2022 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The infotainment MIB3 system failed. Infotainment screen is completely black and non functional. This has put my family at risk because I can’t see my backup camera and have very limited visibility through rear view mirror when backing up. I also lost safety features such as rear cross traffic warning, rear auto braking, ability to see pedestrians or vehicles when backing up, and the emergency cell call system. My car also no longer can access navigation or CarPlay which makes navigation dangerous on my small phone. Failure of MIB3 infotainment brain was confirmed by VW dealer. Car is under factory warranty but part is backordered with no ETA so I’m forced to drive an unsafe car. Was denied a loaner vehicle. This failure happened 1 day after overhead console spontaneously broke and fell down from headliner. Error lights now persist on the dashboard.

NHTSA complaint #11755040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle logged code P0491 due to a clogged cylinder head internal port at 28,000 miles (26,000 at the time vehicle was inspected.) Volkswagen's official repair protocol requires a complete engine cylinder head replacement. The vehicle's onboard computer has disabled the factory-installed remote start system as a result of this engine fault.

NHTSA complaint #11755056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Keyless system warning continuously goes off. Lane assist continually is unavailable Start stop system continually unavailable Dealership has serviced the vehicle and warning indicators continue to go off.

NHTSA complaint #11746921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am submitting this complaint regarding my Volkswagen vehicle because it has experienced two recurring defects during the warranty period that remain unresolved despite repeated repair attempts by the dealership. Issue 1 – Excessive Oil Consumption The vehicle has had a persistent excessive oil consumption problem since the warranty period. The dealership has attempted to repair this defect six times, including replacing an engine valve, but the issue continues. The vehicle still consumes excessive oil, requiring frequent monitoring and topping off. This creates a serious safety concern because low engine oil can result in engine damage, sudden loss of engine power, engine seizure, or an increased risk of fire while driving. Issue 2 – Electrical System Failure The vehicle has also experienced ongoing electrical problems involving the keyless entry system, repeated 12V Battery Low warnings, inoperative interior lights, and loss of connectivity with the Volkswagen mobile app. These problems have persisted despite nine repair attempts by the dealership and remain unresolved. The vehicle has spent a significant amount of time at the dealership throughout 2025 and 2026 for these recurring defects. The repeated electrical failures raise significant safety concerns. The keyless entry system can fail to unlock or recognize the key, the low 12V battery warnings indicate an unresolved electrical issue, and the loss of interior lighting reduces visibility inside the vehicle. The repeated failures also raise concerns about the reliability of other critical electrical systems and the possibility of the vehicle failing to start or operating unpredictably. Despite six repair attempts for excessive oil consumption and nine for electrical defects, Volkswagen has been unable to permanently fix these issues. I request NHTSA investigate whether these recurring failures indicate a broader safety defect requiring corrective action. Currently car is back to dealership for repair again

NHTSA complaint #11746538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At around 60,000 miles my infotainment system started acting strange. The backup camera wouldn’t engage intermittently. After doing that for a couple months, it stopped working completely and is just a black screen. Several times randomly it has come on briefly to display the Welcome to VW message but will do nothing more than that. I have no back up display.

NHTSA complaint #11743961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My backup camera stopped functioning not too long after the warranty was expired. It began by not coming on sometimes and then it went completely out. The entire unit is no longer functioning which prevents me from being able to use my backup camera and that is a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11742356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"Travel Assist Not Available" chime and yellow notification came on intermittently from around July 2024 to July 2025 in my VW Tiguan. I complained about it to the Heritage VW in [XXX] and nothing was done in 2024. The noise and notifications became more frequent around July 2025 and came on every time I drove the vehicle incessantly. I took the car back to Heritage VW and they said it was by battery and replaced this for a fee. This did not eliminate the problem and the dealer kept it for 2 days and found that it was the steering wheel. They charged me to replace this because the vehicle was out of warranty. However, in July 2024 it was still under warranty but Heritage VW neglected to make the repair. This noise was a huge distraction to my driving as it was loud and incessant. I made a complaint to the Georgia Attorney General and VW corporate headquarters and neither helped me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11738882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The travel assist warning displays frequently depending on where hands are positioned on steering wheel. Sound is a distraction while driving and hand placement can to unsafe to avoid the warning being triggered. I have had the steering wheel replaced due to the issue but now with the new steering wheel the problem is back.

NHTSA complaint #11734800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Travel Assist Not Available notification pops up on the dashboard and makes a loud distracting Ding noise randomly and repeatedly. Volkswagen has no fix for it except “replace the steering wheel” which I’ve done twice. They need to push a software update so I can silence this thing.

NHTSA complaint #11727545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Travel Assist option is controlled by a sensor in the steering wheel. There is no way to disable it. When the sensor malfunctions, it plays an extremely loud and repetitive beep that cannot be disabled. It’s extremely distracting while I drive and happens every 30-45 seconds.

NHTSA complaint #11725812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle’s infotainment display intermittently freezes or shuts off while the vehicle is in operation. When this occurs, the rear-view backup camera display also fails or becomes unavailable. The malfunction happens randomly during normal driving conditions. This presents a safety concern because the driver relies on the navigation display while driving. When the screen suddenly freezes or shuts down, it distracts the driver and may require the driver to attempt to restart or troubleshoot the system while operating the vehicle. In addition, the loss of the backup camera function creates a safety risk when reversing. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis. The dealership acknowledged that the symptoms are identical to those addressed in existing Volkswagen recalls and technical service bulletins affecting vehicles of the same model year. The repair procedure described by the dealership is the same as the recall repair: first perform a software update, and if the issue persists, replace the control module. However, despite the identical symptoms and repair procedure, this specific vehicle’s VIN was not included in the recall population. Because the vehicle was also outside the warranty period, the dealership required the owner to pay for the repair. The owner contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE and the case was escalated to a regional case manager. The request for assistance was denied solely on the basis that the VIN was not included in the recall and that the warranty had expired, even though the problem and repair were identical to the known recall issue. As a result, the owner was required to pay approximately $1,600 for the repair. Vehicle information: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan The concern is that vehicles experiencing the same defect may not be included in the recall population despite exhibiting identical failures, creating both safety risks and inconsistent manufacturer response.

NHTSA complaint #11723211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I had a warning light for lane assist not working that would ding constantly. Dealer said known issue. Replaced steering wheel. Now I’m out of warranty at 59000 miles and it needs another steering wheel. They did not fix the issue. It is part of the airbag system and I’m worried about the lane assist which I can’t turn off might go haywire and make vehicle swerve itself into other cars.

NHTSA complaint #11721280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 36,274; however, while attempting to trade in the vehicle, it was discovered that the vehicle had a branded title due to a mileage discrepancy.

NHTSA complaint #11712731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Travel assist constantly beeping for no reason. Ok reversing some times the car engages emergency break for no reason. Multiple engine cut outs at various times. Key issues - car not identifying key, delays in starting vehicle and some situations where I am locked in the car

NHTSA complaint #11709017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Purchased new; problems began early in ownership and have recurred despite multiple dealer visits. At ~75,995 miles in July 2025, the vehicle developed a significant engine oil leak. Multiple inspections have found the engine oil level low due to leaks from cracks, and the dealer also verified excessive crankcase pressure from a faulty PCV system that forced oil past sealing surfaces. Parts replaced included the PCV/separator, upper timing cover, a related pipe, and the oil filler funnel; DTCs were cleared and the vehicle was returned as “operating to specifications.” Despite these repairs, the vehicle has an ongoing pattern of engine problems, including warning lights and loss of power/limp mode while driving. This creates a safety risk due to sudden power reduction and the possibility of engine damage from oil starvation and continued leakage. I have repair records documenting the July 2025 diagnosis and parts replaced, prior visits showing repeat engine/drivability issues, and notes reflecting low oil observed on multiple inspections. Volkswagen denied assistance and directed me to BBB AUTO LINE; I am refiling with BBB and reporting this safety concern to NHTSA. No crash or fire; safety risk is loss of power and oil leakage while in operation.

NHTSA complaint #11696590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car will randomly jump, buck, engine accelerate . Even if I brake or put in park when engine on, it still bucks and feels like it wants to accelerate. Also when I want to accelerate and push on gas(like when I stop at stop sign and it’s my turn to go) it will randomly just buck and feels like it wants to stall, in middle of me trying to go into traffic . I’m afraid that if a person walks in front of my car( for example at a light or when I am waiting to turn, breaking, for someone crossing the street in front of my car) the car could bounce jump and hit them even when I break as I said, it jumps even while I break. I also am afraid because when I accelerate into traffic it also sometimes doesn’t accelerate and will pause and bounce….car easily could hit me!! I brought it to vw and they tried to tell me the repair would cost over $3000 I then brought it to another reputable repair shop and they thought it wasn’t related to what vw claimed they would fix. The other repair shop stated it to be computer/electrical issues which causes everything else to malfunction down the line and that they see this in many vw because of the heat here where we live (because vw did not reset computer system before checking electrical code again reason/malfunction. Vw only just went with whatever the computer system said without resetting it. Any ways guess I should also tell you when this happens an exclamation point comes up on dash board with some other initials, which I will send photo of. Iam afraid to drive it is in safe. And sometimes if I turn the car off and back on it’s like nothing is wrong with it!!! And it may not happen again for days !! But always happens eventually. This has been going on for on for about 6 months to 1 yr. Vw always blew me off until my warranty was up and now suddenly it’s an over $3000 issue, suddenly know what the problem is now! My 2nd opinion disagrees with them and told me to bring it to him when it happens but is closed each time it happens😭

NHTSA complaint #11691378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subject: Ongoing Mechanical and Electrical Issues – 2022 VW Tiguan I’m experiencing ongoing issues with my 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, purchased new and maintained under single ownership. Primary Issue: The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly under various driving conditions—while accelerating on the highway, from a stop at traffic lights, and especially when going uphill or over high bridges. The issue initially occurred once or twice a year around 45,000 miles but has become more frequent. As of 70,000 miles, it now happens on a weekly basis. When this happens, the only way to temporarily resolve the issue is to turn off the vehicle completely and wait approximately 5 minutes before restarting. Recent Maintenance Completed: New car battery (3 battery since purchase of car) New spark plugs (Replaced in June 2025) Regular oil changes (every 3000 miles) New engine air filter and cabin air filter (yearly) Additional Symptoms: The rear-view camera frequently times out or fails to display when reversing. The dealership has not been able to confirm the cause but has mentioned a potential error code P30DE00, suggesting alternator replacement. However, a second opinion found no active error codes, leaving the root cause unclear. I'm seeking a definitive diagnosis and a resolution plan, as the issue has become a safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11689867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am reaching out regarding ongoing and escalating issues with my 2022 VW Tiguan R-Line Black. Over the past year, I have had to stop at Jiffy Lube multiple times because the oil level kept running low, and they repeatedly topped it off. I found this unusual, given how recently oil changes and services had been performed. This summer, the vehicle began experiencing episodes of stuttering and stalling, accompanied by smoke from the tailpipe. Over Labor Day weekend, after another stall, I brought the car into the VW dealership. They investigated but were unable to identify the cause. Unfortunately, the situation has now worsened. Today alone, the car stalled twice — both times in the middle of traffic. The “check oil level” warning light came on, followed shortly by the “check engine” light. There was also a significant amount of smoke coming from the tailpipe. This is not only a mechanical issue but also a serious safety concern. I have two children, and I am deeply concerned for their lives and safety when driving a vehicle that stalls unpredictably in traffic. At this point, the car feels unsafe and unreliable, and I am unsure how to proceed. Please advise me on next steps regarding potential legal recourse, warranty coverage, or claims I may pursue. Thank you for your guidance. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11689052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This stalling issue has occurred three times so far, most recently on [XXX], while exiting [XXX] . Each time, the stall happens when I attempt to accelerate after coming to a complete stop in traffic, at a light, or at a stop sign. When it occurs, the vehicle will not move forward, and multiple rapid warning messages appear on the dashboard. The only way to recover is to shift into Park, power the car off, and then restart the engine. After restarting, the vehicle will usually operate normally, allowing me to continue driving. I brought to VW Dealership Pasadena -- they have been unable to diagnose the cause of stalling! Text from Dealership below! This happened exiting the freeway this is very dangerous. +1 (818) 293-1855: we cleared all codes and going to give the car back to you for now-the recall adhesive needs to cure till end of the day-pick up at 4pm --Ron Hancock Volkswagen Pasadena +1 (818) 293-1855: NO-will have a plan of action and we can discuss --Ron Hancock Volkswagen Pasadena INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11684198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have had several incidents where the forward collision activated for no reason. I didn’t keep track of dates because I did t realize I would need to. Then I began having other issues: Incident 1 June 7, 2025: i was driving down the road and lost all power. Car wouldn’t start back up. Got a jumpstart and didn’t have any issues like that after that for two months. Issue 2: July 3, 2025: Infotainment center went completely black. Callled dealership and they told me it wasn’t under warranty. July 11, 2025: backup camera came on in reverse. August 3, 2025: backup camera came on while in reverse. August 15. 2025: backup camera came on in reverse. August 27, 2025: went to start car for in morning and it start, just made strange sounds along with clicking. Put on battery charger for 20 minutes, started it and let run for a few minutes. It was fine after that. August 27, 2025: displayed the welcome to Volkswagen three times today. Backup camera came on. August 28, 2025: sitting in my car without power on and the welcome to Volkswagen displayed on infotainment screen.

NHTSA complaint #11683559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I had unlocked the doors with the botton on the door handle with my key in my purse. I was putting my kids in the car and put the key in the car. I closed all of the doors with the key in the car and it automatically locked with the car off in the summer heat. Luckily my oldest was able to unlock the car from the inside. My other child is 2 and wouldn’t have been able to do it.

NHTSA complaint #11678642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am experiencing a serious safety issue with my 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan involving delayed acceleration. The problem occurs intermittently but frequently: when pressing the gas pedal from a complete stop or low-speed situation (such as turning or merging), there is often a 5–10 second delay before the vehicle responds and begins accelerating. During this lag, the engine does not rev, and the vehicle does not move, leaving me and my passengers vulnerable in intersections, while turning into traffic, or merging onto highways. This issue has occurred multiple times since purchase, and has created multiple near-miss situations, including once where I attempted to cross a two-lane road and the vehicle did not move for several seconds after pressing the accelerator. Other drivers had to brake abruptly to avoid collision. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer twice. They were unable to replicate the issue and returned the car without repair. The third visit is currently being scheduled. No warning lights or diagnostic codes were present, and the dealer stated they could not reproduce the problem. Volkswagen has not issued a fix to my knowledge. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance. There were no warning lamps or messages at the time of the failures. The issue began within the first few months of ownership and has persisted intermittently for the past several months. I paid $30,000 cash for this vehicle in 2023 and it is still under warranty. This issue presents an ongoing safety hazard and significantly reduces my confidence in the vehicle’s ability to respond in traffic. Based on forums and consumer reports, I have reason to believe this is a known issue affecting multiple VW Tiguan vehicles of the same model year. I am available to provide additional documentation, including a written log of the issue and video evidence upon request. I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11676078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car will constantly alarm “travel assist currently not available “. Lane assist is not turned on. It will alarm and shut off and alarm again. There are times when is will alarm 10-15 times in less than a minute. It will also alarm when in park. The alarm is often distracting, irritating and create alarm fatigue. I am unable to have a 5 minute conversation on the phone without having to hang up during your the alarm constantly going off.

NHTSA complaint #11662268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle purchased 10.31.2023 at Volkswagen Jackson (Ritchey Automotive) in Jackson, Mississippi. During the course of normal vehicle operation, multiple Travel Assist system failures and alerts as documented within Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 2070207/1 occur. Three repair attempts have previously been performed by Volkswagen Jackson (Ritchey Automotive) in Jackson, Mississippi as documented by invoices dated 20 FEB 2024, 27 FEB 2024, and 12 MAR 2024. These efforts appear to conform with the previously cited Technical Service Bulletin 2070207/1 and confirm the defect(s) and/or nonconformity as per the Bulletin's summary of "48‐23‐ 01-Travel Assist Currently Not Available." The frequency and persistence of visual and auditory safety alerts pose significant hazards to the safety of the driver and vehicle occupants as an unnecessary distraction and nuisance in addition to the direct hazards of antecedent electrical malfunction and driver assistance system defects/nonconformity/failure. This matter has been discussed with dealership staff, yielding no productive resolution, and further assistance is being pursued through Volkswagen Customer CARE. All rights to resolution through alternative means are documented as expressly reserved.

NHTSA complaint #11616376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The PVC valve failed on my two-year-old Volkswagen Tiguan at 60,000 miles. As a result, the upper timing gasket was blown, the oil pan went bad, along with several other issues relating to gaskets, seals and sensors, causing an oil leak. This problem was confirmed by my local Volkswagen dealership, and is costing me over $2,000 out-of-pocket. The check engine light was extremely inconsistent - coming on and then going off for days at a time. This is a safety concern. Unfortunately, through research, I have found that many other Tiguan owners are experiencing the same problems, but it does not seem Volkswagen is willing to issue a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11615176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Since, I've owned it (new), there has only been 1 other time (XXX) when I am stopped at a red light, I go to accelerate at the green light, and my car has completely turned off. Requiring me to turn on my emergency lights on, then placing my car in park, and restart the car. The second time this happened was on [XXX], which prompted me to take my car to the VW dealership in Rockville, MD. The dealership was unable to find or replicate the issue so they sent me home with no plan. I have also experienced radio issues, namely that it just stops working or won't turn on at all. The screen freezes and I cannot reboot my screen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11603469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This random, but highly dangerous issue has never been able to be replicated by dealers or myself, but it’s extremely dangerous when it occurs. Occasionally, the car’s speakers will emit a max voltage popping sound that repeats like the sound of a helicopter’s rotors. This sound occurs seemingly at random, and it can happen while the car is moving or not. It’s occurred 6 times since I purchased the car in December 2022. The debilitating sound only stops once the car has been off and all of its systems powered down for about 5 minutes, making it impossible to operate. After some review of forums about this make and model, this is seemingly something that has been reported and never addressed in a recall or anything. Without being able to replicate it, it’s seemingly unable to be addressed by dealers, and I don’t think their knowledge of the car’s audio electronics preclude any sort of troubleshooting. It seems to occur when CarPlay is connected, but it’s created one of the scariest driving experiences and gives me constant fear that it will happen at random and with my young child in the car (which it has before). This needs to be investigated. I have video of three different instances, but the upload feature will not allow for those file types. Would like to follow up, if possible. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11582578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle’s infotainment system automatically displays the rear view backup camera, as expected, when placed in reverse. However, this can be overridden by selecting the X in the upper right of the screen or by selecting another function such as the APP button. The only way to get the backup camera to display again is to put the car in a different gear/park and then back into reverse. Not being able to see in reverse puts anyone behind my vehicle at risk. There should not be a way to defeat the camera.

NHTSA complaint #11568061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle has hesitation during cold acceleration. If vehicle is started, pulled to end of short driveway, then go to accelerate onto road, vehicle hesitates and stumbles at times, not wanting to move properly and safely enter roadway. Tried accelerator pedal position reset and no change. This is a common VW Tiguan issue. No fix for it and dealer does not want to acknowledge that it exists. Simply looking on this site and a quick internet search will confirm it exists and is a common issue. And very well could be a significant safety issue when pulling into traffic. In addition, our tiguan also burns an excessive amount of engine oil with no repairs wanting to be made by VW and now has a p2402 code causing engine light to come on all the time. Numerous troubles that are adding up fast and no help or support from VW and its dealers.

NHTSA complaint #11565948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, with the cellphone device was in the wireless charging station, the contact attempted to pick up the cell phone and the cell phone was hot to the touch. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for a service appointment, the contact addressed the failure with the service mechanic. The contact stated that during the failure, the electrical system in the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

NHTSA complaint #11559510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.