2019 Volkswagen Tiguan: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 165 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, brakes, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 165
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 5
- 4 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Tiguan is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 24–25 mpg |
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Tiguan that averages well under the EPA 24 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Sudden power loss while driving
152–1,700 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical411 crash
Power to the gauges, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and radio cuts out while driving, usually on hot days or after the car sits in the sun. A "check starter system" warning appears first. Some cars stall and won't restart right away. Owners tie this to a federal recall for an ignition switch polyfuse that can fail in heat. Other reports describe delayed acceleration from a stop, false automatic braking, a leaking sunroof shorting the wiring, and one under-hood fire.
Brakes141 crash
Automatic emergency braking engages with nothing ahead and brings the car to a hard or complete stop. Reports place it on residential streets, at highway speed, in strong wind, and when pulling out of driveways and parking lots. One crash is blamed on it. Dealers often cannot reproduce the problem, call it normal, or suggest turning the system off. Separate complaints cover an electronic parking brake that won't release, a rear inner pad worn to metal at 79,200 miles with no wear squeal, and a loose ABS brake line at 185 miles.
Transmission14No crashes
Hesitation from a stop is the main complaint. The car sits at idle for several seconds with the pedal pressed, then lurches forward, often during left turns across traffic. Some owners notice it within the first 1,200 to 1,300 miles, along with shuddering in stop-and-go traffic. Others get an "Only exit vehicle in P position" warning and note that a related recall covers other VW models but not this one. Reports also include fuel leaking from a broken fuel rail bolt, a parked car rolling away, and sudden power loss at freeway speed.
Engine13No crashes
Delayed acceleration from a standing start shows up here as well. The engine idles for 1 to 5 seconds before power arrives, and some cars sputter or stall in intersections. Oil consumption is the second theme. One dealer called a quart every 1000 miles normal, and one owner had the turbo replaced at 35,000 miles without curing it. Single reports cover a water pump leak, a leaking plastic oil pan, a dipstick that doesn't seat fully and lets oil spray, and an engine replaced at 920 miles.
Automatic emergency braking13No crashes
The system brakes hard when nothing is in front of the car. On the highway it drops speed from 70 to 50 mph in seconds. At low speed it triggers when leaving driveways, parking lots and gas stations, sometimes stopping the car mid-turn in traffic. Several drivers nearly got rear-ended. Dealers often find no fault codes, call it normal operation, or tell owners to switch the system off. One owner mentions a manufacturer warranty extension for this problem but says there is still no fix.
Acceleration and cruise control6No crashes
From a stop, the car doesn't respond to the gas pedal for several seconds, then surges forward, often while turning left or merging. Some owners report it within about 1,500 miles. Dealers fail to find a cause and no warning lights come on. One report describes a "Limited to 4,000 RPM" warning, vibration, and a no-start that needed fuel injectors and a wiring harness, which the owner later tied to a manufacturer bulletin. False automatic braking and rough shifting also come up.
Airbags52 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in frontal crashes in two reports. One of those drivers was injured, and another says the seat belt also didn't lock. In the opposite failure, airbags deploy after a tire blowout with no impact, and that owner was quoted a large bill to replace the airbags and seatbelts. Another owner reports the airbag warning lights coming on repeatedly. Some complaints filed here actually describe acceleration lag from a stop rather than airbag faults.
Suspension41 crash
Loud thumping or bottoming-out noises come from the front suspension over dips and uneven pavement, and dealers cannot reproduce them. In one case the noise was present from new and was still there at 11K miles. One crash report describes the right front strut breaking at low speed, causing a total loss of steering. Another owner found a broken rear coil spring and bushings, then learned that a safety recall covering the problem had never been performed.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Tiguan owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
From a stop at an intersection, the initial depressing of the accelerator produced no throttle response and then suddenly the car lurched forward. This resulted in rear ending the care in front at the intersection. The collision avoidance did not stop the car before contacting the car in front. Even after the accident the car continued to respond in the same way until it was placed on the two truck.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
While driving an alert comes on that states check engine system. As soon as this happens all power in the car turns off. Engine is still running but you no longer have any turning signals, brake lights, headlights, air conditioning, etc. It happens randomly and has almost cause me to be rear ended due to car behind me not knowing I was slowing down or stopping. This happens when I am not close to a dealership so they have not been able to witness this.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
The emergency braking system caused a rear accident . Leaving at fault " unable to control vehicles ", listed by State Farm, resulting in a personal injury claim with no injuries for $475,000.00 all parties including Volkswagen will be sued . The vehicle has caused loss of employment and a lawsuit on top of that I'm still paying a $586.00 Car note and $686.00 car insurance just for me to drive now . I'm mad asf !!!!
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
Hi, My 2019 VW Tiguan, has the warning sign that ‘Only exit vehicle in P position.Please service vehicle’ But I found out it has recall for other vw cars for same issue but not tiguan. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 19V615 VW ACTION CODE 37M2, 37L5 At dealer, they will charge for diagnosing for $280 because it has not recalled. It should be recalled. Thank you.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
Warning sign with message, ‘Only exit vehicle in P position. Please service vehicle.’ displays. Other vw cars recalled for this ‘same issue’ but not Tiguan. Please let them recall and fix the problem.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
The car is burning a large amount of oil. I have taken it to the dealer for an oil consumption test 3 times. Every time, VW has indicated that the problem is normal. A tech stated that it is normal to burn a quart of oil every 1000 miles between oil changes. The engine has not ceased yet but it is a real fear of mine, especially since I drive my son in this car.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
How the 2019 compares with other Tiguan years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 Tiguan years, about 1.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical4119
- Brakes144
- Transmission1415
- Engine1317
- Automatic emergency braking133
- Acceleration and cruise control62
Where the 2019 fits in the Tiguan's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the second model year of the Tiguan's second generation (2018–2023).
Volkswagen updated the Tiguan for 2021, so a 2019 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2021 (not on a 2019)
- Newly designed headlamps and grille
- Updated interior with advanced tech and displays
Recalls to confirm (5)
Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
22V815000Wheels and tiresOct 2022
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 Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
22V226000Body and structureApr 2022
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.
19V241000EquipmentMar 2019
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.
19V188000SuspensionMar 2019
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.
18V824000ElectricalNov 2018
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.
Also looking at these instead of a Tiguan?
Cars shoppers compare with the Volkswagen Tiguan, with their own 2019 checklists.
2019 owner complaints, side by side
- Kia Sportage63
- 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan165
- Mazda CX-5229
- Chevrolet Equinox273
- Nissan Rogue409
- Subaru Forester825
- Toyota RAV4864
