Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Electrical system recall
An unexpected engine stall, loss of exterior lighting or warning lights, or failure of the rearview camera system can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 6, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57KL. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 17, 2026.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to allow occupants to sit in the front passenger seat until the remedy is complete. Dealers will repair the affected wiring harness in the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74HE. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 12, 2025.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Steering recall
A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the affected tie rod bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42E7.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
10
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
I brought my vehicle to the dealership because it was shifting itself into Park while I was driving. I have brought the car in four times. During the last two visits, the dealership performed a system update called **VW 47DM Collision Vehicle Software Update for Travel Assist/Emergency Assist**. Immediately after leaving the dealership following these updates, my vehicle developed additional and more serious problems. The infotainment system stops working for several minutes at a time before turning back on. The vehicle is also now displaying a “Front Assist Not Available” warning. In addition, the vehicle jerks violently while driving forward or accelerating, and the front end is making a grinding noise. This software update has made my vehicle worse than it was before. I have contacted Volkswagen Customer Care multiple times, but I have been denied assistance because there is reportedly no diagnostic code in the system. However, I have video evidence of these issues occurring while driving. Volkswagen has refused to repair the vehicle or take it back despite these ongoing problems. A vehicle shifting into Park while driving, jerking during acceleration, displaying a Front Assist warning, and experiencing other system failures presents a serious safety hazard to me, my passengers, and others on the road.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758908 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
10
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the Collision Warning light and Auto emergency braking warning light illuminated. The messages "Front Assist not Available", and "Lane Assist System Not Available" were display on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause for the failure was not found. The contact stated that the failure codes were cleared. The manufacturer declined the repair, and the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred and an appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11755265 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
11
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763654 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
3
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
The vehicle is experiencing a persistent and severe manufacturing defect regarding its steering wheel geometry and vehicle alignment. While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the steering wheel alignment is visibly off-center, failing to achieve proper tracking geometry. There is comprehensive photographic and video evidence documenting that the steering wheel and tracking alignment are fundamentally incorrect. To date, this vehicle has been brought to an authorized Volkswagen dealership service department for a total of eleven (11) separate service visits specifically targeting this exact defect. The dealership service department refuses to perform further corrective actions, insisting that the off-center geometry is "normal and within factory specifications" after test-driving two other lot vehicles. The dealership has explicitly stated they will not correct this defect without direct corporate intervention. Safety Risk Assessment: The manufacturer and dealership's failure to remedy the off-center steering wheel geometry and tracking alignment presents an ongoing safety hazard. Operating a vehicle with compromised steering geometry introduces unpredictable handling characteristics, accelerated or uneven tire wear, and an elevated risk of sudden component fatigue. The persistent alignment deviation forces the driver to constantly compensate to maintain a straight line of travel, increasing the risk of driver fatigue and unpredicted lane drifting at highway speeds. A vehicle that cannot maintain proper tracking geometry poses a clear and present danger to its occupants and surrounding traffic. Timeline of Events & Notice to Manufacturer: Both the local franchised dealership management and Volkswagen of America corporate regional management have been formally notified of this recurring defect through 11 documented service attempts. Following initial acknowledgments, the Volkswagen corporate regional representative has ceased all communications
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11741598 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
5
Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V854000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for the recall repair; however, the contact was informed that the tool needed for the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and the contact was informed that it was the vehicle owner’s responsibility to find the tool needed to repair the vehicle. The contact was also instructed to call other dealers in the area to see if the part needed to do the recall repair was available. The contact discovered that the tire label placed on the of the driver’s side door displayed incorrect information. The label indicated that the tires were 17- inch tires; however, the vehicle at the time of purchase was manufactured with 18 inch wheels. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11744189 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
7
Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11742427 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
1
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
Read full complaint
The front passenger seat heating feature malfunctions. It feels extremely hot, then cuts off. This causes discomfort and creates a safety hazard for passengers. I've made efforts to work with the VW dealership, but after several delays, the car was returned without a fix.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11746809 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2025 has 47 complaints on file, fewer than the 2024 (67) and more than the 2026 (27). Of the 17 model years of the Volkswagen Tiguan we cover, the 2018 has the most (282). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.