Problems · NHTSA complaints

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan problems

Owners filed 279 complaints about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan with NHTSA between Dec 2021 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (114).

Complaints
279
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine114
  2. Electrical system64
  3. Lane departure44
  4. Power train42
  5. Forward collision avoidance34
  6. Fuel/propulsion system31
  7. Steering26
  8. Vehicle speed control14
  9. Back over prevention12
  10. Visibility/wiper12
  11. Service brakes8
  12. Engine and engine cooling7
  13. Air bags5
  14. Exterior lighting4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20211
202234
202371
202433
202550
202690

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

114 reports
“I am having an engine oil consumption issue while I was in warranty and now being a few thousand miles out of warranty. Volkswagen states having to top off a quart of oil within 600 miles is tolerable. I have had to top off the oil 6 times between oil changes so far. The dealership states that VW of USA denies any repairs and there hands are tied. They know it's a cylinder head issue but since the issue is not catastrophic (engine seized or more than a quart burning) they will not fix it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2026EngineODI 11775848

Electrical system

64 reports1 fire
“The MIB3 infotainment center has suffered a complete hardware/software failure and is entirely black. This has completely disabled the rearview backup camera, creating an immediate safety hazard and violating federal safety standards”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11775562

Lane departure

44 reports
“My 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan intermittently displays the warning “Travel Assist Currently Not Available” while driving. The warning is accompanied by an audible chime and has occurred repeatedly. The warning indicates that the vehicle’s Travel Assist system is unavailable. I am concerned because Travel Assist is associated with steering and lane-keeping assistance, and the warning occurs while the vehicle is being driven. Volkswagen has issued Technical Service Bulletin 48-23-01 (Transaction No. 2070207) addressing a “Travel Assist currently not available” condition involving the steering wheel hands-on detection system on certain Tiguan vehicles. The problem is intermittent and the vehicle is available for inspection. I am reporting this because the condition continues to occur and I believe it should be documented and evaluated as a potential safety-related defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2026Steering, Lane departureODI 11765395

Power train

42 reports
“2022 VW Tiguan SE had PCV (positive crankshaft ventilation) also known as air-oil separator failed just outside of warranty creating a pressure cooker like effect in the engine which caused several seals and hoses, (such as the upper/front timing cover gaskets, rear main seal, and valve stem seals) to fail. The oil pan gasket was also destroyed. Although I was fortunate enough to be able to drive from my house around the corner to my local mechanic, this could have become a dangerous scenario considering most of my driving is done on busy freeways -- this could have caused severe oil slicking, sudden loss of power, and/or total engine failure. All of which could have resulted in a fatal, multi-vehicle accident. This appears to be a relatively common incident involving this particular year and model according to a New Jersey federal case ([XXX] et al v. Volkswagen [XXX] et al.), and several other complaints found.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 18, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11757593

Forward collision avoidance

34 reports1 crash
“I am reporting a serious engine defect on my 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan at approximately 39,500 miles. The vehicle has excessive oil consumption and an oil leak. The authorized dealer diagnosed the problem as requiring full cylinder head replacement. This is a major engine repair at low mileage. I previously told the dealer the vehicle needed oil added between changes. The issue has worsened and now requires a cylinder head. I escalated with dealership management and Volkswagen Customer Care. Volkswagen refuses full coverage and offers only partial goodwill, leaving me to pay a large portion out of pocket despite the low mileage. This issue is widespread on 2022–2023 Tiguan models with the 2.0 TSI EA888 engine. Multiple owners report the same oil consumption and cylinder head replacement. Consumer Reports has documented cylinder head and oil consumption complaints on the 2022 Tiguan. Class action lawsuits allege a defect causing excessive oil consumption. The Canadian Automobile Protection Association has also reported premature valve guide wear leading to cylinder head replacement on 2018–2024 Tiguans. Excessive oil consumption creates a safety risk. Low oil can…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11771332

Fuel/propulsion system

31 reports
“I got this car in 2024 and it burns through oil. I am constantly replacing the oil and have had to have the seals replaced a couple of times. Every 200 to 300 miles I have to put oil in it. It’s too new of a car for that. I know a lot of other owners have had issues.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2026Unknown or other, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11760563
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.