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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.

  • 1safety recall
  • 70owner complaints
  • 1crash report
  • 0fire reports
  • 1injury reported

70 complaints, against an average of 129 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 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The components named most often in the 70 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Engine25 (35.7%)
  2. Electrical System13 (18.6%)
  3. Forward Collision Avoidance9 (12.9%)
  4. Power Train8 (11.4%)
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System6 (8.6%)
  6. Service Brakes4 (5.7%)
  7. Vehicle Speed Control4 (5.7%)
  8. Back Over Prevention3 (4.3%)

What symptoms do 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 70 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan been recalled?

1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.

Back Over Prevention: Software Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." NHTSA campaign 25V082000 Ā· February 12, 2025 Ā· Risk and fix

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Volkswagen) 91NY and (Audi) 90AV.

Is the 2023 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 Recall R/2026/360 Ā· Oct 16, 2026 Ā· built May 2014 to Oct 2022 Ā· Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

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. Alert SR/02935/26 Ā· reported by Germany Ā· Oct 23, 2026 Ā· Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateIndividual bolted connections on the front or rear seating may not have been tightened to the correct torque.Incorrectly fitted bolted connections can affect the seats’ ability to restrain passengers in the event of an accident. This increases the risk of injury. Alert SR/01580/25 Ā· reported by Germany Ā· Apr 25, 2025 Ā· Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

What do 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan owners report?

12 of the 70 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.

My 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has recurring oil consumption and an inoperative infotainment head unit. The engine requires approximately one additional quart of oil every 2,000 miles between oil changes. This requires repeated monitoring and oil additions. The cause of the oil loss or consumption has not been confirmed. The infotainment screen remains black. It briefly lights up or attempts to start, but does not successfully boot and remains unusable. This is a recurring problem. If accurate: The rearview camera image also does not display when reversing, limiting visibility behind the vehicle…
Electrical System, EngineNHTSA complaint 11771910 Ā· Oct 18, 2026
The infotainment screen went black and does not appear to work. I had tried the method of hard resetting the system and it did not work. I went to get it check at the dealer and it was not able to get fixed. This is a safety hazard as the screen was not able to display the use of the rear camera increasing a risk of a crash. The screen also acts as an aid for the driver which becomes a risk when the display no longer works.This has only occurred once before and fixed on its own. This had unexpectedly happened.
Unknown Or Other, Back Over PreventionNHTSA complaint 11770330 Ā· Oct 10, 2026
The infotainment center in my 2023 VW Tiguan SE has completely died. With this failure, the reverse camera no longer activates or functions whatsoever. I am unable to access any of the features of the car that are adjusted via the infotainment center. I have contacted both the manufacturer and dealer, but there are no recalls on this year of vehicle, only the newer years. It is available for inspection. There was no indication of an issue before this failure occured and it still remains unusable after various attempts to resolve the issue per online recommendations. I cannot see behind me as…
Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11768177 Ā· Sep 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, the vehicle hesitated while moving forward. The vehicle jerked while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.
EngineNHTSA complaint 11765955 Ā· Sep 21, 2026
On September 14, 2026, my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line experienced a sudden electronic/system failure while the vehicle was in use. The infotainment system entered a continuous reboot cycle and subsequently displayed a black screen. At approximately the same time, the SOS/emergency-call indicator illuminated red and the vehicle/app reported ā€œEmergency call function limited! Service vehicle.ā€ Multiple vehicle functions then became unavailable, including Front Assist/automatic emergency braking, cruise control, navigation, compass, and Dynamic Road Sign Display. The instrument cluster…
Forward Collision AvoidanceNHTSA complaint 11764278 Ā· Sep 15, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a significant engine-related failure involving the oil separator/PCV system. Volkswagen diagnosed a failed oil separator/breather that caused excessive crankcase pressure, resulting in substantial oil expulsion and damage/leaks involving the plastic/composite oil pan and timing-chain cover. Volkswagen also identified oil contamination around engine sensors and a P0341 camshaft-position fault. The vehicle has previously experienced EPC/check-engine warnings and…
Power Train, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11762040 Ā· Sep 3, 2026
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…
Electrical System, Engine, Forward Collision AvoidanceNHTSA complaint 11755378 Ā· Aug 6, 2026
While driving on the highway in my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (approximately 70,068 miles), the EPC warning light and oil warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to stall/lose power. I exited the highway immediately and shut the vehicle down safely. A substantial amount of engine oil leaked from underneath the vehicle after stopping. The vehicle was towed to a Volkswagen dealership. Dealer diagnosis included: * cracked oil pan, * oil separator failure, * and timing chain cover leak. The dealership advised there was no metal contamination found in the oil or filter and no confirmed…
Power Train, Electrical System, EngineNHTSA complaint 11739405 Ā· May 21, 2026
When I’m stopped, the car sometimes shuts off. The horn works intermittently. When I start the car, it feels like it’s going to stall. At times, all of the dashboard warning lights come on. Also, when I’m backing out of my driveway with nothing behind me, the car will sometimes automatically brake hard.
Electrical System, Engine, Forward Collision AvoidanceNHTSA complaint 11731753 Ā· Apr 17, 2026
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…
Service Brakes, EngineNHTSA complaint 11697011 Ā· Nov 2, 2025
The contact owned a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated causing the vehicle to veer off the road, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,171.
Vehicle Speed ControlNHTSA complaint 11637267 Ā· Jan 21, 2025
Jittery acceleration. Intermittent accelerator hesitation from a stop. The car hesitates or bogs down which can be unpredictable when pulling into traffic. Sometimes the RPMs surge during low speed without input from the gas peddle. I have had the car serviced twice since leased in July 2023. The dealership is fast to say they are all the same. there are no warning lamps for this issue and the dealership states no faults can be found with VDAS or GFF.
Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11545909 Ā· Sep 21, 2023

Volkswagen guides on CarHooq

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: questions owners ask

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 70 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most common categories were engine (25, 35.7%), electrical system (13, 18.6%), forward collision avoidance (9, 12.9%). There is 1 safety recall. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 injury was reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Across 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (35.7% of complaints), electrical system (18.6% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (12.9% of complaints), power train (11.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (8.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most recent (campaign 25V082000, 2025-02-12) concerns Back Over Prevention: Software. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why is my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan burning or losing oil?

11 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (15.7%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Excessive oil consumption. Check Oil Level light comes on repeatedly between oil changes. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The dealer has now looked at the issue 2x. Potential safety issue should the engine be affected while driving." (NHTSA complaint 11750506, 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.

Why does my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan idle rough, misfire or hesitate?

8 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (11.4%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "My Tiguan has had a jerky transmission issues since I purchased it brand new. Dealer says operation is normal. I have read several forums and website where people have stated similar issues for this vehicle. Extremely hesitant in first and second gear." (NHTSA complaint 11559820, December 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 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?

7 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (10%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "When I’m stopped, the car sometimes shuts off. The horn works intermittently. When I start the car, it feels like it’s going to stall. At times, all of the dashboard warning lights come on." (NHTSA complaint 11731753, April 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.

Why does the backup camera not work on my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?

6 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (8.6%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. A related recall exists: campaign 25V082000 (back over prevention: software). The fix: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The infotainment center in my 2023 VW Tiguan SE has completely died. With this failure, the reverse camera no longer activates or functions whatsoever. I am unable to access any of the features of the car that are adjusted via the infotainment center." (NHTSA complaint 11768177, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan had engine failures?

4 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (5.7%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Oil light continues to come on after about 1,000-1,500 miles after an oil change. This has happen several times now and I have to put oil in it to keep it from ruining the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11717756, February 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.

Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?

4 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (5.7%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "The infotainment screen went black and does not appear to work. I had tried the method of hard resetting the system and it did not work. I went to get it check at the dealer and it was not able to get fixed." (NHTSA complaint 11770330, October 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.

Why does my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan smell of burning or smoke?

3 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (4.3%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Currently in the 22-23 Tiguans they are experiencing an oil consumption issue. Where the engine is consuming oil at a fast rate. I am having to add oil to the car every 800-1000 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11724669, March 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 vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2023 only.

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