Volkswagen Tiguan Oil Consumption Lawsuit: What California Owners Need to Know
If you own a 2022–2023 Volkswagen Tiguan in California, you may be affected by a significant engine defect leading to excessive oil consumption. A consolidated class action lawsuit alleges that these vehicles, equipped with EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines, burn oil at an abnormal rate due to defective piston rings and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) systems.
🔍 Understanding the Issue
The EA888 engine is designed to hold five quarts of oil, with oil changes recommended every 10,000 miles or annually. However, many Tiguan owners report needing to add oil much more frequently. Volkswagen's own standard allows for up to 0.5 quarts of oil consumption every 600 miles, but affected vehicles are reportedly exceeding this, leading to potential engine damage and increased emissions.
🛠️ Alleged Causes
The lawsuit claims that:
Defective piston rings lack sufficient tension, allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber, where it burns off.
Faulty PCV systems fail to manage pressure within the crankcase, exacerbating oil consumption issues.
These defects can lead to decreased engine performance, increased emissions, and potential engine failure.
📋 Legal Actions and Consumer Complaints
The consolidated class action lawsuit, Zeiders et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, includes plaintiffs from multiple states, including California. Plaintiffs allege that Volkswagen was aware of these defects but failed to disclose them, leaving consumers with vehicles that require frequent oil top-offs and are at risk of engine damage.
⚖️ California Lemon Law Protections
Under California's Lemon Law, if your vehicle has a substantial defect that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:
A replacement vehicle
A refund of the purchase price
Reimbursement for repair costs, towing, and rental expenses
To qualify, the defect must impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer must have had a reasonable opportunity to fix it.
📝 Steps to Take
If you're experiencing excessive oil consumption in your Tiguan:
Document Everything: Keep records of oil purchases, service visits, and any communications with Volkswagen or dealerships.
Request an Oil Consumption Test: Volkswagen has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) instructing dealers to perform this test.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: Legal professionals can assess your situation and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
📞 Contact Valero Law for Assistance
At Valero Law, we specialize in Lemon Law cases and are committed to helping California consumers navigate these complex situations. If you believe your 2022–2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is affected by this oil consumption issue, contact us for a free consultation.
📞 Call us at (424) 299-4447 or fill out our online consultation form today.