2019 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026FLEngine

   The cat has been leaking oil and has gotten worse this past month. The plastic plug has been changed but it keeps leaking.

   NHTSA complaint #11767562 · source
2. Filed Sep 13, 2026OHEngineOther / Unknown

   Vehicle: 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Mileage: Approximately 84,000 miles Problem: Intermittent Park-position/gear-selector warning and transmission emergency mode My 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has developed an intermittent safety-related transmission/gear-selector problem. The vehicle intermittently displays the warning: “Only exit vehicle in P position. Please service vehicle.” At other times, the vehicle also displays: “Transmission in emergency mode.” The warnings are…

   NHTSA complaint #11763878 · source
3. Filed Aug 7, 2026NJEngine

   The car, a 2019 VW Tiguan, had a “check engine” light come on, and the resulting diagnosis and repairs - using VW’s specific engine fault codes - led to the replacement of both water pumps at 72,000 miles. An investigation of the water pump problem on such cars revealed that Volkswagon previously settled a major nationwide class-action lawsuit (apparently kept secret) covering certain 2014–2021 models with 1.8L and 2.0L engines. This resulted in an extended warranty covering…

   NHTSA complaint #11755432 · source
4. Filed Aug 1, 2026ILEngine

   This vehicle is burning oil! I have stayed on top of getting the regular/required oil changes but inbetween we have had to constantly top off the oil. I also get all oil changes at the dealer. Last time when I complained about it the guy told me that it would be a lot of work to try to find out why and left it at that. My warranty expires in November and I don't want to get burned by this by needing a new engine!

   NHTSA complaint #11754140 · source
5. Filed Jul 13, 2026SCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole or an object on the roadway and the vehicle stalled. The failure had reoccurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

   NHTSA complaint #11749983 · source
6. Filed Jun 21, 2026FLEngine

   Oil separator valve went out which caused the upper timing cover gasket, Cambridge assembly seal, oil pan and seal to fail. Could have caused the engine to fail whiling driving which could have resulted in an accident occurring. Confirmed by dealership. No other inspection has been done on it. Oil light came on whiling driving. I put in more oil. It goes in for regular oil changes and as not been noted prior to 6/19/26 that there was an issue with the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11745493 · source
7. Filed Jun 6, 2026ORDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   My car jumps and lags due to fuel injector. It will be replaced by Volkswagen but only if there believe it’s Ana issue even though there are several reports of this issue

   NHTSA complaint #11742516 · source
8. Filed May 19, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   The car stopped at a light on a busy street in [XXX] (in the middle lane), then the engine stopped, and my wife could not restart it. I went as fast as possible and met her. I was eventually able to get it started. This is the third time we have had problems like this. I did the same thing for me and another time for my wife. I believe it is the stop-start capability, but I can't say for sure. We have also had bad engine oil burning problems and electrical problems. All of…

   NHTSA complaint #11738875 · source
9. Filed May 13, 2026AZElectrical SystemEngine

   When it is really hot outside 90 and above my car does messes up. As I'm driving my car will throw the code pull over and Check starter system. Everything turns off, and then it takes minutes from my car to restart. It has happened multiple times when I'm in traffic at a stop light or driving and it throws the code as my car is moving. I have taken it to shops and still no auto shop can figure out the fix. Happened for the first time a year ago, and now its happening…

   NHTSA complaint #11737658 · source
10. Filed Apr 29, 2026TXBody & StructureElectrical SystemEngine

    The vehicle will randomly shut off while driving. A message will appear stating "Check the Starting System" Attempts to restart the engine are unsuccessful. The engine will start, stall after about 2 seconds and the message "Check Starting System" will display. The first time it happened, I was turning a corner at a rather dangerous intersection and the vehicle stalled. It took about three attempts before the engine would remain running. When the engine would stall the dash…

    NHTSA complaint #11734486 · source
11. Filed Sep 1, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    My car has delayed acceleration issues of between 3 - 6 seconds. The last one that was 6 seconds ore more was on June 29. In addition it's happened several times. I took the vehicle in for its last service and was told the issue was my battery. Battery was replaced and issue not resolved. The service before that I was told it was a carbon build up. Continues to happen sporadically.

    NHTSA complaint #11684296 · source
12. Filed Jun 2, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngine

    My vehicle will have a slow start when I start the car and also a delay when it is at a stoplight. I took it in for service twice and they told me it was because I had an after market battery. However - yesterday my car completely went dead at a stop light and I had to turn the engine off and in. It often lags or stops at a light. According to Reddit it seems it’s a crank start issue.

    NHTSA complaint #11664308 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology