Volkswagen Tiguan key fob problems

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · NC

Following a recent Volkswagen software update, the 5F module on my 2024 VW Tiguan (VIN: [XXX], Mileage: 14,449) completely failed. The local dealership (RO Number: XXX) confirmed the failure and advised replacing the 5F module (Auth code:XXX), which is on backorder with no ETA. This initial failure disabled critical safety systems: the backup camera (violating FMVSS 111), the SOS emergency system, and the TPMS. Volkswagen Corporate (Case with [XXX]) has refused VOR escalation and denied alternative transportation. Furthermore, since retrieving the vehicle from the dealership, the electrical issues have escalated severely. The vehicle now experiences intermittent total electrical/lock-out failures 3 to 4 times a day. During these episodes, neither the key fob nor the physical interior lock/unlock buttons function. The vehicle remains completely unresponsive for several minutes before randomly working again. This poses a severe safety risk of trapping occupants inside or leaving them stranded outside. VW's negligence in addressing these escalating software and electrical safety defects is unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX

EVAP warning light sporadically displays and the odor of fuel emits from vehicle - both inside and outside. Occured approximately seven times since purchase. Driver door is not operational, sporadically. Will not respond to key fob, windows will not roll down or up, cannot lock or unlock, and displaying a flashing red light with a loud noise emitting every three seconds. Occured approximately five times since purhcase. Mirrors will sporadically not fold outwards and remain in a stuck inward position. Travel assist, side assist, and start / stop has malfunctioned approximately seven times. Dynamic cornering light malfunction approximately three times. Vehicle was not configured when purchased. SOS was not operational.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly became inoperable; the power steering became inoperable, and the brake pedal became difficult to depress. The message "No Key Fob Detected" illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. No repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Electrical · 29,180 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was driving slowly in traffic, several unknown warning lights illuminated orange, and the speedometer and RPM went to zero. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that minutes later, the vehicle returned to function as intended. The contact's wife stated that after several minutes, the lights and indicators returned to normal function. A short while later, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then returned to function as intended. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver’s side door failed to open. While using the key fob, the doors failed to open. The contact's wife tested the door, and the only door that opened was the rear passenger’s side door. The contact's wife opened the driver’s side door manually. The vehicle then failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Three hours later, when the contact arrived at the residence, the contact was able to start the vehicle, the doors opened as intended, and the contact was able to drive around the neighborhood. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,180.

Filed Jul 10, 2023 · Electrical · PA

As I was placing my infant in his carseat on the rear passenger side, my husband hit the ignition button inside the car to start the A/C and shut the driver door. Since he was not in the driver's seat, the vehicle's engine did not turn on, however power to the radio and dash was on. I shut my son's door and tried to open the front passenger and driver doors - all were locked. My key fob would not unlock any of the doors or the trunk. The VW app would not unlock the doors because it said the ignition was running and it would not allow me to turn off the vehicle from the app. I also tried to remote start the car from my key fob and the app. Meanwhile, my 8 month old was in the car on a 95 degree day without air conditioning. We had to call 911 to pry the doors open. MY SON COULD HAVE DIED if a police officer and tow truck were not already at the same rest stop where we were parked.

Filed May 1, 2023 · Electrical · GA

I put my groceries in the passenger side of my car and walked around to my driver's door. I touched the button on the door handle to unlock the door and it didn't work. I tried the key fob and it also did not work. I tried another key fob and it still did not work. I had to end up calling the dealership and they told me how to take off the door handle cover to use the manual key, which was difficult to pry off, and also scratched the car. This seems like it could be a safety issue. This could have easily been a mother putting her child in a car seat and walking around to get in the vehicle.

Filed May 1, 2023 · Electrical · OH

amplifier sent out cyclical (~.5sec) full-range MAX voltage to every speaker. Nothing like dam near heart attack... 1. Hitting the HU power button (once) did not resolve - maybe a full infotainment shutdown (push and hold) would have resolved - but not confident as next step did not resolve either... 2. Shut down car did not resolve as I guess the amp still has power until the delayed power off cycle is complete..? 4. Pushing key fob button didn't work 5. disconecting bluetooth from phone didn't work. 6. Ultimately, had to disconnect the battery as the fastest resolution I knew would work to try and prevent further damage to the speakers (or anything else). I have video, but can't download for some reason. This has happened 5 times, I have video's of 3 of them. It is very scary not only to me, but people driving around me since the sound is so loud. It almost sounds like gunfire. I have had to pull over because it is painful to stay inside the vehicle.

Filed Jan 25, 2021 · CT

Kessi key fob loses power/connectivity in cold weather. Occurred twice in 20-25 degree temperature. Unable to unlock with remote key. Requires popping off lock cylinder cover, using key blade to open door, sets off alarm, must hold key close to a designated area on steering column to start..if there is enough power/transmission left in key fob. Could be left stranded & have to be towed. Kessi key fob no longer operable. Must go to dealer to get new battery. Store bought batteries do not work in most cases. Have had multiple vw's with kessi key fob in past and never had issue with key becoming inoperative in cold weather.

Filed Oct 29, 2020 · Body · 9,000 miles · TX

This is the basic s model. We intentionally purchased this base model to exclude the hi-tech options known to fail. We wanted an ignition key to eliminate the necessity of a fob and push button start. We were not made aware of the fact you cannot lock this vehicle without using the door fob they provided!! We were LED to believe it was a convenience to lock and unlock but not necessary. With our other vehicles once outside of the vehicle, we will press the electric door lock button to lock the lock, close door and doors locks. Vw does not allow the locks to be activated unless door is closed which means if you do not use fob, the doors remain unlocked! After about 3 months of ownership we realized we were not locking this vehicle when exiting. This is a safety and theft issue.

Filed Mar 2, 2020 · Electrical, Locks · 80,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen tiguan. The contact stated after returning to the vehicle, the contact became aware of several items of belongings on the ground around the vehicle. The contact attempted to lock the vehicle using the keyfob however, the passenger's side rear door remained unlocked. The contact used the internal door lock function to lock the doors. The contact stated that there was no warning lights or messages to the door being ajar. The vehicle was taken to dick hannah volkswagen of portland located at (12345 e burnside st, portland, or 97233) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the door locking mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.