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2019 Volkswagen Tiguan problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 194owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 1fire report
- 11%fail the UK MOT
194 complaints, against an average of 120 for the other 14 Volkswagen Tiguan model years.
Every Volkswagen Tiguan model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The components named most often in the 194 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 194 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?20 owners · 10.3%
- Can the sunroof on the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan shatter or fail?10 owners · 5.2%
- Why does my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan idle rough, misfire or hesitate?7 owners · 3.6%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?7 owners · 3.6%
- Why is my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan burning or losing oil?6 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Tires: Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Structure: Body Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
Risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
Equipment: Other: Labels Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The tire information label contains inaccurate tire dimension and inflation pressure specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: The incorrect specifications can result in improper tire inflations or to installing a tire of the wrong size on the vehicle. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D2.
Suspension: Rear: Springs: Coil Springs Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASteering rack bolt replacement
Risk: On vehicles of a limited production period corrosion can cause a tear of a bolt head on the steering rack. This can result in a loss of steering functionality.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the affected bolted connection of the steering rack is replaced on the right-hand side of the subframe.
UK DVSACurtain airbag
Risk: On Tiguan Allspace vehicles of a limited production period there is a possibility that one or several faulty curtain airbags may have been fitted in the vehicle.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the left and/or right curtain airbag must be replaced.
UK DVSACurtain Airbag
Risk: In Tiguan Allspace vehicles within a specified range of VINs curtain airbags with a defective gas generator may have been installed due to a manufacturing error. A defective gas generator may cause the airbag not to work correctly and therefore not provide the required level of protection. In the event of an accident where the curtain airbag is deployed components from the gas generator may become detached and injure vehicle passengers
Fix: Replace curtain airbag
UK DVSATakata Front airbag
Risk: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
UK DVSAThe fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand
Risk: The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.
Fix: An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.
UK DVSAA tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted
Risk: A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted.
Fix: The tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
UK DVSAThe roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle
Risk: The roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle.
Fix: The roof spoiler is additionally fixed in position with bolts on the rear lid.
UK DVSAThe wall thickness of the fuel tank may not be to specification
Risk: The specified wall thickness of the fuel tank can in some places fall below the threshold.
Fix: For all affected vehicles the fuel tank has to be replaced
UK DVSAWheels ordered and bought at the dealers may not be compatible
Risk: Wheels ordered and bought at the dealers may not be compatible.
Fix: Incompatible wheels in the customer's possession must be replaced
UK DVSAToo little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds
Risk: Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the software of the engine control unit must be updated.
UK DVSAPossible cracks in left front seats
Risk: There is a possibility that due to a fault in the production process there is a crack on the frame of the left front seat.
Fix: Check and replace the seat frame if a crack is found
UK DVSATow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism may have been fitted
Risk: A tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module.
Fix: The affected tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
UK DVSAA short circuit in the led module of the panorama sun roof can occur
Risk: Possible short circuit in LED lighting module of the panoramic roof.
Fix: Modify wiring with integrated fuse adapter cables.
EU Safety GateMoisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering…Moisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/10/2026
EU Safety GateParts of the inflator may detach when the airbag is deployed, which can lead to injuries for vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateParts of the inflator may become detached when the head airbag is deployed, which could cause injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe amount of extinguishing sand in the fuse of the high-voltage system is not sufficient in the event of a short circuit to the…The amount of extinguishing sand in the fuse of the high-voltage system is not sufficient in the event of a short circuit to the high-voltage safety system. This may cause it to burst, increasing the risk of injuries. Furthermore, the blown fuse can interrupt electrical flow of current leading to a voltage drop inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDefective material may be used in the rear suspension helical springs.As a result, the springs could break, impairing the driving stability and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/05/2019
EU Safety GateThe towbar swivel mechanism may have a defective locking pin.As a result, the pin could break while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to to errors in the adhesive bonding process, the upper rear (roof) spoiler may be insufficiently affixed.As a result, it can become detached from the vehicle and fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe roof-edge spoiler may not be secured enough due to an incorrect adhesive bond.As a result, the spoiler may become detached in motion, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fuel tank wall is not sufficiently thick.Consequently, in the event of an accident it could break and leak fuel increasing the risk of fire or explosion.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe locking nut on the park lock bolt in the gearbox may not have been tightened with the necessary torque.As a result, it could become detached, possibly damaging the gearbox or causing failure of the parking lock, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing defect, the left-hand front seat (in the direction of travel) may develop cracks on the right-hand side of the seat…Due to a manufacturing defect, the left-hand front seat (in the direction of travel) may develop cracks on the right-hand side of the seat frame/seat pan. Cracks may affect the strength of the seat's structure which could cause the seatback to collapse in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury for passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe locking mechanism in the articulated trailer hitch may be defective.Consequently, the trailer hitch might not be correctly locked and could swing out, causing the trailer to drop while the vehicle is in motion.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe material used for the rear coil springs may be inadequate.There is a possibility that a coil spring may fracture and damage the rear tyres. This may affect driving stability and increase the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateMoisture can reach the LED module of the sunroof's ambient lighting which may cause a short-circuit and a build-up of heat.If this happens, there is a risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2019, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan owners report?
12 of the 194 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Cylinder head failure. Vehicle is currently at VW dealership waiting on part that is in a nationwide backorder as so many are failing. I was told it will be at least a 4-6 week wait for repair, maybe longer as part is backordered. Vehicle had a full inspection done by VW dealership. Vehicle was needing oil in between oil changes, then after last oil change, the low oil light came on 3 days after a full oil change. Then started going through 2 quarts a quart a week and noticed smoke coming from the exhaust. Took it to the VW dealership where I purchased the vehicle to get an inspection and when…
Driving totally fine and my car makes a loud noise, tells me to check starter system and pull over. ALL electronics shut off and engine continues to run. Speedometer, gas gauge, radio screen, lights, turn signals, hazards, brake lights, EVERYTHING electronic shuts off. Starter was checked, battery was checked, alternator was checked, everything is fine. This is a VW issue as MANY 2019 Tiguans have been experiencing this exact issue this year. This is NOT safe!
The cat has been leaking oil and has gotten worse this past month. The plastic plug has been changed but it keeps leaking.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed the failure but was unable to retrieve any fault codes. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to retrieve any fault codes. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
On unusually hot days, my VW Tiguan 2019, pops up a Check Start system and shuts down the dash and all electrical components (speedometer, A/C, infotainment system, blindside monitors, brake lights etc.) Car still runs but everything does not work. On searching, there are other VW users complaining about this issue as well making it a known manufacturer defect/issue. I called my local VW dealer letting them know that this is a safety issue and to find out if there is currently a recall for this issue but was told there is none. As this is a massively known safety issue. I think the NTHSA must…
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole or an object on the roadway and the vehicle stalled. The failure had reoccurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My car jumps and lags due to fuel injector. It will be replaced by Volkswagen but only if there believe it’s Ana issue even though there are several reports of this issue
While driving and starting to go into the turn lane on the right, to make a right turn, the car would not slow down, while pressing the brake the car would not slow, I could not turn at the speed and was unable to get back into the flow of traffic either , so was left driving into a guard wire holding up a pole.
Relates to the Volkswagen Recall: 28H7-Ignition Switch that for some reason is only applied to Jetta's but needs to be expanded to include 2019 Tiguans . In vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch, the polyfuse can fail, particularly when the vehicle is operated in high temperature environments. If the polyfuse fails, it can result in the engine stalling while driving and failure of the vehicle's electrical system, increasing the risk of a crash. I have had this issue happen over 5 times since the initial incident last week. Now anything above 70 degrees Fahrenheit causes the…
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!
My car has delayed acceleration issues of between 3 - 6 seconds. The last one that was 6 seconds ore more was on June 29. In addition it's happened several times. I took the vehicle in for its last service and was told the issue was my battery. Battery was replaced and issue not resolved. The service before that I was told it was a carbon build up. Continues to happen sporadically.
On three (3) separate occasions, my 2019 VW Tiguan has produced an error stating "Check Starter System" on the console and shut down electrical systems such as instrument panel, brake lights, headlights, taillights, back up camera, and other electrical systems while driving. All three (3) situations followed the same series of events whereas the car was out in the sunlight on warmer days (70+ degrees) and occurred within 5 or so minutes of starting. After shutting the vehicle off and attempting to restart, the ignition will not always work and the car will not turn over. When it does, the key…
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2019 Volkswagen Tiguan: questions owners ask
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 194 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most common categories were electrical system (57, 29.4%), engine (42, 21.6%), forward collision avoidance (25, 12.9%). There are 5 safety recalls. 6 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Across 194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (29.4% of complaints), engine (21.6% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (12.9% of complaints), service brakes (12.4% of complaints), power train (8.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most recent (campaign 22V815000, 2022-10-31) concerns Tires: Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
20 of the 194 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan (10.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "During Hot weather the vehicles electrical will shut down while driving displaying a message saying check starter system and I will loose all lighting and brake lights and turn signals and HVAC systems and engine will shut off also I was going down the…" (NHTSA complaint 11748835, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Can the sunroof on the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan shatter or fail?
10 of the 194 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan (5.2%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "Panoramic sunroof shattered. Looks like it bubbled upwards and exploded. No rock. No defect. Car was parked in my driveway with no trees or rocks or anything around. Motion security cameras don’t have anyone coming on my driveway." (NHTSA complaint 11528764, June 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
7 of the 194 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.6%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Blind spot indicator went out dealer replaced under warranty (passenger side) warranty expired a few thousand miles later and now the driver side is faulty. Vehicle has a rough idle and oil leaks." (NHTSA complaint 11478844, August 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
7 of the 194 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.6%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "This is a second complaint about the headlights on my vehicle. the low beams do not illuminate the roadway safely. i complained to the manufacturer who referred me to the dealer. who stated that there is no adjustment that can be made." (NHTSA complaint 11408417, April 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan burning or losing oil?
6 of the 194 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.1%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "This vehicle is burning oil! I have stayed on top of getting the regular/required oil changes but inbetween we have had to constantly top off the oil. I also get all oil changes at the dealer." (NHTSA complaint 11754140, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Tiguan
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2019 only.