272 of the
3,543 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Tiguan
are about the driver-assist systems —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2022.
272
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
8
Crashes
1
Fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year
The vehicle’s automatic emergency-braking and parking-assistance systems intermittently activate when no collision is imminent. The vehicle unexpectedly stops, shifts itself into Park, and engages the electronic parking brake while moving at low speed. This has occurred while pulling into parking spaces with vehicles on both sides and while beginning an unprotected left turn when oncoming traffic was still at a safe distance. The sudden stop creates a risk of being struck by another vehicle. The vehicle was presented to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for inspection, but the dealership was unable to reproduce the condition and stated that it did not believe there was an issue. The vehicle remains available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11763654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle’s automatic emergency-braking and parking-assistance systems intermittently activate when no collision is imminent. The vehicle unexpectedly stops, shifts itself into Park, and engages the electronic parking brake while moving at low speed. This has occurred while pulling into parking spaces with vehicles on both sides and while beginning an unprotected left turn when oncoming traffic was still at a safe distance. The sudden stop creates a risk of being struck by another vehicle. The vehicle was presented to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for inspection, but the dealership was unable to reproduce the condition and stated that it did not believe there was an issue. The vehicle remains available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11763654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Travel assist currently unavailable warning goes off frequently in 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE-R Line creating a loud repetitive dinging noise which is very distracting and alarming while driving, thus causing a safety issue. This occurs even when not using travel assist features and there is no way for the consumer to disable the travel assist to prevent the warning from occurring. This has been an ongoing issue since purchasing the vehicle in May 2022 and has been reported to the local Volkswagen dealership multiple times with no acknowledgement of the issue or offer to repair while the vehicle was under warranty. I have recently discovered that Volkswagen issued a Technical Service Bulletin for dealerships in May 2023 under (TSB) 2070207/1 (also known as TSB 48-23-01). It is a known issue to Volkswagen and they have failed to issue a recall or properly train their dealerships about the issuance of the Technical Service Bulletin to appropriately repair while covered under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11762466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Travel assist currently unavailable warning goes off frequently in 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE-R Line creating a loud repetitive dinging noise which is very distracting and alarming while driving, thus causing a safety issue. This occurs even when not using travel assist features and there is no way for the consumer to disable the travel assist to prevent the warning from occurring. This has been an ongoing issue since purchasing the vehicle in May 2022 and has been reported to the local Volkswagen dealership multiple times with no acknowledgement of the issue or offer to repair while the vehicle was under warranty. I have recently discovered that Volkswagen issued a Technical Service Bulletin for dealerships in May 2023 under (TSB) 2070207/1 (also known as TSB 48-23-01). It is a known issue to Volkswagen and they have failed to issue a recall or properly train their dealerships about the issuance of the Technical Service Bulletin to appropriately repair while covered under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11762466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan in September 2019 and began noticing an intermittent rearview-camera problem around that time. I do not remember the exact date of the first occurrence because the problem initially happened only occasionally and was not persistent. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the rearview camera intermittently fails to provide a reliable image. At other times, it operates normally. Because the problem is intermittent, it has been difficult for the dealership to reproduce consistently. Loss of the camera image reduces visibility behind the vehicle and creates a safety concern while backing up. An authorized Volkswagen dealership inspected the vehicle. The service manager stated that the stored fault indicates an intermittent open circuit in the video cable. The dealer’s diagnostic history reportedly shows approximately 90 fault occurrences beginning July 19, 2026. During recent testing, the dealership was able to get the fault to set once. The dealership has not conclusively confirmed that the camera control module failed. It proposes replacing the module as the first repair step for approximately $1,165 and stated that additional repairs may be necessary if the module replacement does not correct the problem. Volkswagen Customer CARE documented the concern under Case Number 07696586. I am submitting this report because the intermittent loss of the rearview-camera image may reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a backing collision.
NHTSA complaint #11759418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'm experiencing a persistent Travel Assistant is not available dash light and warning beep on a repeated basis. I have taken this into the VW dealer and the did a factory reset to address the problem and that did not resolve the issue. There is a know widespread problem with several 2022 models that can be found when searching the problem. VW has issued a Technical Service Bulletin to dealers (TSB 48-23-01) so they are aware of the problem. The warning is very distracting and often chimes multiple times in a row, last experience it went off approximately 20 times in one mile.
NHTSA complaint #11759423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'm experiencing a persistent Travel Assistant is not available dash light and warning beep on a repeated basis. I have taken this into the VW dealer and the did a factory reset to address the problem and that did not resolve the issue. There is a know widespread problem with several 2022 models that can be found when searching the problem. VW has issued a Technical Service Bulletin to dealers (TSB 48-23-01) so they are aware of the problem. The warning is very distracting and often chimes multiple times in a row, last experience it went off approximately 20 times in one mile.
NHTSA complaint #11759423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX, my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced an internal electrical failure of the 5F Infotainment Control Module (Part #3Q5-035-842-J). There were no advance warning lights or symptoms prior to the screen going completely black and unresponsive. The failure was officially diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized dealership, Fitzgerald Volkswagen in [XXX], on XXX. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The 5F module failure completely disables the primary display screen, rendering the rearview camera system frozen and entirely inoperable. This creates a severe rear-visibility safety hazard while reversing, particularly when transporting my minor child, and fails to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS No. 111 (Rear Visibility). Systemic Failure & Backorder: The module failure also disables the radio, wireless charging, and front/rear USB ports. Fitzgerald VW special-ordered the replacement module under warranty but confirmed the part is on a nationwide backorder with no estimated time of arrival (ETA) and approximately 59 units currently backordered nationwide. The vehicle has not been inspected by law enforcement or insurance, but the manufacturer (Volkswagen Group of America) has been formally notified under Customer CARE Case #XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11759131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For multiple weeks, my vehicle's Travel Assist/driver-assistance system has repeatedly malfunctioned. The problem began after the vehicle was returned to me by the dealership following service related to an ongoing oil-consumption issue. Since receiving the vehicle back, the "Travel Assist currently not available" warning and associated warning indicators activate repeatedly during virtually every drive. The warning is accompanied by an audible alert/beeping and may occur multiple times during a single trip. The repeated alerts are distracting while driving and create a safety concern. The warnings occur even when I am not actively using Travel Assist or the driver-assistance system. They have occurred while the vehicle is completely stopped as well as while I am driving normally within my lane without crossing the lane markings. The system appears to activate warnings unpredictably and without any corresponding action by the driver. Because this involves a driver-assistance/safety system, I am concerned that the system may not function properly or be available when it is actually needed. The unpredictable and repeated audible warnings also divert the driver's attention from the roadway. This malfunction has continued consistently for several weeks across multiple trips. I have photographs documenting the Travel Assist warning and warning indicators displayed on the instrument cluster under different driving conditions and at different vehicle mileages. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11758882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
#1 issue is only the driver's side replacement windshield wiper is and has been unavailable for over 6 months. This presents a danger that focusing on a different part of the windshield is problematic; secondarily, the smears even using washer fluid are impossible to rectify. The dealership echoes the same problem on many vehicles and is blaming VW parts supplies. I will not use parts stores after many difficult and not acceptable performances of these OTC blades. The second issue is cruise control stops working erratically. This causes the vehicle to slow very quickly., also causing people following too closely to get angry us! While on a 1100 mile trip it quit tens of times; will not re-engage frequently and then suddenly become available. I'm told the steering wheel wiring is the issue and I was told to being in for diagnosis. A fault code in the steering wheel controls was documented, but parts department said these too are on a very long list of same issues on many Tiguans. Now I'm told that since the dealer verified the fault code for this issue and cleared it, but VW refuses to replace the steering wheel electronics. Many customers have told me they also have to "wait on parts.?!
NHTSA complaint #11758585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera failed to display the image at the rear of the vehicle, and the radio was also disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,500.
NHTSA complaint #11757710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My name is [XXX], and I am writing today to express my complete frustration mentally and financially with a CPO 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN [XXX]) I purchased XXX. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (Case XXX). My recent service visit on XXX was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to VW of [XXX] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.” I paid $1,605.37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11755378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Travel Assist Not Available warning chime several times while driving. This has been back to the dealer 3 or more times, steering wheel replaced, software updates and still this along with screen blackouts, steering wheel heater coming on without prompting, audio failure, backup camera not always functioning. It is very distracting to all drivers with constant chimes and warning lights flashing across all screens.
NHTSA complaint #11753904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Travel Assist Not Available warning chime several times while driving. This has been back to the dealer 3 or more times, steering wheel replaced, software updates and still this along with screen blackouts, steering wheel heater coming on without prompting, audio failure, backup camera not always functioning. It is very distracting to all drivers with constant chimes and warning lights flashing across all screens.
NHTSA complaint #11753904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This car has several issues and I could only select a few. Electrical: the infotainment system disconnects from Wireless car play at random when you drive the vehicle. It then returns a Wifi error on screen and you cannot use car play any longer on both android and iOS. Additionally, the electronic system will reboot when the car is in use. In my case, it always happens on the freeway when driving 75 MPH. The entire car dash is electronic, no buttons. So when this happens, you lose all safety features, have no idea what speed your driving, can't use the radio, navigation, air conditioning, etc. Most importantly, this is a deadly error WV knew about but sold the car anyways. The dealer and WV North America says this is a problem between the infotainment system manufacture and T-Mobile cell towers. There is no fix for it. So what are consumers to do? I paid cash for a product, the product does not work, the manufactuer cannot fix it. Normally when this happens the company either 1) fixes the problem for free or B) lets you return the product. VW says I can't do either. Backup Cam - the camera is cheap, blurry and picks up nonexistent items and slams on the breaks everytime I back down my driveway. Not a human, animal or event a tree limb blowing in the wind. However, when a car is behind you, the backup cam will let you back into the car. Again, this is a "Software" issue and the dealer cannot fix it. Forward collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assistance only work intermittently. I'd say about 30% of the time I drive the car, it just dings at me while my dashboard lights up and says all these features failed. VW has no record of it in the cars "error log" so I had to set up a camera in my car to prove them wrong. Once they saw it, they said they don't know a fix. Maybe they can swap out the infotainment system / software, but that requires several layers of approval first.
NHTSA complaint #11753497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.