366 of the 1,181 complaints about the Volkswagen Tiguan (31.0%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.4× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
366Complaints · Engine
31.0%Share of complaints
1.4×vs. all vehicles
130Last 12 months
2.7%Share involving a crash or fire
1Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2022 model (114, 44% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (9). 130 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 59 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
Owners most often describe: “oil”, “consumption”, “engine”, “epc” and “excessive”. 10 of these reports (2.7%) describe a crash or fire, with 3 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 18V159000 (2018-03-08, model years 2018).
Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning.
Engine · 2026-05-25 · ODI 11739933 · Crash
Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began experiencing ongoing mechanical and electrical issues that required multiple repair attempts.
Engine · 2026-02-04 · ODI 11715560 · Fire
This vehicle goes through oil at a rapid rate. I am adding oil to my car every week. I have had to add at least 2 quarts between oil changes for the duration of owning the vehicle.
Engine · 2026-08-30 · ODI 11760702
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.
Engine · 2026-08-29 · ODI 11760563
Known issues with Tiguan models of overconsumption of motor oil due to faulty engineering of top(head) of engine.
Engine · 2026-08-28 · ODI 11760429
Consuming too much oil and only getting worse. Have to add 1 qt of oil around every 400 miles. Worried that all the burning could cause a vehicle fire
Engine · 2026-08-28 · ODI 11760448
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
ENGINE Campaign 18V159000 · 2018-03-08 · Model years: 2018
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The engine support bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightened.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace engine support bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F7.
Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Volkswagen Tiguan?
366 of the 1,181 complaints about the Volkswagen Tiguan (31.0%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.4× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Volkswagen Tiguan model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2022 model (114, 44% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (9).
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Tiguan Engine problems?
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 18V159000 (2018-03-08, model years 2018).