SOMETIMES CONFUSED VEHICLE. MOST OWNERS SAY TO DRIVE IN "SPORT" MODE TO HELP IT NOT HESITATE AS MUCH WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP (CAN HAVE LONG HESITATION FOR NO APPARENT REASON) AND WHEN PASSING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. PER MANUAL "SPORT MODE WILL NOT ALLOW TRANSMISSION TO GO INTO HIGHEST GEAR" WHICH IS 8TH GEAR. HOWEVER ONCE IN SPORT MODE, AND CRUISING WITH STEADY SPEED AND RPM, IF YOU PLACE SELECTOR TO MANUAL MODE THE SHIFT INDICTOR IMMEDIATELY DISPLAYS 8 WITH NO CHANGE IN ENGINE TONE OR RPM. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS ALREADY IN 8TH GEAR AGAINST DESIGN AND OPERATION MANUAL DESCRIPTION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR FOR THE SLUGGISH TRANSMISSION RESPONSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION WHICH DOES NOT SEEM VERY DIFFERENT FROM SPORT MODE AND WILL CAUSE PREMATURE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SOME OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT. DEALER SAYS THERE ARE NO CODES SO THIS IS NORMAL.

NHTSA ODI #11372318

9,000 miles · Oct 29, 2020
Structure

THIS IS THE BASIC S MODEL. WE INTENTIONALLY PURCHASED THIS BASE MODEL TO EXCLUDE THE HI-TECH OPTIONS KNOWN TO FAIL. WE WANTED AN IGNITION KEY TO ELIMINATE THE NECESSITY OF A FOB AND PUSH BUTTON START. WE WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FACT YOU CANNOT LOCK THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT USING THE DOOR FOB THEY PROVIDED!! WE WERE LED TO BEL…

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THIS IS THE BASIC S MODEL. WE INTENTIONALLY PURCHASED THIS BASE MODEL TO EXCLUDE THE HI-TECH OPTIONS KNOWN TO FAIL. WE WANTED AN IGNITION KEY TO ELIMINATE THE NECESSITY OF A FOB AND PUSH BUTTON START. WE WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FACT YOU CANNOT LOCK THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT USING THE DOOR FOB THEY PROVIDED!! WE WERE LED TO BELIEVE IT WAS A CONVENIENCE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK BUT NOT NECESSARY. WITH OUR OTHER VEHICLES ONCE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WE WILL PRESS THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK BUTTON TO LOCK THE LOCK, CLOSE DOOR AND DOORS LOCKS. VW DOES NOT ALLOW THE LOCKS TO BE ACTIVATED UNLESS DOOR IS CLOSED WHICH MEANS IF YOU DO NOT USE FOB, THE DOORS REMAIN UNLOCKED! AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP WE REALIZED WE WERE NOT LOCKING THIS VEHICLE WHEN EXITING. THIS IS A SAFETY AND THEFT ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11372314

Official recalls

5

22V815000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Oct 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

22V226000 · Structure:body

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

19V241000 · Equipment:other:labels

Mar 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

19V188000 · Suspension:rear:springs:coil Springs

Mar 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

18V824000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Nov 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Volkswagen Tiguan problems