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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Transmission Problems

6 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

6
Complaints
Mar 2026Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (6)

criticalPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

Your Tiguan hesitates or fails to respond when you press the gas pedal from a stop, sometimes taking several seconds before moving even with the pedal fully depressed. This happens daily but intermittently, and has created unsafe situations in traffic and at intersections where the car didn't accelerate as expected. The dealership has reproduced the problem multiple times and escalated it to VW engineers, but hasn't provided a fix yet. The issue likely involves a fuel delivery, ignition timing, or electronic throttle control problem that will need diagnostic computer testing and component replacement or reprogramming.

NHTSA #: 11666960
highPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2026

Your rear view camera frequently malfunctions and stops working properly. Additionally, you're experiencing acceleration problems where the engine surges when you take off from a stop. These issues started in 2024, but your dealership has been unable to reproduce the problems during testing and has denied that there's an issue.

NHTSA #: 11723727
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2023

My Tiguan has had a jerky transmission issues since I purchased it brand new. Dealer says operation is normal. I have read several forums and website where people have stated similar issues for this vehicle. Extremely hesitant in first and second gear. Jerks around especially during first minute or two of driving. Have tried to let car idle to normal temperature and it still happens. It’s as if it won’t go into gear and freezes up /hesitates for a few seconds, then finally switches gears. Extremely unsafe when pulling out onto road. Transmission shifts hard and will sometimes slip when changing gears. Beware! This has been happening since being brand new. Transmission reset did not resolve.

NHTSA #: 11559820
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2023

Jittery acceleration. Intermittent accelerator hesitation from a stop. The car hesitates or bogs down which can be unpredictable when pulling into traffic. Sometimes the RPMs surge during low speed without input from the gas peddle. I have had the car serviced twice since leased in July 2023. The dealership is fast to say they are all the same. there are no warning lamps for this issue and the dealership states no faults can be found with VDAS or GFF.

NHTSA #: 11545909
mediumPOWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2023

Malfunction with power delivery/transmission: I often experience inconsistent acceleration/power while driving at low speeds, the loss of power and jerks feel very similar to an engine misfire. Safety Risk: This behavior is very dangerous as we instinctively push down gas pedal to overcome lack of power and it causes the car to rocket forward as too high throttle has been opened and one can easily lose control and crash. Occurance: I feel this loss/inconsistent power situation happens at cold start and once the car is warmed up it doesn't occur anymore. If I don't push the gas pedal the power delivery is very inconsistent and car will jerk which feels like like a misfire while slowly the power delivery smoothens out.

NHTSA #: 11532406
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Jul 2023

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. There should be a recall before someone gets killed. This vehicle has a fundamental safety issue.

NHTSA #: 11531195

Other 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Issues