Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan My 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has experienced multiple recurring safety-related problems: * April 2026 onward: The vehicle intermittently fails to shift out of Park, requiring multiple engine restarts. * October 16, 2026: The vehicle braked unusually hard when I applied light pressure to the brake pedal, creating a potential rear-end collision risk. A similar incident previously occurred in an airport parking garage. * Multiple occasions: Several driver assistance systems have become unavailable simultaneously. Bluetooth has repeatedly disconnected while driving, and touchscreen controls have become unresponsive. * October 22, 2026: I retrieved the vehicle from an authorized Volkswagen dealership after recall-related software updates were performed. The dealership reported being unable to duplicate certain issues. * October 24, 2026: While reversing into my driveway, the engine unexpectedly shut off. The dashboard remained illuminated, the accelerator was unresponsive, and a warning displayed, “Please start engine manually.” * October 24, 2026: I returned the vehicle to the dealership for further safety evaluation. Recall discrepancy: Although the dealership performed recall-related software updates, the federal safety agency website still identifies one outstanding recall as not completed for my VIN. I am concerned about the discrepancy between the dealership’s service records and the federal recall database. These recurring issues, particularly abrupt braking and unexpected engine shutdown, present serious safety concerns. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review these incidents, the recall status discrepancy, and the potential risk of a collision.
Volkswagen Tiguan screen failure problems
35 of the 2,354 owner complaints about the Volkswagen Tiguan describe screen or infotainment failure, most of them for the 2022 model year.
- owner complaints
- 35
- worst model year
- 2022
By model year
Often reported together
Backup camera 21Door locks 3Won't start 1Wipers 1Warning lights 1Phantom braking 1Oil consumption 1
What owners say
My 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has recurring oil consumption and an inoperative infotainment head unit. The engine requires approximately one additional quart of oil every 2,000 miles between oil changes. This requires repeated monitoring and oil additions. The cause of the oil loss or consumption has not been confirmed. The infotainment screen remains black. It briefly lights up or attempts to start, but does not successfully boot and remains unusable. This is a recurring problem. If accurate: The rearview camera image also does not display when reversing, limiting visibility behind the vehicle. The oil consumption was first noticed as soon as we bought the vehicle new, and reported a couple times at the dealership we purchased from, who then stated it was normal. The head unit problem began around 60,000 miles, around 8/2026.
The infotainment screen went black and does not appear to work. I had tried the method of hard resetting the system and it did not work. I went to get it check at the dealer and it was not able to get fixed. This is a safety hazard as the screen was not able to display the use of the rear camera increasing a risk of a crash. The screen also acts as an aid for the driver which becomes a risk when the display no longer works.This has only occurred once before and fixed on its own. This had unexpectedly happened.
Suspected Electrical Defect and Potential Fire Hazard – 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL I am reporting a suspected electrical safety defect involving the sunroof wiring harness in my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL. While my vehicle was parked, an attempt was made to replace a blown F23 fuse. Smoke began coming from the sunroof area and filled the cabin. Afterward, multiple warning lights illuminated, the vehicle displayed a “turn car off” warning, the door locks repeatedly cycled, the climate control stopped working, and the infotainment/navigation screen shut off and restarted. A mechanic subsequently determined that the sunroof wiring harness had melted and required replacement. I was informed that the wiring harness (part number 5NA971648C) is unavailable and has been placed under Volkswagen’s “quality inspection” process due to suspected fire-hazard concerns. Volkswagen reportedly no longer supplies this harness separately, requiring replacement of the entire sunroof assembly, including the glass, even though the glass is not the source of the problem. The repair is estimated at $3,900 and requires extensive labor, including dashboard removal and a VIN-specific part from Germany. My primary concern is safety, not cost. A wiring harness that melts and produces enough smoke to fill a vehicle’s cabin could potentially cause a fire, damage other electrical systems, or endanger occupants. I am concerned other owners may face the same hazard. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether the sunroof wiring harness or associated electrical system in 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles presents a safety defect, review similar reports, and determine whether further investigation or corrective action is warranted.
"The main infotainment screen completely failed and went black on my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, rendering the backup camera entirely inoperable. This creates a severe safety hazard and violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111. The vehicle was diagnosed at Keffer VW, and the manufacturer stated the replacement parts are backordered for 4 to 5 weeks. The dealership and manufacturer refused to provide a loaner vehicle, forcing me to leave the car on the dealer lot to avoid driving an unsafe vehicle. Volkswagen is failing to provide a safe remedy within a reasonable timeframe under warranty."
My entire infotainment system went black and a warning about the SOS system failing came up on the dash. My back up camera does not work, the SOS system does not work, radio, charger, etc. I called VW Customer Care who sent me to the dealership. Dealer said they tried the TB 91-26-04 (2082628) software protocol from Volkswagen and had no success. They need part J794 to complete the repair. The part is on back order with no ETA of when it will arrive. Dealership gave me back the car with compromised safety features (now federally mandated). I'm a lessee under warranty. I'm also nervous that other parts of the car could also have electrical or systemic failure.
The contact owns at 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the radio screen was distorted or blank. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that with the screen blank the speedometer and vehicle alerts were inoperable. The back over prevention camera was also inoperable. The dealer was contacted and was able to reproduce the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by e-mail and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000.
The infotainment system no longer works after an over the air update. The backup camera is including all other cameras are no longer visible . Before it completely just stopped working When attempting to back out the infotainment system would freeze and not signal something was back there . The digitally dynamic road display is not working so car ACC is not operable . Additionally since the blackout the windshield wipers randomly turn on even if not raining causing distraction and obstructed visibility at times Problem has been confirmed by independent VW dealers in several states (there is a whole Facebook VW owners group where several people are reporting the same issue) there are also known topics related to these issues on VWs help center page regarding OTA updates and infotainment system issues It gives instructions on how to troubleshoot but then says see your local dealer if that doesn’t resolve the issue Vehicle has been inspected by VW dealer. The backup camera would freeze intermittently and dealer would report nothing to see so it’s working fine . After last ota update system blacked out longer and has not turned back on
On September 14, 2026, my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line experienced a sudden electronic/system failure while the vehicle was in use. The infotainment system entered a continuous reboot cycle and subsequently displayed a black screen. At approximately the same time, the SOS/emergency-call indicator illuminated red and the vehicle/app reported “Emergency call function limited! Service vehicle.” Multiple vehicle functions then became unavailable, including Front Assist/automatic emergency braking, cruise control, navigation, compass, and Dynamic Road Sign Display. The instrument cluster displayed active warnings, and the Dynamic Road Sign Display fault generated a loud warning chime approximately every 30 seconds while driving. The repeated audible warning was significantly distracting. Attempts to restart the infotainment system and completely power-cycle the affected systems did not restore normal operation. Disconnecting and reconnecting the 12-volt battery also did not correct the original failure. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis. I am reporting this because the failure was not limited to entertainment or convenience equipment. The electronic failure coincided with loss of multiple driver-assistance functions, including Front Assist/automatic emergency braking, as well as loss of the vehicle’s SOS/emergency-call capability. The repeated warning chimes also created an additional distraction while operating the vehicle. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Volkswagen dealership awaiting diagnosis/repair. Volkswagen Customer CARE case 07734827 has been opened regarding the incident.
2022 VW Tiguan, VIN [XXX], 54,953 mi. Infotainment screen went black; because the rearview camera image displays only on that screen, the backup camera is completely inoperative in reverse. Failure is constant. I replaced a blown #20 fuse and attempted a hard restart with no result. XXX, Volkswagen of [XXX] [XXX]: tech found DTC in ECM stating no communication with 5F module (infotainment control unit); VW guided test plan directs replacement of the 5F module. Quoted $501.54. Dealer stated this is a known issue and multiple customers there are waiting on the same backordered part. VW has already recalled 2022 Tiguans for this component and this consequence. Campaign 22V‑514 ([XXX]): infotainment memory module defect causing rearview camera image not to display, certified by VW as an FMVSS 111 noncompliance. Campaign 25V‑082: 2022-24 Tiguan camera control unit error, same loss of camera display. the federal safety agency VIN lookup on XXX shows no open recalls; my vehicle was included in neither campaign and no remedy has ever been applied. My vehicle has the identical failure (same model year, platform, component, and loss of rear visibility) as the recalled population. The dealer's statement that multiple customers await the same part indicates the defect population extends beyond the recalled VINs. I request the federal safety agency evaluate whether the scope of 22V‑514 and 25V‑082 was underinclusive and whether a recall query or scope expansion is warranted for uncovered 2022 Tiguans. RO and VIN lookup available on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Related recalls
Electrical system: body control module: software
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Tiguan vehicles. A software error may cause the body control module (BCM) system to reset. This may result in the ignition switching off, resulting in an engine stall. It can also lead to a loss of certain controls, warning lights, exterior lighting, or failure of the rearview camera system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect," as well as FMVSS numbers 111 and 108.
- Risk
- 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 were mailed October 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 on September 17, 2026.
Recall number 26V587000 · Recall details
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 18V824000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit may melt.
- Risk
- If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.
Recall number 13V569000 · Recall details
Questions about the Volkswagen Tiguan screen failure
Which Volkswagen Tiguan years have screen or infotainment failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2022 (13 complaints), 2024 (10 complaints) and 2023 (5 complaints).
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