Consumer Safety Complaints

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

My 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a failure of the airbag control module caused by water intrusion through the HVAC access area and failed seam seal tape at the cowl support. The dealership confirmed that water leaked through a factory seam, accumulated at the airbag module, and caused the module to fail. The airbag warning light is illuminated, and the system is inoperable. This failure matc... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

After replacing cylinder head, rack and pinion and steering assist I went to dealer just after warranty passed they told me that the oil separator and auxiliary/ secondary water pump. Car continues to have issues. Mainly with engine. Car could break down when driving with no oil getting to engine

Incident date: Mar 3, 2025

2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0L VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am reporting a persistent and unresolved fault involving the secondary air injection system (DTC P0491 – insufficient airflow) that has resulted in repeated, conflicting diagnoses across multiple repair facilities. This raises concerns about a potential systemic defect affecting this vehicle model. Detailed Description: The issue... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2025

2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0L VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am reporting a persistent and unresolved fault involving the secondary air injection system (DTC P0491 – insufficient airflow) that has resulted in repeated, conflicting diagnoses across multiple repair facilities. This raises concerns about a potential systemic defect affecting this vehicle model. Detailed Description: The issue... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

Multiple low coolant alerts. Dealer inspected 3 times and denied problem while vehicle still under warranty. Dealer simply topped off coolant and denied finding leaks or any other issue. Now low coolant again and EPC/ check engine light. Took car to independent owned shop who confirmed 2 water pump failures. Dealer refusing accountability for missing water pump issues that led to possible overhea... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

The starter system failed & yes it is available for inspection. Others & my safety was put at risk, as the car shut off while I was driving. The gauges turned off, I could not see how fast I was going and the turning and brake lights did not work either, the radio & a/c all turned off. The problem has been reproduced while the vehicle is parked on hot days and in the winter when the the heater is ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

The starter system failed & yes it is available for inspection. Others & my safety was put at risk, as the car shut off while I was driving. The gauges turned off, I could not see how fast I was going and the turning and brake lights did not work either, the radio & a/c all turned off. The problem has been reproduced while the vehicle is parked on hot days and in the winter when the the heater is ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2026

Driving south on [XXX] and was hit on the front driver side by a vehicle that jumped lanes while traveling north bound on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Mar 7, 2026

Driving south on [XXX] and was hit on the front driver side by a vehicle that jumped lanes while traveling north bound on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Mar 7, 2026

Driving south on [XXX] and was hit on the front driver side by a vehicle that jumped lanes while traveling north bound on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Mar 22, 2026

I am reporting a recurring safety-related malfunction involving the backup camera, proximity sensors, and infotainment system on my 2024 Volkswagen GTI. These components are still installed on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. I purchased the vehicle on August 5, 2024, from King Volkswagen in Gaithersburg, MD. The following day, the system began failing repeatedly. When the i... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

Car turns off while driving and says to check starter system when sitting in the sun, mechanics can not find anything wrong. Has happened twice in a two week period

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

Bought car recently and it came from the dealer with an exlamation point light, audible warning and message in the screen saying "ERROR: Service vehicle. Only leave vehicle in P position". i can also take my key out of the car when not in park. im pretty sure it is a microswitch or entire gear shifter mechanism depending. It is the same thing that happened for Compliance Recall 37L5. copying and p... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2025

After driving the car for approximately 30 minutes without any problems and turning it off, it would not turn the ignition back on, release the parking brake or shift out of „P“. Several towing companies were unable to tow the vehicle due to the manufacturer’s failure to provide instructions on how to release the shifter in case of a problem. Other vehicles have a release button somewhere, ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2025

Vehicle vibrates and rumbles at very low speeds and almost feels like the engine is giving out. I was told by my local VW dealership that the rack and pinion steering is failing and is the cause for this vibration. When attempting to have the problem resolved by their mechanics, I was told that it could take 30 days to get the part. After 60 days of waiting for the part, I cancelled the order and ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

I was on the highway when it sounded like an explosion happened in my car. My sunroof shattered without any debris hitting it. It was 55 degrees, so no extreme temperatures, sunny, I was not behind a truck or under a bridge or around any construction. I wasn't able to pull over for at least a mile or two until I reached an exit. When I parked and examined the window it looked like the glass was a... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

Incident 1: Noticed hard starting one morning. After stopping for gas various engine warning lights illuminated (including EPC light). Took to VW dealer few days later, found trouble codes stored (P0148). Fuel pump replaced few days after diagnosis. Incident 2: Driving on highway for ~10 mins. Experienced total power loss, warning lights came on (including EPC). Had to pull over on left shoulder ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

Incident 1: Noticed hard starting one morning. After stopping for gas various engine warning lights illuminated (including EPC light). Took to VW dealer few days later, found trouble codes stored (P0148). Fuel pump replaced few days after diagnosis. Incident 2: Driving on highway for ~10 mins. Experienced total power loss, warning lights came on (including EPC). Had to pull over on left shoulder ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

Incident 1: Noticed hard starting one morning. After stopping for gas various engine warning lights illuminated (including EPC light). Took to VW dealer few days later, found trouble codes stored (P0148). Fuel pump replaced few days after diagnosis. Incident 2: Driving on highway for ~10 mins. Experienced total power loss, warning lights came on (including EPC). Had to pull over on left shoulder ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SE transmission making whining and whistling noise from 1000 to 2000 rpm when on light load or coasting. There is a high probability of transmission failing on 2025 car with 12700 miles and danger of failure on the highway while driving.

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

I am reporting a significant safety compliance issue involving a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle and the fraudulent reporting of a safety recall completion. On March 21, 2026, I attempted to purchase the vehicle listed above. This vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 22V753 (VW Campaign 13i4) regarding engine connecting rod failure. Before signing, I requested documentation proving the recall had... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2024

When traveling at hwy speeds (about 55-60mph) on long straight stretches of road, the steering feels sticky when trying to slightly adjust the steering wheel to keep the car going straight in your lane. In other words, when you are traveling on a straight stretches of hwy and you need to make very minor adjustments with the steering wheel to keep the car moving straight ahead, the steering whee... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

1. The car accelerates erratically when it is charged to 90 to 100%. This just plain dangerous. 2. The battery is charging to 100% when it set to charge to 80%. I learned that there is a recall for this vehicle due to the battery overheating and possibly catching on fire. However as of yesterday, there are neither diagnostics available to show whether the recall actually applies to my car, n... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

1. The car accelerates erratically when it is charged to 90 to 100%. This just plain dangerous. 2. The battery is charging to 100% when it set to charge to 80%. I learned that there is a recall for this vehicle due to the battery overheating and possibly catching on fire. However as of yesterday, there are neither diagnostics available to show whether the recall actually applies to my car, n... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Incident Description: While driving at approximately 45 mph, about 5 minutes into the drive, my vehicle displayed a Lane Assist warning and a message to place my hands on the steering wheel. Immediately after, multiple warning lights and messages appeared across the dashboard. Followed my emergency warning message. The vehicle then suddenly applied the brakes on... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Incident Description: While driving at approximately 45 mph, about 5 minutes into the drive, my vehicle displayed a Lane Assist warning and a message to place my hands on the steering wheel. Immediately after, multiple warning lights and messages appeared across the dashboard. Followed my emergency warning message. The vehicle then suddenly applied the brakes on... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Incident Description: While driving at approximately 45 mph, about 5 minutes into the drive, my vehicle displayed a Lane Assist warning and a message to place my hands on the steering wheel. Immediately after, multiple warning lights and messages appeared across the dashboard. Followed my emergency warning message. The vehicle then suddenly applied the brakes on... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

My airbag light came on my 2012 EOS and Vw dealer said it was a Clock Spring part issue causing it part number (5K0-953-569-AL) I mentioned this is a safety issue as it also disabled my horn on steering wheel and was pretty sure VW had a recall/bulletin or campaign on this issue. Appears for some odd reason VW didn’t have my vin [XXX] listed or flagged which I believe is a clear mistake. I am... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

My airbag light came on my 2012 EOS and Vw dealer said it was a Clock Spring part issue causing it part number (5K0-953-569-AL) I mentioned this is a safety issue as it also disabled my horn on steering wheel and was pretty sure VW had a recall/bulletin or campaign on this issue. Appears for some odd reason VW didn’t have my vin [XXX] listed or flagged which I believe is a clear mistake. I am... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

My airbag light came on my 2012 EOS and Vw dealer said it was a Clock Spring part issue causing it part number (5K0-953-569-AL) I mentioned this is a safety issue as it also disabled my horn on steering wheel and was pretty sure VW had a recall/bulletin or campaign on this issue. Appears for some odd reason VW didn’t have my vin [XXX] listed or flagged which I believe is a clear mistake. I am... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

Travel Assist option is controlled by a sensor in the steering wheel. There is no way to disable it. When the sensor malfunctions, it plays an extremely loud and repetitive beep that cannot be disabled. It’s extremely distracting while I drive and happens every 30-45 seconds.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

Travel Assist option is controlled by a sensor in the steering wheel. There is no way to disable it. When the sensor malfunctions, it plays an extremely loud and repetitive beep that cannot be disabled. It’s extremely distracting while I drive and happens every 30-45 seconds.

Incident date: Mar 18, 2026

Rear coil snapped while driving

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

The vehicle is sluggish while driving as if trying to pick up speed as if it is not shifting into the next gear. The other day while making a hard left turn, the vehicle stalled and when picking up speed continued to stall and struggled to gain power. When looking under the hood when it was safe to stop, there was smoke. Thank you.

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

Driving on highway when engine shutdown suddenly and ended up on side of highway. Had a recall done a few months back for engine rods and dealership did not replace them and stated the test passed so not necessary.

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illumi... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illumi... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

On multiple occasions the infotainment system/central control system has gone black and rebooted while driving without any prior notification or warning. The front two USB ports indicate they are producing 12.2 volts; however, as soon as anything is plugged in, they become disabled and will not work. The warning lights indicating the front passenger seat belt is not in use randomly turn on when th... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

On multiple occasions the infotainment system/central control system has gone black and rebooted while driving without any prior notification or warning. The front two USB ports indicate they are producing 12.2 volts; however, as soon as anything is plugged in, they become disabled and will not work. The warning lights indicating the front passenger seat belt is not in use randomly turn on when th... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving over a bumpy road surface at 5-10 MPH or at higher speeds, the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was determined that the front stabilizer coupling rod had failed. The contact related the failure to Volkswagen Campaign Number: 40R1; however, the VIN was not in... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2024

The car will not stop giving me the warning “travel assist currently not available”. It comes and goes randomly and I tried turning off all the travel assist features but it still keeps beeping. Sometimes the alarm goes on and off dozens of times per minute (yes, very frequently). I already took my car to VW dealership, they updated the software, the problem got better for a few days but came ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

The same airbag error mentioned in recalls for other VINs of this vehicle is happening to this one. I think this VIN also needs to be included.

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

- Recurring intermittent failure of the backup camera on this vehicle. The camera intermittently turns off while vehicle is in Reverse. - This has occurred numerous times while the vehicle was moving and in the presence of pedestrians and other vehicles creating a hazardous driving situation due to the sudden loss of visibility. - The dealer claimed to remedy the problem by using a software upda... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

- Recurring intermittent failure of the backup camera on this vehicle. The camera intermittently turns off while vehicle is in Reverse. - This has occurred numerous times while the vehicle was moving and in the presence of pedestrians and other vehicles creating a hazardous driving situation due to the sudden loss of visibility. - The dealer claimed to remedy the problem by using a software upda... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

- Recurring intermittent failure of the backup camera on this vehicle. The camera intermittently turns off while vehicle is in Reverse. - This has occurred numerous times while the vehicle was moving and in the presence of pedestrians and other vehicles creating a hazardous driving situation due to the sudden loss of visibility. - The dealer claimed to remedy the problem by using a software upda... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Hi- I have an atlas 2021 Volkswagen Atlas- that was recently serviced for a transmission leak. According to my mechanic, the leak was the result of the plastic cowling rubbing against the cooling tube and after 100k miles the tube wore through. This seems to be a design flaw or defect in the vehicle and not normal wear out. I have pictures of the part of that helps. Thank you

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

At 43k miles, 90F outside temps, battery SOC at 20%, charged the car at a fast charger getting 140kw. Daytime Running Lights, DRL, were on. After the charging session was over at 80%, the driver's side DRL went and stayed dim. Dealership replaced the entire headlight under warranty. At 77k miles, 94F outside temps, battery SOC at 20%, using a fast charger and getting 145kw with DRL left on. A... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2026

Up until failure, car showed no signs of a problem and was properly maintained. While driving under normal highway conditions one of the transmission lines blew which resulted in the vehicle breaking down and requiring a tow to the closest dealer who determined new transmission lines and a new transmission were needed. My daughter and I were in the car and the car became unsafe to drive in a very... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

Request for Investigation: Volkswagen is intentionally ignoring a widespread GPS/SOS module failure and leaving thousands of battery fire hazards on the road, while its dealers exploit safety service visits to extort customers. I urge the NHTSA to launch a formal investigation into VW’s failure to recall the defective GPS modules and their systemic practice of offering cash settlements to suppre... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

Request for Investigation: Volkswagen is intentionally ignoring a widespread GPS/SOS module failure and leaving thousands of battery fire hazards on the road, while its dealers exploit safety service visits to extort customers. I urge the NHTSA to launch a formal investigation into VW’s failure to recall the defective GPS modules and their systemic practice of offering cash settlements to suppre... Read more