2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Engine · 100 miles · LA

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.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

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 experienced an intermittent engine shutdown while stopped in traffic. While waiting at a stoplight or waiting for another vehicle to reverse, the engine will unexpectedly shut off and a message appears instructing the driver to place the vehicle in Park. This creates a safety hazard because the vehicle cannot continue moving until it is restarted. Additional intermittent electrical issues include the infotainment/navigation screen freezing or glitching, the air conditioning unexpectedly blowing warm or hot humid air instead of cold air, and the horn failing to operate properly. The horn will sometimes not sound at all or will be much quieter than normal, reducing the driver’s ability to warn other motorists or pedestrians in an emergency. These problems occur intermittently and without warning. There are no consistent warning lights prior to the failures other than the message instructing the driver to place the vehicle in Park when the engine shuts off. The unexpected braking, engine shutdown, and horn malfunction create significant safety concerns for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. The cause of these issues is UNKNOWN.

Filed Dec 13, 2023 · Transmission · AZ

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. Jerks around especially during first minute or two of driving. Have tried to let car idle to normal temperature and it still happens. It’s as if it won’t go into gear and freezes up /hesitates for a few seconds, then finally switches gears. Extremely unsafe when pulling out onto road. Transmission shifts hard and will sometimes slip when changing gears. Beware! This has been happening since being brand new. Transmission reset did not resolve.

Filed Sep 3, 2023 · Fuel system · VA

Acceleration fails or hesitates on acceleration from zero mph. This has occurred every day since new (June 2023) and only happens for 5 minutes after start up. It feels like it is going to stall out, but so far it has not. Each time I accelerate for the first time, my car makes a jerky start. It usually goes away after I've been driving a bit. I've tried letting it warm up a couple minutes, but that does not seem to matter. I took it to the dealer at 3,000 miles and they said they could not duplicate the problem (but the car had warmed up by then) and that I should use B&G gas additive. I was unable to find that brand but did use Gumout gas treatment and it did not make a difference. It is a safety issue because when I need to accelerate even moderately to get onto the street, the car bucks enough that another car coming could hit me because I was expecting it to accelerate. I previously had a 2020 Tiguan and it did not have this problem. There is a Reddit thread on this as well as this link so it is not just my car. [XXX] [XXX] According to these sites it could be a transmission problem or a fuel system problem INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Fuel system, Transmission · IL

Malfunction with power delivery/transmission: I often experience inconsistent acceleration/power while driving at low speeds, the loss of power and jerks feel very similar to an engine misfire. Safety Risk: This behavior is very dangerous as we instinctively push down gas pedal to overcome lack of power and it causes the car to rocket forward as too high throttle has been opened and one can easily lose control and crash. Occurance: I feel this loss/inconsistent power situation happens at cold start and once the car is warmed up it doesn't occur anymore. If I don't push the gas pedal the power delivery is very inconsistent and car will jerk which feels like like a misfire while slowly the power delivery smoothens out.

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · Fuel system · VT

The vehicle stutters or hesitates when accelerating from a stop. This is even more prevalent when the car has first been started. This is a major safety issue as when my family is pulling out into traffic the car just lurches forward initially before then finally just taking off. It's almost as if there is a delay in fuel being sent to the engine to move it forward. It shakes a little and then goes really fast. You can hold your the gas peddle down some and the car won't move then after a second or two it finally accelerates without moving your foot at all. This is a brand new car. Seems incredibly unsafe especially when I have a family of 6 in the vehicle.