2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

-After turning the car on and driving a short distance, the driver dashboard made a warning sound and flashed a warning about my 'ignition system' turning itself off. After that, the entire dash (the speedometer, gas gauge, the infotainment system, the internal climate controls, etc.) went blank. The warning told me to immediately pull the car over and turn it off. Because of this, the car's external brake lights and turn signal indicators also do not work. -Because this error is happening while the vehicle is moving and is on the roadway, I am driving blind in traffic without a way to signal lane changes or when I am coming to a stop. -The car has been worked on three separate times (the alternator was replaced twice and the battery once) for this issue, but the issue is still happening. It only happens when the weather gets to be above 80 degrees. -The vehicle was taken to AutoNation Volkswagen on July 6, 2026, and the service worker who I talked to said he's seen similar issues with Volkswagens in his two and a half years that he's worked in the service department (which lines up with the VW recall for other vehicles) after I described the issue to him. He confirmed those cases also happened when the outside temperatures were high. -No, no warning messages were displayed prior to the issue spontaneously happening back in May 2026. The first warning message I got was accompanied by the dashboard going completely black. -There is a VW Safety Recall (VW Campaign 28H7) and a NHTSA Recall (23V604) for the following VW models produced between 2019 - 2020: Golf, Golf AllTrack, Golf GTI, Golf Sportswagen, and the Jetta in the United States. -VW Customer care (called on July 6, 2026) declined to take down my complaint and said they could not enter my VIN to track the error for future recalls because I quote "didn't have a VW Customer Account." They provided me with a case number (#07599604) but I'm not sure anything was logged, and I didn't qualify for 'goodwill'.

Component(s) Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH, EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL Summary: When the interior cabin or ambient temperature becomes hot, a critical ignition/electrical failure occurs. The dashboard displays error: "Ignition has switched, please safely stop the vehicle." Immediately following, a total electrical shutdown occurs: the instrument cluster goes black, and all external signaling—including the brake lights and turn signals—stops operating. While mechanical engine propulsion is maintained, the driver is left with zero visibility of vehicle metrics and zero exterior signaling to warn trailing traffic. When restarting, the vehicle fails to crank on the first attempt and displays: "Check the starter system." The vehicle functions normally once the cabin cools down or during cold weather. Safety Risk & Consequences: This defect poses an immediate and severe crash hazard. Operating a moving vehicle without functioning brake lights or turn signals deprives surrounding motorists of critical indicators, drastically increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. Additionally, a complete loss of the instrument cluster impairs the driver’s awareness of vehicle speed and critical safety alerts. Diagnostic & Context: An independent certified mechanic diagnosed the issue as a failure of the ignition switch electrical component (not the mechanical tumbler). Thermal expansion causes the electrical contacts to fail, triggering the systemic shutdown. The mechanic noted this part is on a severe nationwide backorder, indicating widespread failure. A known safety recall exists for the VW Jetta for an identical thermal ignition switch failure; however, the VW Tiguan—which utilizes the exact same turn-key ignition switch part—is not included. Multiple online automotive forums document identical hot-weather electrical failures among other Tiguan owners, proving this is a systemic hazard that warrants a safety recall.

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the overhead console detached, nearly striking the contact on the head. The contact stated that the console wiring was hanging loose with the mount cracked and the screw casing disintegrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Started to smell a musty odor in my 2020 Tiguan. Had no idea where it was coming from. Repeatedly wiped down and vacuumed the car; but the smell would not leave. Eventually my husband realized that the carpet in the back seat area under the floor mats was wet and smelled very bad. We used a wet/dry vac to pull the water out. But it only returned. Mold has now started to develop and grow on the carpet on both sides of the car in the back. This is very bad as I don't want me and my family breathing in mold. Also, I purchased the car in late March of 2024 and have only had it for just a little over two years. Since I've had the car we have gotten all routine maintenances completed including the 80K mile service. After reading online I see that this is a COMMON problem with VW Tiguan's where either the Sunroof leaks into the car or the A/C drain causes issue; in both cases it causes water leaks and mold. Tried calling VW and Audi of America to explain and see if they would buy the car back, but was advised due to the year and mileage they could not. This is sad to me because this is dealing with MOLD. VW is aware of these issues and seems to not care if people are left finishing out financing on a loan with a car that leaks and causes mold. I'm even seeing that on the NHTSA website complaints section for Tiguans, that multiple people have registered complaints about the same issue. Attaching picture of mold that is growing in back area.

I was driving and a vehicle was making a left hand turn, in the middle lane and they were in their lane and I was in mine, but the vehicle decided to use the automatic breaking which then cause me to have whiplash and it took a few seconds for the car to move and I had other cars behind me. Also, because this happened so quickly with no warning I first had to think did I hit the car, because I would have had no knowledge because the automatic stoping made noise and jolted me. So this is dangerous is all sorts of levels. If the other vehicle didn’t move and appeared to be fine and I had no damage to my car I would have not known.

Sunglass holder latch is broken on the 2020 Tiguan, it obstructs the rear view mirror completely. Volkswagen is charging to have it repaired although there are multiple complaints online about this issue. We have to use tape to keep it shut but the heat melts the adhesive and it falls constantly while driving.

center roof console fell out while driving VW states it out of extended warranty charging $200 for repair I find this very dangerous

When I am driving my vehicle, I get an alert that the "Ignition switched off, please safely stop the video". All electrical power to the vehicle subsequently drops off. This is the same issue that the 2018-2019 VW Jetta's were recalled for in 2023.

When the weather is warm or hot the car will drive less than a mile then cuts off but still drives. No air conditioning no radio or camera works how car shuts off but can still drive.

upper center console has completely come down,

While driving the car looses all dashboard lights, brake lights, blinkers. The motor stays running and it has a check starter system message. Has done it several times in the 2 weeks we have owned it. Seems to only occur when it is hot outside. It is very unsafe to loose break lights, blinkers, and all info on dash while driving with no warning. It gives a pull over immediately message right after it does it. Taking it to auto repair shop this week to see what they say, but not very optimistic since I have been reading it happens a lot with this vehicle and rarely they figure out the problem.

Car has been consuming excessive oil in a short amount of time, Volkswagen claims it’s in “normal” specs but car consumes all the oil after oil change within 1200 miles. Between 0-5,000 miles 2 extra quarts will be added to engine. First time I noticed it was a month after purchasing the car when my oil/engine light came on. Recently oil cap blew off

SOS button is not working. Console fell out of roof of car earlier this summer (a national recall) and now the SOS error J949 is not working, and because the SOS button isnt working neither is the bluetooth. This is absolutely due to the faulty console that had to be rewired and clipped back into the roof of the vehicle. Currently not being covered by dealerships, it is absolutely a volkswagen fault in their upper electrical console issue.

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated due to an emissions issue. The message to check the oil level was displayed. The contact pulled over to check the oil and added a quart of oil. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact was informed that the cylinder head valve seals had failed and caused oil to seep through the exhaust ports and was burning oil on the second head emissions system and the port was clogged. Additionally, the back over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact determined that the top half of the engine needed to be replaced. The cylinder head was on backorder. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Car beeped and displayed warning stating that Ignition will turn off and Check Starter System on four separate occasions, resulting in loss of all electrical power including but not limited to headlights, brake lights, console display, speedometer, dashboard lights, turn signals, hazard lights a/c, etc. The center console felt very warm. The car needed to be pulled over and ignition turned off for a prolonged period of time before restarting or else the issue would continue. The car does not always start right back up upon first try. It is unsafe to drive a car without any working electronics, especially at night. It is difficult and unsafe to pull over to a safe space without any working electronics, especially at night. Brought car to Vw dealer and they removed and replaced the ignition switch actuator.

While Driving Breaks got hard to push and car system made “beep” alert with words “Break booster fault” displayed on instrument panel. Pulled over and error went away. Checked brake booster and lines. Can not get it to duplicate. Read on Volkswagen forums online that this is happening to others. Car shops unable to duplicate as well but reports online state that is has happened again after being cleared by Auto Shop.

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that after adding a quart of oil, the contact became aware that almost every three weeks there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

I am reporting excessive engine oil consumption on my 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The vehicle consumes approximately one quart of oil per 1,000 miles. The vehicle has already undergone multiple diagnostic and repair attempts, including PCV-related repairs, all paid by the owner. Despite these repairs, the excessive oil consumption continues. Volkswagen and the dealership have stated that this level of oil consumption is “within range” and have required additional paid testing to further evaluate the issue, even though prior repairs failed to resolve it. I am concerned this reflects a broader engine design or component issue, as similar oil consumption problems have been widely reported by other Tiguan owners. I am submitting this complaint to document the issue and request further review. THE ISSUE OF OIL COSUMPTION WAS REPORTED AFTER THE THIRD OR FOURTH OIL CHANGE BEFORE THE 50,000 MILES WARANTY.

I am experiencing the Driver Door Control Switch / EBS error. When this occurs my emergency break activates when I am driving, throwing me into a complete stop unexpectedly, pulls several check engine lights and a series of loud distracting alert sounds. This is extremely dangerous on the road and I’ve almost been rear-ended multiple times. I have brought my vehicle in to Volkswagen and European Specialty Auto Shop and they were not able to replicate the issue thus we’re not able to help me. There are several forums online that point to this being a recall issue with Volkswagen and yet my VIN number is showing as not affected. It is my understanding that this issue is being caused by a faulty driver door wiring harness. It is random when this issue occurs. Forums online have led me to believe it is due to weather fluctuations. At this point I no longer feel safe driving my vehicle. This needs to be escalated to a Volkswagen as a public safety concern.

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)