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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2023 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

Limited mileage data: 6 of 64 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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.

  • Engine. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

64 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2026
Unknown Or Other

My VW Tiguan 2023 has a systematic problem on the Emergency Call function. The car has the module replaced twice within couple of months. Recently, it has failed by the 3rd time. You can find attached: - VW App showing an active problem with the emergency call function - A WV service invoice from 05/16/26, stating the first re…

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My VW Tiguan 2023 has a systematic problem on the Emergency Call function. The car has the module replaced twice within couple of months. Recently, it has failed by the 3rd time. You can find attached: - VW App showing an active problem with the emergency call function - A WV service invoice from 05/16/26, stating the first replacement of the SOS communication module - A WV service invoice from 07/24/26, stating the second replacement of the SOS communication module Currently, the module is failed (as shown on the App screenshot) and it is the 3rd time this has happened.

NHTSA ODI #11764764

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2026
Forward Collision Avoidance

On September 14, 2026, my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line experienced a sudden electronic/system failure while the vehicle was in use. The infotainment system entered a continuous reboot cycle and subsequently displayed a black screen. At approximately the same time, the SOS/emergency-call indicator illuminated red and the veh…

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On September 14, 2026, my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line experienced a sudden electronic/system failure while the vehicle was in use. The infotainment system entered a continuous reboot cycle and subsequently displayed a black screen. At approximately the same time, the SOS/emergency-call indicator illuminated red and the vehicle/app reported “Emergency call function limited! Service vehicle.” Multiple vehicle functions then became unavailable, including Front Assist/automatic emergency braking, cruise control, navigation, compass, and Dynamic Road Sign Display. The instrument cluster displayed active warnings, and the Dynamic Road Sign Display fault generated a loud warning chime approximately every 30 seconds while driving. The repeated audible warning was significantly distracting. Attempts to restart the infotainment system and completely power-cycle the affected systems did not restore normal operation. Disconnecting and reconnecting the 12-volt battery also did not correct the original failure. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis. I am reporting this because the failure was not limited to entertainment or convenience equipment. The electronic failure coincided with loss of multiple driver-assistance functions, including Front Assist/automatic emergency braking, as well as loss of the vehicle’s SOS/emergency-call capability. The repeated warning chimes also created an additional distraction while operating the vehicle. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Volkswagen dealership awaiting diagnosis/repair. Volkswagen Customer CARE case 07734827 has been opened regarding the incident.

NHTSA ODI #11764278

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2026
Engine

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, approximately 34,316 miles. While driving on I-26 in South Carolina, the EPC warning and amber warning triangle illuminated. I pulled over and stopped. After approximately 10 minutes, I restarted because I was in an unsafe location. No warnings were displayed after restarting, but approximately five miles…

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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, approximately 34,316 miles. While driving on I-26 in South Carolina, the EPC warning and amber warning triangle illuminated. I pulled over and stopped. After approximately 10 minutes, I restarted because I was in an unsafe location. No warnings were displayed after restarting, but approximately five miles later they returned, and I exited the highway. After stopping, extensive engine oil was visible on the rear/underside of the vehicle. I immediately checked the dipstick and no oil was visible. At no time did I observe a low-oil-level or low-oil-pressure warning. An authorized Volkswagen dealer diagnosed a faulty oil separator causing internal engine pressure to build, which caused the oil pan to crack and upper timing cover to leak. The oil separator, oil pan and upper timing cover were replaced under warranty. During approximately two months before the failure, the vehicle had several times briefly displayed “Max engine speed: 3,000 rpm.” The night before the incident, the check-engine light illuminated but was no longer illuminated before the return trip began. The vehicle had received scheduled service, including an oil/filter change, at approximately 29,780 miles, only about 4,500 miles before this failure. My safety concern is the sudden pressure-related engine failure and major oil loss at highway speed, together with no observed oil warning despite no oil being visible on the dipstick immediately after the incident. The servicing dealer has stated that it does not know what causes these oil separators to fail. I am reporting this incident so NHTSA can evaluate whether it may represent a broader safety issue.

NHTSA ODI #11763400

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a significant engine-related failure involving the oil separator/PCV system. Volkswagen diagnosed a failed oil separator/breather that caused excessive crankcase pressure, resulting in substantia…

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I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a significant engine-related failure involving the oil separator/PCV system. Volkswagen diagnosed a failed oil separator/breather that caused excessive crankcase pressure, resulting in substantial oil expulsion and damage/leaks involving the plastic/composite oil pan and timing-chain cover. Volkswagen also identified oil contamination around engine sensors and a P0341 camshaft-position fault. The vehicle has previously experienced EPC/check-engine warnings and entered limp mode, creating concern about potential loss of power while driving. The dealer’s repair required replacement of the oil separator/PCV system, oil pan, timing-chain cover and associated gaskets, along with cleaning oil from the engine compartment and sensors. The repair estimate was approximately $2,490, later reduced to approximately $2,300. Volkswagen declined my request for goodwill assistance. I am concerned that a failure of the oil separator/PCV system can create excessive crankcase pressure and cause oil to be expelled from the engine, damage other engine components, contaminate sensors, trigger fault codes, and potentially result in reduced engine power or limp mode. Sudden oil loss or loss of engine power can create a serious safety hazard, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. This vehicle has also experienced recurring alignment problems, requiring three alignments in approximately six months, raising additional concerns about the vehicle’s overall reliability and safety. I request that NHTSA investigate whether oil-separator/PCV failures and their resulting oil loss, component damage, sensor faults, and potential loss of power represent a broader safety defect in 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11762040

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineForward Collision Avoidance

The vehicle has experienced multiple intermittent electrical and safety-related malfunctions that have become more frequent over time. The most serious issue involves the Automatic Emergency Braking system activating unexpectedly while the vehicle is slowly reversing out of a residential driveway. The brakes suddenly apply with…

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The vehicle has experienced multiple intermittent electrical and safety-related malfunctions that have become more frequent over time. The most serious issue involves the Automatic Emergency Braking system activating unexpectedly while the vehicle is slowly reversing out of a residential driveway. The brakes suddenly apply with significant force even when there is no visible obstacle behind the vehicle. This causes the vehicle to stop abruptly, jerks all occupants forward, and creates a risk of being struck by other vehicles because the sudden stop is unexpected. The vehicle has also experienced an intermittent engine shutdown while stopped in traffic. While waiting at a stoplight or waiting for another vehicle to reverse, the engine will unexpectedly shut off and a message appears instructing the driver to place the vehicle in Park. This creates a safety hazard because the vehicle cannot continue moving until it is restarted. Additional intermittent electrical issues include the infotainment/navigation screen freezing or glitching, the air conditioning unexpectedly blowing warm or hot humid air instead of cold air, and the horn failing to operate properly. The horn will sometimes not sound at all or will be much quieter than normal, reducing the driver’s ability to warn other motorists or pedestrians in an emergency. These problems occur intermittently and without warning. There are no consistent warning lights prior to the failures other than the message instructing the driver to place the vehicle in Park when the engine shuts off. The unexpected braking, engine shutdown, and horn malfunction create significant safety concerns for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. The cause of these issues is UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11755378

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2026
Engine

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 Tues…

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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)

NHTSA ODI #11750842

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2026
Engine

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 ins…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11750506

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2026
Engine

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 ne…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11741235

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

While driving on the highway in my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (approximately 70,068 miles), the EPC warning light and oil warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to stall/lose power. I exited the highway immediately and shut the vehicle down safely. A substantial amount of engine oil leaked from underneath the vehicle after…

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While driving on the highway in my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (approximately 70,068 miles), the EPC warning light and oil warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to stall/lose power. I exited the highway immediately and shut the vehicle down safely. A substantial amount of engine oil leaked from underneath the vehicle after stopping. The vehicle was towed to a Volkswagen dealership. Dealer diagnosis included: * cracked oil pan, * oil separator failure, * and timing chain cover leak. The dealership advised there was no metal contamination found in the oil or filter and no confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure at this time, though the long-term condition of the engine cannot be guaranteed after the oil-loss event. I am submitting this report because the sudden oil-loss event and stalling condition occurred while driving on the highway and created a potential safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI #11739405

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineForward Collision Avoidance

When I’m stopped, the car sometimes shuts off. The horn works intermittently. When I start the car, it feels like it’s going to stall. At times, all of the dashboard warning lights come on. Also, when I’m backing out of my driveway with nothing behind me, the car will sometimes automatically brake hard.

NHTSA ODI #11731753

Official recalls

1

25V082000 · Back Over Prevention:software

Feb 12, 2025

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Volkswagen) 91NY and (Audi) 90AV.

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