The Volkswagen Tiguan Vehicles have had Oil Consumption Defects that Could Ultimately cause Engine Failure. These Manufacturing Defects have affected these Vehicles since 2018 and have prompted a Class Action Suit

Numerous owners of 2020-2023 Volkswagen Tiguans equipped with the EA888 2.0-liter turbo engine report similar excessive oil consumption and valve seal failures leading to engine damage. These issues often manifest as low oil warnings, burning oil smells, and eventual engine lights or failures, mirroring my experience. Volkswagen has acknowledged oil consumption thresholds (up to 1 quart per 1,200 miles) that owners and experts deem excessive and indicative of a design flaw.

• A class action lawsuit filed in New Jersey federal court (Martinez v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.) alleges defective EA888 engines in 2022-2023 Tiguans cause oil consumption exceeding 1 quart per 600-1,000 miles, leading to engine failure risks. The suit references Volkswagen's technical service bulletins admitting high consumption rates.
• Owners on forums like Reddit and VW Vortex report 2020 Tiguans burning 1 quart every 1,000-3,000 miles, with recurring valve seal leaks requiring cylinder head repairs.
• NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Tiguan highlight engine stalling, oil leaks, and failures due to valve issues.
• Hundreds of BBB complaints citing improper warranty denials for "no failure observed" or exclusions like overheating, despite documented defects.

These widespread complaints demonstrate that the defect is systemic, not due to misuse, On Car Complaints:

VW Tiguan Engine Problems Cause Class Action Lawsuit

VW Tiguan piston rings are allegedly shot to hell in the EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines.

By David A. Wood

, CarComplaints.com 

Posted in News

January 25, 2025 — Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems have caused a class action lawsuit that includes 2022-2023 VW Tiguans equipped with EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines.

The lawsuit alleges the VW Tiguan EA888 engines suffer from oil consumption problems, causing drivers to add oil between scheduled service appointments.

Reported Causes for Engine Failure

VW allegedly used piston rings that don't have enough tension which allow oil to pass into the Tiguan engine cylinder combustion chamber where it burns off.

Overview of Reported Engine Problems

Engine complaints for the Tiguan center on two main periods:

• 2020–2025 Models (EA888 2.0L TSI Engine): The most common issue is excessive oil consumption. Owners report the engine burning oil at rates requiring top-offs between scheduled oil changes (typically every 10,000 miles or annually). This is linked to allegedly defective piston rings that fail to seal properly, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn off.

Additional reported engine concerns include carbon buildup on intake valves (common in direct-injection engines, leading to misfires, reduced power, or stalling), occasional turbocharger malfunctions, and related drivability issues (e.g., hesitation or check-engine lights). These can   result in costly repairs ($945–$2,900 range for some engine work) and potential safety risks if oil levels drop critically.

Volkswagen allegedly knew about the Tiguan engine problems before the vehicles were first sold but failed to warn customers the EA888 engines may overheat and fail.

According to the class action lawsuit, Tiguan owners should have been warned about the supposed need to add quarts of oil between scheduled oil changes.

According to Complaints, continually adding oil did not solve the problem and Engines finally failed.

A class-action lawsuit (Martinez v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., filed January 8, 2025, in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia) alleges that Volkswagen has known about excessive oil consumption in EA888 engines since at least 2008 but has provided only temporary fixes (e.g., adding oil) rather than permanent repairs. The suit targets 2022–2023 Tiguans and claims the defect poses a sudden engine-failure risk while driving, endangering occupants and others. It seeks class representation for affected buyers/lessees under state consumer-protection laws.

2026 Models (Updated 2.0L Turbo Engine): A newer, prominent issue involves premature turbocharger failures at very low mileage (as low as ~1,500 km / ~930 miles). Symptoms include sudden loss of power, entry into limp mode, and check-engine lights. Failures have been reported shortly after delivery (within weeks or months) on Turbo trims such as SEL R-Line / Highline Turbo (268 hp variant).

Volkswagen attributes this to a software error in the engine control module (ECM). Owners have described vehicles becoming undrivable, requiring loaners and extended downtime. Social media (Reddit, Facebook groups) and YouTube reports highlight frustration with brand-new vehicles.

NHTSA Complaints and Data

• 2018–2025 Tiguans (covering 2020–2025): 1,266 total complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Engine-related issues are the most frequent category (345 complaints, plus additional vehicle-level engine entries), far outpacing electrical, safety, or transmission problems. Engine complaints carry an “Avoid” reliability rating in aggregated analyses. Onset of issues typically occurs between ~13,000–88,500 miles.
• 2026 Tiguan: Fewer total complaints due to the model's recency, but NHTSA has recorded approximately half a dozen turbo-failure reports in the past year (as of early 2026 data). No full-year aggregate is yet available.

CarComplaints.com lists engine problems as the worst category overall for the Tiguan lineup, with lower per-year complaint volumes on its platform for 2020+ models (e.g., 7 for 2020, 14 for 2022) but consistent owner reports of oil consumption and powertrain issues.

Note: NHTSA data reflects owner reports and does not prove defects in every case. You can file your own complaint at nhtsa.gov or search by VIN/model.

Recalls, TSBs, and Manufacturer Response

• 2020–2025: No major NHTSA engine-specific recalls for oil consumption or core engine failure in these years. An earlier emissions-related ECM/TCM software update (Recall 24GB, 2020) applied to some 2018–2020 Tiguans for tailpipe emissions and drivability but is not directly tied to the oil-consumption complaints. Class-action litigation continues to allege inadequate fixes.
• 2026: Volkswagen has issued a software update (ECM reprogramming) for affected Turbo models to address the turbocharger issue. Some sources describe this as a recall/service action (campaign code referenced in owner forums around April 2026); dealers contact owners, and the fix is reportedly being rolled out. No hardware replacement is required in the described fix.

A newer, prominent issue involves premature turbocharger failures at very low mileage (as low as ~1,500 km / ~930 miles). Symptoms include sudden loss of power, entry into limp mode, and check-engine lights. Failures have been reported shortly after delivery (within weeks or months) on Turbo trims such as SEL R-Line / Highline Turbo (268 hp variant).

Volkswagen attributes this to a software error in the engine control module (ECM). Owners have described vehicles becoming undrivable, requiring loaners and extended downtime. Social media (Reddit, Facebook groups) and YouTube reports highlight frustration with brand-new vehicles.

Applicable Laws for Lack of Repair Resolution (U.S./Connecticut Focus)

If repeated repair attempts fail to resolve engine issues, consumers have protections under federal and state law.

• Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 2301–2312): Covers written warranties on consumer products (including vehicles). It prohibits manufacturers from denying warranty coverage unfairly and allows consumers to sue for breach of express or implied warranties (e.g., if the engine defect renders the vehicle unfit for normal use). Successful claims can include attorney fees and costs. This law applies nationwide and often supports lemon-law or separate warranty lawsuits when repairs are not resolved. It does not require using only dealer service (independent shops are allowed if parts/procedures meet standards).

New Jersey Lemon Law (N.J.S.A. 56:12-29 et seq. – New Car Lemon Law): This law protects buyers and lessees of new passenger vehicles

Tiguan) purchased or leased in New Jersey. Coverage applies during the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. A vehicle is presumed to be a “lemon” (qualifying for relief) if:

• The same substantial defect (one that impairs use, value, or safety) has been subject to 3 or more repair attempts by the manufacturer or dealer and the defect still exists; OR
• The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 20 or more calendar days (for any combination of defects) and the defect continues

New York Lemon Law (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 198-a – New Car Lemon Law): This law covers new (and certain used) vehicles purchased, leased, or registered in New York. Protection applies during the first 2 years or 18,000 miles, whichever occurs first. A vehicle qualifies if the defect substantially impairs its value to the consumer and the manufacturer/deale dealer cannot repair it after a reasonable number of attempts. The law presumes reasonable attempts have been made if:

• The same nonconformity has been subject to repair 4 or more times and it continues; OR
• The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days.
• You must notify the manufacturer (or authorized dealer) of the defect. If repairs fail, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or refund the full purchase/lease price (including taxes, fees, finance charges, and incidental costs) at your option, minus a reasonable mileage offset.

Additional Steps if Repairs Are Unresolved (NJ or NY):

1. Keep detailed records of all repairs, communications, and downtime.
2. Consult an attorney licensed in the relevant state (or nationwide, as applicable). Attorney Howard Gutman works on contingency and can handle communications with Volkswagen. Act within statutes of limitations.