Volkswagen (meaning “people’s car”) is a German automaker headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony. VW has been around since 1937 and is best known for its iconic cars from the 1960s like the Beetle, and “Bus. ”VW has been selling the Tiguan compact SUV since the 2007 model year. A second generation was introduced in 2015, The Tigun Mark II that would go on to supplant the original Tiguan line, which was phased out at the end of 2018.
The Tiguan was completely revamped for the 2018 model year in a second-generation upgrade that significantly increased its size and updated its technology and safety features. US sales of the Tiguan have more than doubled since the new version was introduced, increasing from about 45,000 vehicles annually to more than 100,000 and over a million Tiguans have been sold worldwide, including the U.S., making the Tiguan another popular Volkswagen model. Nonetheless, consumers have raised a variety of complaints and the Tiguan has been the subject of numerous recalls.
The 2018-20 Tiguan models have, however, experienced significant defects and repair issues, including:
- False check engine light warnings
- Engine and transmission problems
- Navigation/entertainment system failure
- HVAC system malfunctions
If you own or lease a Tiguan that has repeatedly been in for repairs, you may have a lemon on your hands. Timothy Abeel & Associates, P.C., a premier consumer rights law firm, represents Volkswagen Tiguan owners and lessees in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Well-versed in the applicable state lemon laws and federal warranty law, we are committed to protecting the rights of auto consumers and holding the big automakers accountable for providing defective vehicles to the public. When you become our client, we will provide you with knowledge, skill, and powerful representation.
The Volkswagen Tiguan Recall History
Since Volkswagen introduced the Tiguan in 2007, the vehicle has been subject to numerous recalls, a pattern which continues:
- In November 2018, Volkswagen recalled certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles without keyless entry because the instrument cluster failed to provide an audible alert to drivers that the key was still in the ignition when the door was open. As such, the affected vehicles did not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, “Theft Protection.” If the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or an accident. Dealers have been instructed to reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge.
- In August 2018, Volkswagen announced the recall of 2018 Tiguan SUVs equipped with panoramic roofs manufactured between Dec. 2016 and July 2018. High humidity in the panoramic sunroof LED lighting module can result in a short-circuit and trigger a fire. Dealers have been instructed to deactivate the LED lights until the light module is reconfigured.
- In May 2018, certain 2018 Tiguan and Tiguan long wheelbase (LWB) vehicles were recalled due to improperly fitted lower ball joints on the front wheels, which can result in the separation of the lower ball joint, causing steering, traction or other stability issues, increasing the risk of a crash. Volkswagen instructed dealers to replace the nut on the lower ball joint and, as necessary, clean the thread in the ball joint, free of charge.
The Experienced Choice in Lemon Laws
Despite Volkswagen being highly touted for its engineering prowess, the Tiguan has long had reliability, performance, and safety issues. After years of issuing recalls, the automaker continues to have unsatisfied Tiguan drivers. If you own or lease a Tiguan that has been in for repeated repairs while under the manufacturer’s warranty, our lemon law attorneys can help.
When you work with us, we will explain all of your rights, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Whether that’s a refund, a replacement vehicle, or any other remedy available under the law, you can trust our lemon law attorneys to fight for your rights. Because the lemon laws in New Jersey in Pennsylvania also allow you to recover attorney’s fees, you will not pay anything to us unless we win your claim. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.
Recent model year Tiguan are experiencing the following defects:
The Tiguan is equipped with a TSI direct injection engine that is subject to carbon buildup in the intake system, which can cause rough idle and power loss in as few as 20,000 miles. The fix is to professionally remove and clean the intake manifold, ports on the cylinder head, and the intake valves.
Tiguan drivers may experience a clunking noise when accelerating from a stop, or downshifting, accompanied by a light impact sensation under their feet. Other drivers have reported inexplicable changes to their front end alignment while driving. The Tiguan subframe clunk is reportedly caused by the gradual stretching of the bolts that secure the subframe to the vehicle, which allows the subframe to move and hit the bottom of the car when accelerating. New model Tiguan have been fitted with better bolts and spacers between the subframe and the vehicle.
After refueling, popping sounds may be heard from the rear of the vehicle after starting the engine or the engine will not start after refueling. The problem has been attributed to a valve mounted on the front of the intake manifold -- the N80 or EVAP system purge valve. The valve only opens under certain circumstances, otherwise the fuel tank will not be pressurized. A worn N80 valve may remain open at all times, in which case it must be replaced.
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