I am having an engine oil consumption issue while I was in warranty and now being a few thousand miles out of warranty. Volkswagen states having to top off a quart of oil within 600 miles is tolerable. I have had to top off the oil 6 times between oil changes so far. The dealership states that VW of USA denies any repairs and there hands are tied. They know it's a cylinder head issue but since the issue is not catastrophic (engine seized or more than a quart burning) they will not fix it.
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan: excessive oil consumption
45 of the 281 complaints about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan describe excessive oil consumption.
- owner complaints
- 45
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- typical repair cost reported
- $4,800
- recalls
- 0
Excessive oil consumption by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable, and the camera image appeared blank. The contact also stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption, requiring the oil to be changed every 2,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer informed the contact that no issues were found within the parameters of the test. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the rearview camera failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 55,000.
I am reporting a serious engine defect on my 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan at approximately 39,500 miles. The vehicle has excessive oil consumption and an oil leak. The authorized dealer diagnosed the problem as requiring full cylinder head replacement. This is a major engine repair at low mileage. I previously told the dealer the vehicle needed oil added between changes. The issue has worsened and now requires a cylinder head. I escalated with dealership management and Volkswagen Customer Care. Volkswagen refuses full coverage and offers only partial goodwill, leaving me to pay a large portion out of pocket despite the low mileage. This issue is widespread on 2022–2023 Tiguan models with the 2.0 TSI EA888 engine. Multiple owners report the same oil consumption and cylinder head replacement. Consumer Reports has documented cylinder head and oil consumption complaints on the 2022 Tiguan. Class action lawsuits allege a defect causing excessive oil consumption. The Canadian Automobile Protection Association has also reported premature valve guide wear leading to cylinder head replacement on 2018–2024 Tiguans. Excessive oil consumption creates a safety risk. Low oil can cause engine damage, stalling, or complete engine failure while driving. A vehicle needing frequent oil top-offs and a major internal repair under 40,000 miles indicates a possible manufacturing defect that Volkswagen has not addressed with a recall. I have also experienced issues with the forward collision warning system, the PCV valve, the infotainment system, and brake vibration when braking. These secondary problems further show reliability concerns, but the cylinder head failure is the most serious and safety-related issue. I request that the federal safety agency review this complaint with other similar reports and investigate whether a safety-related defect exists in the 2022–2023 Volkswagen Tiguan that requires further action or a recall. Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Mileage: approximately 39,549 miles
I own a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan that has experienced ongoing excessive oil consumption. At approximately 60,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a much more serious incident. While traveling approximately 75 mph on the interstate, the vehicle began actively spraying engine oil, covering the exterior of the vehicle. A warning light then appeared instructing me to check the engine oil level. I was able to exit the interstate and pull into a gas station. Once parked, the vehicle was leaking an excessive amount of oil onto the concrete underneath it. I contacted the dealership, and they immediately understood the issue because they had seen the same problem occur in other Volkswagen Tiguans. I am concerned that the sudden and substantial loss of engine oil while traveling approximately 75 mph presents a serious safety risk. This type of failure could potentially cause catastrophic engine damage or engine failure at highway speeds, leaving the vehicle disabled in active traffic. I am also concerned about the possibility of oil contacting hot engine components and creating a fire hazard. This incident is especially concerning given the vehicle's prior history of excessive oil consumption and the dealership's statement that they had encountered the same issue in other Volkswagen Tiguans. I am concerned there may be an underlying defect involving the engine or oil system. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can document the incident and evaluate whether similar complaints involving 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles indicate a broader safety-related defect.
Oil consumption/ needs to replace cylinder head
My 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has an ongoing excessive oil consumption problem that began in April 2025 when the low oil warning illuminated. I added approximately one quart of oil and contacted the Volkswagen dealership. The dealership instructed me not to add oil myself if the warning returned and to bring the vehicle in for evaluation. On May 12, 2025, I brought the vehicle to the Volkswagen dealership and an oil consumption test was performed. The problem continued. I returned the vehicle on July 25, 2025, and a second oil consumption test was performed. The dealership subsequently replaced the PCV valve in the engine in an attempt to correct the oil consumption problem. On August 25, 2026, the check oil warning illuminated again, indicating that the problem has continued despite two oil consumption tests and replacement of the PCV valve. The dealership is now requesting that I bring the vehicle back for a third oil consumption test. The vehicle has repeatedly been made available to the Volkswagen dealership for inspection and repair. Each time it is taken in for this problem, the dealership keeps the vehicle for approximately one week, and there has been little communication regarding the status of the vehicle unless I contact the dealership myself. I am concerned that the underlying cause of the excessive oil consumption remains unresolved despite repeated testing and an attempted repair. I am concerned about continued oil loss, potential engine damage or engine failure, and the safety of operating the vehicle while the cause of the oil consumption remains unresolved. The vehicle is available for further inspection.
I am submitting this complaint regarding my Volkswagen vehicle because it has experienced two recurring defects during the warranty period that remain unresolved despite repeated repair attempts by the dealership. Issue 1 – Excessive Oil Consumption The vehicle has had a persistent excessive oil consumption problem since the warranty period. The dealership has attempted to repair this defect six times, including replacing an engine valve, but the issue continues. The vehicle still consumes excessive oil, requiring frequent monitoring and topping off. This creates a serious safety concern because low engine oil can result in engine damage, sudden loss of engine power, engine seizure, or an increased risk of fire while driving. Issue 2 – Electrical System Failure The vehicle has also experienced ongoing electrical problems involving the keyless entry system, repeated 12V Battery Low warnings, inoperative interior lights, and loss of connectivity with the Volkswagen mobile app. These problems have persisted despite nine repair attempts by the dealership and remain unresolved. The vehicle has spent a significant amount of time at the dealership throughout 2025 and 2026 for these recurring defects. The repeated electrical failures raise significant safety concerns. The keyless entry system can fail to unlock or recognize the key, the low 12V battery warnings indicate an unresolved electrical issue, and the loss of interior lighting reduces visibility inside the vehicle. The repeated failures also raise concerns about the reliability of other critical electrical systems and the possibility of the vehicle failing to start or operating unpredictably. Despite six repair attempts for excessive oil consumption and nine for electrical defects, Volkswagen has been unable to permanently fix these issues. I request the federal safety agency investigate whether these recurring failures indicate a broader safety defect requiring corrective action. Currently car is back to dealership for repair again
My 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The vehicle requires oil replenishment every less than 1,000 miles, which is far beyond what any reasonable consumer would expect from a properly functioning engine. I reported this issue to the Volkswagen dealership while the vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s warranty. The dealership stated that this level of oil consumption is “normal” and only added oil without performing any diagnostic testing or repairs. No repair order documenting a defect was issued, and no corrective action was taken. This problem is consistent with the known defect in the EA888 2.0L TSI engine, specifically the defective piston rings that fail to create a proper seal, allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber and burn off during operation. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Volkswagen regarding this exact defect in 2022–2023 Tiguan models. The excessive oil consumption poses a serious safety risk. If oil levels drop critically low without warning, the engine could suffer catastrophic failure, stall unexpectedly, or overheat while driving — all of which significantly increase the risk of a crash. Despite this being a warranty-covered vehicle and a known manufacturing defect, Volkswagen and its authorized dealership have refused to repair the issue or acknowledge it as a defect. I am requesting that the federal safety agency open a formal investigation into this matter and consider a safety recall for all affected 2022–2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE, ~70,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a cylinder head failure in the EA888 2.0L TSI engine, causing the check-engine light to illuminate. The cylinder head developed internal cracks, resulting in excessive oil consumption over a period of more than one year prior to the current repair. During multiple service visits to the authorized VW dealership over the past year or more, I reported abnormal oil consumption and expressed concern about a possible engine problem. On each occasion I was told no fault was found. On at least one visit I was discouraged from requesting a deeper diagnostic by being told it would require a significant out-of-pocket fee, despite the vehicle being under the manufacturer's warranty. The vehicle was dropped off for the current repair on [DATE] after the check-engine light came on. The dealership confirmed the cylinder head failure is covered under Volkswagen's New Vehicle Limited Warranty. However, the required cylinder head part has been on backorder for over 60 days with no confirmed ETA. No loaner or rental vehicle has been provided despite the extraordinary duration of the repair. The dealership's own service advisor stated that in the state of Texas alone, approximately 7,000 cylinder heads are currently pending replacement across Volkswagen vehicles — indicating this is a widespread, systemic defect actively being managed within the dealer network, not an isolated incident. The dealership has also proposed that I bear 50% of the repair cost, despite the vehicle being under warranty and having a complete and consistent maintenance record. This cost-sharing proposal was framed as a courtesy, which I do not accept. I own a second 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE with the same engine and model year, which I am also concerned may be affected by the same defect. Public records, owner forums, the federal safety agency complaint databases, and ongoing class action filings confirm this is a known, widespread issue affecting numerous 2022
The light appears on my dash indicating low oil level frequently between oil changes. I have to add oil to my car every 2-3 weeks. An abundant amount of white smoke comes from the exhaust pipes. I’ve been told it’s burning oil. This could ruin my engine or become catastrophic by fire. I was told it could be something to do with the pistons or cylinder head. Mechanic shops don’t want to/have the ability to work on Volkswagens. The dealership says this is normal. I’m afraid for my children and my safety. This is a major safety issue that needs to be corrected. This is potentially life threatening.
2.0 liter engines suffer from excessive oil consumption due to defective piston rings which can lead to engine failure. This is a class action lawsuit in other states. We now need a new engine at the cost of $6,500
Since purchasing this vehicle, along with 2 other tiguans in my family. ALL of them have had excessive oil consumption. I have complained each time I bring the car in for service and i always being told “this is normal”. I was told there was a company notification issued advising that you could use up to 1 Qt every 1,000 miles!! That is INSANE and I’ve never heard anything that absurd in my ENTIRE LIFE! NOW I’m finding out that it is an absolute defect with the cars and numerous people are advising they’re being advised there are Cylinder head issues and they have needed to have theirs replaced. The big issue is it’s a problem with the Tiguan engine but the real issue is they are only covering if you vehicle is still under warranty. Even though I’ve voiced my complaints numerous times if something happens to my car happens I’m screwed because I recently went over my mileage! So I know if something happens with mine VW is NOT going to cover the repair so me and thousands of others are going to be screwed. It’s obviously a known issue! How has a RECALL not have been issued for these engines for this obvious manufacturers defect with their Tiguans engines. If there was ever a time there should be a recall issued this is the prime example! I’m sure there will be class action suits issued because there are going to be plenty of cases of this occurring. Please advise how we can get a case opened or a recall issued for this obvious defect with this VW engine. You would be saving thousands of people lots of stress and money. VW should absolutely be held accountable for this defect and not be screwing their customers
Service bulletins that may apply
- Prevent Sporatic Misfire Faults.
- Checking engine oil level.
- Reprogramming Control Module process
- Engine missfire diagnostic aid
- Identifying and Mixing Volkswagen Engine Coolants
- When replacing Evaporative Emissions System components, it is not always necessary to replace the entire...
- Suggested fuel additive
- Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan oil consumption
Is excessive oil consumption a common problem on the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
45 of 281 owner complaints about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan (16%) mention excessive oil consumption. The model year with the most reports is 2022.
How much does it cost to fix excessive oil consumption on the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,800 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
There are 0 recalls and 118 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Hesitation 32Backup camera 26Check engine light 25Stalling 25Jerking 16Lane assist 15Engine failure 13Screen failure 13Fire or smoke 8Loss of power 7Windshield crack 7Adaptive cruise 6Won't shift 6Sudden acceleration 5Sunroof shattered 5
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