TireKick

Reported years

Engine owner reports: Volkswagen Tiguan years in the records

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021. A year on this list does not mean every car has the problem.

Years we reviewed

What to inspect

  1. 1Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The PCV valve does not last past 60k miles. Multiple forums and customers stating this. When the failure shows up as a check engine light symptom it has already caused a major oil leak in the crank shaft that leaks with the car off at about 500ml and is significantly worse while driving- Up to a quart of oil loss from driving 10miles. VW has had issues with the PCv valve design from 2012. I bought a 2012 Passat but it did not leak till well after 200k miles but the code would continuously go on and off.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“approximately 1 year after purchase, we started having the oil light come on. Returned to dealer and they stated it was normal. This continued for approximately 4 or 5 more times. A "comprehensive" test/diagnostic was conducted and they said normal consumption but no issues. Moving now in 2026 with 40k and now out of warranty with age of vehicle, we brought it back to Scott Motors and NOW it's an issue with the head. The same common problem that they have known about with all their vehicles in this class with this motor since I believe 2018. They want to split the repair bill 50/50 and then 70/30. I stated I addressed and documented the issue years ago and now since we are out of warranty, now you find it. Please Help.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“My 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. The oil level drops rapidly between oil changes, and I have had to add oil multiple times to prevent engine damage. The low oil warning light has appeared unexpectedly while driving, creating a safety hazard. I am concerned about potential engine failure, stalling, or loss of power at highway speeds. I have reviewed multiple NHTSA complaints from other 2021 Tiguan owners (IDs 11742786, 11741539, 11741067, 11739933) reporting the same oil consumption and low oil pressure issues. This indicates a pattern of defects involving the EA888 2.0 TSI engine. Volkswagen dealerships often claim this is ‘normal,’ but the frequency and severity of oil loss suggest a mechanical defect involving piston rings, PCV system, or internal engine components. This poses a serious safety risk, especially during long distance travel. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2021 Tiguan model year.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Car is burning an excessive amount of oil”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Excessive oil consumption. Paid out of pocket and 2 weeks later the same issue. Dealer is aware of this common problem and refuses to do anything. These vehicles have faulty piston rings and PCV valves.”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Oil consumption issues affecting all cars of this make and model”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Engine has excessive oil consumption. Low oil indicator light will come on and Engine oil needs to be topped and added about every 2500 miles sometimes more often depending on driving conditions.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Oil consumption issue. The vehicle is experiencing blue / white smoke from tailpipe when starting also lost of oil due to a valve seal issue with engine that requires dealers to remove head and service it”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Tiguans have been reporting excessive burning oil consumption- reported this to the dealership and consider this "normal" but how is going through several oil containers to make sure there's enough oil in the car "normal"??? I've never had this issue with any other car- other Tiguan owners have reported this issue and it's over a 6k repair.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“After oil changes (always maintained at dealerships) it would require a quart of oil with in 2 days. Random starts will blow smoke out the rear. random sluggish behavior. Dealership confirmed PCV valve is causing a buildup in engine pressure which caused a premature oil pan gasket leak. Without full teardown cannot know full extent of damages caused. (which spills out of the bottom and towards tires.....) dealership and fellow Tiguan owners have all reported the same issue! with a repair cost of $1,000-8,000+. same with alot of other years as well.. The date below that i will list is for when the problem was fully confirmed (89k miles) but has always been an issue told its fine ... really noticed it after (68k miles) when i purchased the vehicle. With how many people are dealing with this it is hard to understand how we dont see an open recall for them..... also dealer said pvc valves are on back order and have been. why should one replace with oem if they won't acknowledge its a faulty part?”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Check Engine Light came on and got estimate from Pete Moore VW Dealer in Pensacola, Florida and was told the car needed extensive engine repair which included a new cylinder head part. So we waited to come get the car repaired on 3/5/2026 once we had saved up the money for it. We found out the cylinder head is on a Nationwide back order with NO estimated time to get it fixed properly. The technician who gave us the estimate back in September 2025 failed to mention that the cylinder head has been on a Nationwide back order during that time. I am not the only person dealing with this issue in the USA but feel VW has not provided a fix or estimate time to repair these cars properly causing a safety hazard. This time to wait for a part is unacceptable and feel our cars fall under the Lemon Law.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record