2019 Volkswagen Tiguan other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am reporting a safety-related electrical defect on my 2019 Tiguan that has been intermittently occurring since March 2026. This typically has happened during the hotter parts of the day when the tempreature in in the 90's. While driving, I get two different warnings that displays; "Check starter system" followed by "ignition-system-shut down". Within a few minutes, the engine continues running but the instrument cluster, HVAC and turn signals lose power. Other electrical systems also shut down like, the radio, navigation, head lamps, and side view mirror adjustment. This creates a serious safety hazard because I lose turn-signal and vehicle-information functions while the vehicle is moving." I have found multiple complaints involving 2019 Tiguans with this exact failure mode, including complaints specifically connecting it to Volkswagen recall 28H7 / NHTSA 23V-604 involving the ignition switch and polyfuse. Volkwagen has not aknowledge, reproduced, nor confirmed this issue. I belive that ithe issue is related to the same problem as Volkswagen's 28H7 / NHTSA 23V-604 ignition-switch recall, which currently applies to certain Jettas. That complaint describes the same combination of engine continuing to run while A/C, instrument cluster, headlights and turn signals lose power. I believe that 28H7 should be expanded to the 2019 Tiguan.

NHTSA complaint #11757043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While I'm driving, the engine will still be running, but the entire dash shuts down. The radio turns off. The needles for the speedometer, shift gauge, gas gauge, wont work. The ac turns off, but the engine will still run. The warning ignition turned to off please pull over carefully comes up before everything but the engine, turns off completely

NHTSA complaint #11749450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 these (I now know, but did not before) are recurring problems for 2019 Tiguans. The cylinder head was rebuilt last year, associated with a similar instance. I am now fully aware that the 2019 Tiguans are known to experience all of these problems, but when I brought my car in on previous occasions, that never got mentioned. I am told XYZ is an issue, then billed for repairs. The car was originally leased, and when I purchased it at the end of the lease, I also purchased a full premium warranty. When the issue happened in May of 2025, the policy eventually covered this, but it took over a month of justifications and records before the third-party insurance company agreed to cover the repairs. All of this said, I am no longer comfortable that this car is safe for my wife to drive, as the issues that are repeating are known issues, and yet Volkswagen seems to sweep these under the rug from both a manufacturer and dealership perspective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11738875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car turns off while driving and says to check starter system when sitting in the sun, mechanics can not find anything wrong. Has happened twice in a two week period

NHTSA complaint #11726268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The starter system failed & yes it is available for inspection. Others & my safety was put at risk, as the car shut off while I was driving. The gauges turned off, I could not see how fast I was going and the turning and brake lights did not work either, the radio & a/c all turned off. The problem has been reproduced while the vehicle is parked on hot days and in the winter when the the heater is on for a period of time. There are online forums of other Volkswagen owners having the same issue. Volkswagen owners have had the ignition switch replaced and the issue has not happened to them again. There were not any warnings or messages prior to the failure. The message that appears says, "please check the starter system. When the vehicle is parked in the shade it turns on fine. I have an appointment scheduled at my local Volkswagen service department to have the ignition switch replaced on my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. Please contact me asap, this should be a recall and any costs associated with it should be covered by Volkswagen as this is a common safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11726333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When it is hot out, while i am driving the car will say "pull over, shutting down" and then it says "please check the starter system." The car will just shut off This was SOO dangerous. This happened on the highway, with my two kids in the car and nothing worked. everything black and my blinkers and lights werent working and just stopped in the middle of the street and wouldn't turn on. VERY UNSAFE I am bringing it in to the dealership but they do not think it is that. It quickly flashed and then just shut off This has happened numerous amount of time-- only when its hot out. The first occurrence was last summer but now that its hot out again, happened today 3/9/26 I see that there was a recall for this of my car and MY year but nothing on my vin

NHTSA complaint #11723159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Well driving on highway, front portion of sunroof shattered. Very loud, exploding sound.

NHTSA complaint #11708398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Parking brake would not disengage and the shop told me it was because water was in the floor pan behind the passenger seat and it’s causing shorts In the electrical system. The cause of the water was diagnosed as a leaking sunroof. This has caused me loss of vehicle, time and too much money!

NHTSA complaint #11697565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When trying to accelerate from a full stop the car is not accelerating when pressing the gas pedal. It happened at a stop light, I pressed the gas, the car went nowhere, pressed the gas harder until gas pedal was floored and then the car accelerates forward very quickly. Also happened when i was making a left turn crossing 2 lanes of traffic. Stepped off the gas to make a left turn, car begins to roll forward but when i press the gas nothing happens, I am now in both lanes of traffic flooring my gas pedal, nothing happens for about 5 seconds and the car lurches forward quickly. There are no lights illuminated on the dashboard. Brought car to VW delearship, they say they went over the entire car and found nothing wrong. When investigating online it seems others are also having the same issue and getting the same response from VW.

NHTSA complaint #11674577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When the car is at a complete stop such as at a light or pulling onto a street, when you press the gas there will be a delay before it lurches forward. This becomes a very real safety risk trying to pull onto busy roads or even at lights. This car has been taken into multiple shops without it being fixed, the last one kept saying they had no idea why since there are no warning lights. They said they contacted VW who is saying a 5 second delay is within what they consider normal. It's not normal and is a very real risk and has almost caused us to get into numerous accidents.

NHTSA complaint #11668611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Starter system of the car, due to excess heat on days when the car is parked outside, it gives warning of starter system and the ignition turns off by itself

NHTSA complaint #11607648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On [XXX] my sunroof spontaneously shattered while my husband and I were driving down a country road in New Hampshire. There were only pine trees on either side of the road, and nothing dropped on the roof to shatter the glass. The glass rained down on me and the pop noise was very alarming. The only thing we can surmise is that the glass shattered due to temperature differential whereby the hot outside air, since it was an August day, and the cold air conditioning inside the car stressed the glass. However, we have never had this happen before in any car. We were grateful the glass did not fall into our eyes but this could have had a very different outcome. We became concerned for people in climates like Arizona or Florida who may experience this danger, especially when driving on the highway. Regardless, the sunroof glass should be able to withstand the heat of the outdoors and the Volkswagen air-conditioning system. We concluded that this had to be a defect in the glass used, and we feel compelled to write and report this incident. We were put at risk by shattered glass raining down on the front seats, and the dealer was unresponsive and said the sunroof shattering spontaneously was not typical. It has not been inspected yet, and police have not been involved as there was no accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11607158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

It’s happened twice in extreme heat; the first time I was driving not even 3 minutes after starting the car. All of a sudden there was a screen on the dash that popped up and said “ignition off, please stop the car safely”. The car was still able to drive but nothing else was working- gas gauge, speedometer, a/c, radio, etc. The second time happened when I had just started the car. Let it run for about 2-5 minutes and then the dash said “check starter system”. Is still fully capable of reversing, driving but just nothing else electrical working.

NHTSA complaint #11601630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Moldy smell in car. Wet seatbelt back passenger and carpet on floor. When seatbelt pulled out, wet and moldy smelling. Sunroof cloth has water stains from what appears to be a leak even though sunroof is closed. Car smells like mold and I am concerned to be breathing it. I am in remission from Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and any environmental irritants put me at risk significantly of relapse and I could get a fungal infection. I need this addressed as I do not want to be at risk, nor do I want anyone else jeopardized. MOLD SPORES are DANGEROUS. I called VW and they told me it was part of a recall but my car does not qualify because of my mileage. I have 124K miles. This is a serious problem, and VW is not willing to help me. This is a manufacturer defect and I want it addressed and fixed by VW.

NHTSA complaint #11597487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11574971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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

NHTSA complaint #11538060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I put my groceries in the passenger side of my car and walked around to my driver's door. I touched the button on the door handle to unlock the door and it didn't work. I tried the key fob and it also did not work. I tried another key fob and it still did not work. I had to end up calling the dealership and they told me how to take off the door handle cover to use the manual key, which was difficult to pry off, and also scratched the car. This seems like it could be a safety issue. This could have easily been a mother putting her child in a car seat and walking around to get in the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11519810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Bought the car to Puente Hills Volkswagen on March 15, 2023 to perform the TPMS Software recall. When I picked up my car, they told me that my car battery needed to replaced and that the TPMS Software update has been performed. I declined to have the battery replaced due to the high cost. But I had battery tested after and there was no issue found. Car has been starting fine without any issues since on the same battery. Then, I continued to get a Recall Alert from VW on 4/13/2023. Checked on their site as well on NHTSA, and it shows my recall is still not repaired. Contacted back Puente Hills Volkswagen on 4/13/2023 and left a message to my service provider. Haven't received a call as of 4/19/2023, so I called again and was able to speak to my service advisor. He then said it was because I didn't have my battery replaced that they didn't perform the recall repair even though he told me he did on 4/13/2023 (printed workorder he gave me also shows they performed the TPMS Software update). In the end, he told me that I need to replace my battery first for them to perform the recall repair even though there is clearly no issue with my battery.

NHTSA complaint #11517923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I brought my vehicle to the dealership for its PA inspection and to address a recall that I had specifically listed in my appointment request and also discussed with the staff in person. However, upon checking the nhtsa.org website, I discovered that the recall is still outstanding.

NHTSA complaint #11517660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11510376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11494502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11488376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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 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 complaint #11389854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN 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 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 complaint #11389191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET WITH NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND MY AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED ITSELF BRINGING MY CAR TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE STREET, ON THE FRONT ON MY CAR, OR IN FRONT OF ME.

NHTSA complaint #11343346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MPH ON TOP OF AN OVERPASS. FILE A CASE WITH VW AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE. CASE NUMBER WAS [XXX]. WE WERE TRAVEL ON RT 13 IN VIRGINIA THROUGH A SMALL TOWN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11330012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED CAUSING GLASS TO FALL IN ON MYSELF AND MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER.

NHTSA complaint #11327423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

PURCHASED CAR IN JULY 2019 AND THE CARNET HAS NEVER FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. AFTER CALLING CUSTOMER CARE AND CARNET I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER TWO SEPARATE VISITS AND LEAVING MY CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS I WAS TOLD IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I HAVE A CASE OPEN WITH CUSTOMER CARE SINCE AUGUST 2019 AND FOLLOW UP EVERY FEW WEEKS, AS THEY TYPICALLY FORGET TO PROVIDE ME WITH THE PROMISED UPDATE EVERY TWO WEEKS. EACH UPDATE IS THE EXACT SAME --- THERE ARE NO UPDATES AT THIS TIME AND NO TIMELINE FOR A FIX. THEY ALSO WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY COMPENSATION UNTIL THE ISSUE IS RESOLVED. THE CARNET APP HAS NOT WORKED CORRECTLY -- KICKS ME OUT REGULARLY, SAYS MY CAR IS UNLOCKED WHEN IT IS LOCKED, UNABLE TO SEND DESTINATIONS FROM THE APP TO MY CAR, ETC. THE BUTTONS IN THE CAR ALSO DO NOT WORK WHEN PRESSED, WHICH MEANS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION IT WILL NOT WORK.

NHTSA complaint #11290941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND THE CAR-NET IN MY CAR HASN'T WORKED SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED VW MULTIPLE TIMES AND I JUST KEEP GETTING THE 'THEY'RE WORKING ON IT ' WITH NO RESOLUTION IN SITE.

NHTSA complaint #11286851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.