Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 16% | 0 miles |
| 2025 | 7 | 13% | 10,000 miles |
| 2024 | 5 | 7% | — |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% | — |
| 2022 | 42 | 15% | — |
| 2021 | 11 | 8% | 52,000 miles |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2019 | 17 | 9% | 0 miles |
| 2018 | 51 | 17% | 8,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 7% | 26,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 3% | 36,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2013 | 6 | 4% | 24,000 miles |
| 2012 | 7 | 5% | 9,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% | 56,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% | 79,000 miles |
| 2009 | 20 | 12% | 73,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at significantly slow speeds, the transmission independently shifted into Park (P), causing a total loss of motive power. The driver restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred on multiple occasions. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.
While driving, car dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree with error messages, shakes, and goes into limp mode. Error messages include: - travel assist is currently not available - Error: Drive system. Please service vehicle. (Engine block highlighted on screen image) - Engine speed max. 4000 rpm (Engine block highlighted on screen image) Purchased car in November, problem happened in January <1200 total miles. Vehicle has been at dealership since January with no resolution (it is now May 29th). No invoice to upload as it has never been fixed. VW of America initially claimed it was a software update which is false, actual parts defect. Now known defect with turbo R line, as evidenced by multiple reports from consumers across the country, unsafe vehicle to operate as occurs while driving.
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park(P) and the engine shut off. Additionally, the vehicle experienced phantom braking while reversing. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The failure reoccurred, nearly causing another vehicle to rear-end the vehicle. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact requested buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 9,910.
I own a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line purchased new in August 2025. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has exhibited a recurring safety defect where the electronic parking brake engages without driver input and the vehicle shifts itself into Park. This happens suddenly and without warning. This defect occurs multiple times per week, on average (upwards of 50+ times total since purchase) under varied low-speed conditions, including at stoplights, while slowly moving through traffic, and during parking maneuvers, etc. When it occurs, the vehicle stops abruptly as Park is engaged. This creates a significant risk of being rear-ended or losing control in an intersection or traffic lane. There are no warning lights, chimes, or alerts beforehand. The behavior is intermittent and unpredictable, so there is no way to anticipate or prevent it during normal driving. …
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a serious transmission defect in my vehicle. The drive and reverse gears are not functioning properly. After driving for a few minutes and parking, when I attempt to reverse on an inclined surface, the vehicle unexpectedly moves forward instead of backward. Similarly, when the vehicle is parked facing downhill and I shift into drive to move forward, it rolls backward. There are no warning lights or dashboard indicators alerting me to any malfunction. Due to this defect, I have nearly collided with objects multiple times within just 15 days of ownership. Most concerning, I almost hit another vehicle behind me while attempting to drive forward, as my vehicle suddenly rolled backward unexpectedly. This creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other drivers. …
The vehicle experiences sudden loss of motive power during acceleration. Between 30-60 mph, the transmission fails to upshift correctly, causing the engine RPMs to spike to 5000 while the vehicle fails to gain speed. This creates a severe safety hazard when merging into high-speed traffic. Additionally, the infotainment system frequently blackouts and reboots while driving, and there are intermittent malfunctions with the power windows and door locks. Authorized dealerships have been unable to resolve these persistent safety defects after multiple repair attempts.
The vehicle experiences intermittent (but daily) accelerator lag or failure to respond when the gas pedal is pressed from a stop. There is a significant delay-sometimes several seconds-before the car begins to move, even when the accelerator is fully depressed. This appears to be related to the power train and/or engine system. The hesitation in acceleration has created multiple unsafe situations, including near-miss accidents while turning left across traffic or entering intersections, when the car failed to respond as expected. This hesitation could easily result in a collision, particularly in high-traffic areas. The issue has been reported to the dealership on multiple occasions and while they have been able to reproduce the problem, it isn't every time and they turn the vehicle back over to us unresolved. …
Happening within the first few weeks of purchase from new in November 2022. Delay and wildly inconsistent acceleration from a stop. This is most noticeable within the first 10 minutes of driving and is much worse when cold. Often, when accelerating from a stop, the vehicle does not move for several seconds; when the car does begin to move the acceleration is erratic and often results in wheel spin and a loss of control. We've nearly been t-boned on several occasions because the car's acceleration is erratic. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer for service, they replicated the issue and said there is no fix. This is stated in the repair order which is attached. No warning or service lights. I do not feel this vehicle is safe for public roads. This issue is widely reported online and from speaking to the service department, widely know about. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Tiguan years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (51), 2022 (42), 2009 (20), 2019 (17) and 2021 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Tiguan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Volkswagen Tiguan model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Tiguan transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles; 69% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the driveline (3 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission (2).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.