2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Engine · RI

While driving my 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan (equipped with approximately 39,000 miles), the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic total engine failure without prior warning, resulting in an immediate loss of power and propulsion while in motion. This sudden stall on an active roadway created a severe, immediate safety hazard and a high risk of a collision. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained with a complete and documented history of annual professional servicing. Prior to the failure, the engine repair light would frequently illuminate. Upon subsequent teardown and investigation of the failed engine, the authorized manufacturer dealership discovered heavy metal shavings in the engine oil, indicating severe and premature internal mechanical destruction of critical engine components. The vehicle has been diagnosed as requiring a complete engine replacement costing $9,000. A catastrophic mechanical failure of this nature at exceptionally low mileage, despite regular annual maintenance, points to a significant manufacturing or material defect.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Engine · 67,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light on an extremely hot day, the message that the starter was hot was displayed and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. On another occasion, while making a turn, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The contact was able to safely coast over to the emergency lane. After waiting for the engine to cool down, the vehicle was restarted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2025 · Engine · UT

The crankcase breather valve (PCV system) on my 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan failed, which caused catastrophic engine damage. VW Southtown diagnosed the engine as condemned and stated that a full engine replacement is required. Prior to the engine being condemned, I have already spent $3,787.59 in repairs at VW Southtown addressing recurring oil-related issues caused by the PCV valve being stuck closed. This caused an excessive crankcase pressure buildup of over 0.5 psi, as documented on the VW service repair order. The failure occurred while my husband was driving our [XXX] son in the car, and the warning message immediately displayed on the dashboard was: “12V battery not charging. Stop engine.” This sudden loss of engine function and dashboard warning posed a serious safety risk, as it could have resulted in loss of power or control while driving. The problem has been confirmed and documented by an authorized VW service department, including detailed repair orders and technical diagnosis. Prior to failure, there were oil-related warning lights and symptoms of excessive oil pressure, which appeared intermittently and indicated the underlying PCV failure. Research indicates this is a known, widespread issue affecting 2020–2021 Tiguans, with multiple owners reporting breather valve/PCV failures leading to oil loss, excessive crankcase pressure, and engine damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 15, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

When the car is parked under the Sun on hot days. The car will lose the power and we get message on Dashboard "Check Starter System" When this happens and car is running, it will lose power, No AC, No Lights, No Brake Lights, No Hazard Lights, Speedometer will not work but Engine is running and you can drive the car. It is extremely dangerous to drive it that way. Some folks reported that replacing faulty ignition switch resolve the issue but it needs to be properly investigated and issue official recall on all VW models which are experiencing the issue. Its on VW Tiguan, Golf, Jetta for sure. Please see the video of issue [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Body, Electrical · 63,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that water was entering the rear seat of the vehicle. The contact stated that the water intrusion had caused a short circuit in the vehicle and the vehicle was driving with Reduced Engine power. The contact stated that the water intrusion also disrupted the Bluetooth functionality. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the gateway control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V947000 (Electrical System, Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2021 · Steering · CT

On three separate occasions the power steering unit lost power, after restarting the car it would work again.