Volkswagen Tiguan brake problems

SERVICE BRAKES

Phantom braking, 2nd time in last 3 months

NHTSA complaint #11758730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Automated emergency braking triggering unsafely! Two separate occasions: 1) As I was driving about 40 MPH on a 4 lane street in Wyomissing, PA, the car slammed on the brakes. In the median to the left of the car ahead about 20-30 ft was a "your car is going XX MPH" sign. It was NOT in the road. If a car had been following me closely, this could have caused a serious accident. The road had a slight curve. The exact same thing happened the next day. I ended up avoided the road to prevent the braking issue. 2). I live on a busy city street. I have to reverse out of a tight garage and very slowly enter traffic. The chances of a car being 15 feet behind me are close to 90%. As I back slowly out, the car slams on the brakes and throws my head back, despite me going so slowly that the car behind me would be long gone by the time I actually got back that far. This happens to me DAILY. THIS IS A SAFETY issue for two reasons - 1) my head keeps getting slammed back, and 2) the car's sudden stop means in need to reset it into reverse - while cars are trying to go around me, and the backing up becomes erratic and a safety issue. I want automated reverse braking TURNED OFF. It it painful and triggers long before an actual accident would happen!

NHTSA complaint #11755640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

My vehicle is experiencing a severe safety hazard where the emergency braking system suddenly slams on the brakes while driving in traffic, pulling into traffic, or backing up. When this happens, the car unexpectedly shuts off, and no warning lights or error messages appear on the dashboard. This has almost caused an accident multiple times, making the vehicle incredibly dangerous to drive. I previously took it to the dealership, but they told me they could not find an issue and advised me to continue driving it while documenting the dates and times it happens on paper. However, I refuse to continue driving this vehicle and put my children's lives at risk just to collect data.

NHTSA complaint #11752371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I am experiencing a serious safety issue with my 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. While the vehicle is in motion—either moving forward or in reverse—it will unexpectedly shift itself into PARK and engage the electronic parking brake. This has occurred several dozen times and creates an extremely dangerous situation, increasing the risk of a collision, injury, or other catastrophic accident. The Volkswagen dealership is aware of the issue and has observed or documented the concern, but I do not believe the matter is being addressed with the level of urgency warranted by the potential safety risk. Given the severity and frequency of these incidents, I am requesting immediate escalation and investigation to prevent a potentially serious accident.

NHTSA complaint #11748700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

When I am backing , my card comes to a complete stop, like I hit wall . There is nothing behind my car. It like you ran into a brick wall. This has happened several times

NHTSA complaint #11745619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Out 2026 Tiguan Se line the first day when we drove the veh home it had a bad vibration and brake problems hvac system locking up unable to control the fan speed was raining out and the fan speed was inoperative had to pull over due to fogged up windows . The brake system when stopped at a light in traffic it will not hold the veh moves forward while the brake pedal is depressed firmly and in stop and go traffic the brake pedal gets hard .when backing up the the brakes violently apply scares you . The veh had only 384 miles on it the first time in the said they fixed now several weeks later it is back for the same problem . They said they do not know how to fix it .

NHTSA complaint #11745679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

My 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan has repeatedly experienced a complete loss of motive power while driving in active traffic. The engine stalls without warning, forcing me to perform a manual reset in the middle of the road. The vehicle also has a severe defect where it independently engages the electronic parking brake or shifts itself into Park during low-speed or turning maneuvers. This happens without any driver input and results in the car "slamming" to a violent stop. My safety and my baby’s safety are put at risk every time I start this car. The engine has stalled multiple times while I was in the middle of busy traffic, leaving us a "sitting duck" for a rear-end collision. There is no warning; the power just cuts out, and I’m left stranded trying to restart the car while other drivers swerve around us. When the car slams on the brakes or shifts itself into Park while I’m moving, it feels like the car is fighting me for control. I can’t trust the vehicle to stay moving when it’s supposed to or stay in gear when I’m merging. It is a life-threatening defect that makes the car completely undrivable. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected twice by the authorized manufacturer dealership, Pacific Volkswagen. They have documented the safety issues on Repair Orders #[XXX] and #[XXX]. During these inspections, the service department confirmed that the vehicle is unsafe to drive, yet they stated they could not find a diagnostic "code" to provide a permanent fix. No warning lamps or error messages appeared prior to the engine stalling in traffic. The loss of power is sudden and total. The only symptom that appeared was during parking maneuvers, where the dashboard would occasionally display "Sensor Restricted" followed by the car independently shifting into Park or slamming on the brakes. These symptoms first appeared in March 2026, within the first 970 miles of operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11731240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Incident Description: While driving at approximately 45 mph, about 5 minutes into the drive, my vehicle displayed a Lane Assist warning and a message to place my hands on the steering wheel. Immediately after, multiple warning lights and messages appeared across the dashboard. Followed my emergency warning message. The vehicle then suddenly applied the brakes on its own without any obstacle or hazard present. The brakes locked up, and the vehicle would not move. At the same time, the vehicle began honking and exhibited abnormal alarm/locking behavior. I had to restart the vehicle to regain normal operation. This sudden and unintended braking could have resulted in a rear-end collision, serious injury, or loss of control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The vehicle was taken to a Volkswagen dealership. The dealership documented that the brakes locked up and the vehicle would not move, but stated they could not replicate the issue and did not identify a cause or provide a repair. I do not feel safe operating the vehicle due to unintended braking and system malfunction. Date of Incident: 3/19 between 7:30 and 7:57 in the morning Approximate Speed: ~45 mph Location: Colleyville, tx No obstacle, hazard, or driver input caused the braking.

NHTSA complaint #11725964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The emergency brake came on and the engine turned off on its own , may be a faulty sensor in the seat. Sensor is detecting no one is in the drivers seat, and you are sitting in it. Car put on emergency brake and shut engine off at red light, as it turned green and you move foot from brake to gas pedal, putting car at risk of collision from behind. Dealership said they can’t reproduce this and therefore can’t fix it. Told Don’t Move when you’re driving by dealership. Car gave no warning. Happens at red lights and while backing up in reverse. The problem appeared on the evening I received car. Dealership said the service supervisor drove car and can’t get it to reproduce problem, so can’t fix it. Told don’t move while driving. Your car is ready Showed service advisor on the instrument panel in the car diagram the front two seats are not registering in the diagram, took car back into service and provided loaner once again.

NHTSA complaint #11717719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

On 7/22/25, I started an oil consumption test. It was eventually diagnosed that it was an issue because the cylinder head was replaced 9/25/25. Then a total engine replacement 1/26/2026 and on 2/10/2026 the dipstick tube was replaced. The car has consistently had engine oil consumption and still under the manufacturer warranty. It’s a lemon

NHTSA complaint #11717424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I own a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line purchased new in August 2025. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has exhibited a recurring safety defect where the electronic parking brake engages without driver input and the vehicle shifts itself into Park. This happens suddenly and without warning. This defect occurs multiple times per week, on average (upwards of 50+ times total since purchase) under varied low-speed conditions, including at stoplights, while slowly moving through traffic, and during parking maneuvers, etc. When it occurs, the vehicle stops abruptly as Park is engaged. This creates a significant risk of being rear-ended or losing control in an intersection or traffic lane. There are no warning lights, chimes, or alerts beforehand. The behavior is intermittent and unpredictable, so there is no way to anticipate or prevent it during normal driving. This has not yet caused a collision, but there have been near-miss situations in traffic due to the sudden stop. I notified the dealership when the vehicle was new, but because the model had only recently been released and the defect could not be reproduced on demand, there was no formal inspection or repair, and no guidance was provided. The issue has continued multiple times per week since then. I have now found other 2025 Tiguan owners reporting the same behavior, which suggests this may be a broader safety defect rather than an isolated case. I am requesting an investigation due to the frequency of occurrence and the clear collision risk associated with unintended braking and shifting into Park.

NHTSA complaint #11713645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

While Driving Breaks got hard to push and car system made “beep” alert with words “Break booster fault” displayed on instrument panel. Pulled over and error went away. Checked brake booster and lines. Can not get it to duplicate. Read on Volkswagen forums online that this is happening to others. Car shops unable to duplicate as well but reports online state that is has happened again after being cleared by Auto Shop.

NHTSA complaint #11710024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

SERVICE BRAKES

I am submitting this report to express serious concerns regarding my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, currently under a lease agreement and serviced exclusively at South Motors Volkswagen in Miami, Florida. The vehicle was originally delivered as a loaner with approximately 1,000 miles and now has 24,000 miles. Since early in the lease, the car has repeatedly displayed low oil warnings, despite being serviced multiple times under 10,000 miles. During my most recent service visit in June 2025, I was charged $9.48 for a minor oil top-off. When I contacted the service advisor afterward, I was advised to purchase 1-OW20 oil myself and manually add it whenever the warning appears, until the next 10,000-mile service interval. Following that advice, I have now purchased two bottles of oil out of pocket—the first cost $12, and the second $42—just to keep the vehicle running between service visits. This additional expense reinforces my concern about excessive oil consumption in a relatively new vehicle and may indicate a mechanical defect. Additionally, the brakes emit a persistent squealing noise, even though the dealership claims the brake pads are at 50% life. The noise affects driving confidence and may signal premature wear or improper installation. Despite these ongoing issues, no repairs have ever been performed under warranty. Each time I’ve taken the vehicle to Volkswagen service, I’ve been told that everything is functioning perfectly and that there is no problem to address. This repeated dismissal of the symptoms is concerning and leaves me without a clear resolution. My lease is scheduled to end in September 2026, but due to the unresolved mechanical concerns and the lack of meaningful support from the dealership, I would like Volkswagen to consider terminating the lease early. This would allow me to obtain a vehicle that does not present these recurring issues and restore my confidence in the brand’s commitment to safety and reliability.

NHTSA complaint #11697011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Activates while driving on a flat road at random

NHTSA complaint #11687206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that after an oil change, additional oil needed to be added to the engine. The oil light was illuminated. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was eventually diagnosed, and determined that the oil was leaking into the valve. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to smoke and then stalled. The brake lines were flushed. The contact had an altercation with the dealer and was banned from the location. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case, but declined a buyback. There was no additional communication. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11681561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.