Is Your 2022–2023 VW Tiguan a Lemon? What You Need to Know

If you own a 2022 or 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, you may be experiencing serious engine issues—including excessive oil consumption and engine warning lights. These problems may be more than just an inconvenience; they could be signs of a manufacturing defect.

What's the Problem with the VW Tiguan?

According to a series of lawsuits filed against Volkswagen, the 2022–2023 VW Tiguan is allegedly equipped with defective piston rings that allow excessive oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn off. The result?

  • Constant low oil warning lights

  • Frequent oil top-offs (even after regular service)

  • Risk of engine damage or failure

Owners report needing to add oil every few hundred miles, and in some cases, dealers have dismissed this as “normal.” Volkswagen’s own manuals claim that burning 1 quart of oil every 1,200 miles is within expectations—yet many owners say their vehicles exceed this rate significantly.

Allegations in the Lawsuit

Volkswagen is facing a consolidated class action lawsuit alleging:

  • Defective piston rings on EA888 2.0L TSI engines

  • A faulty PCV system that worsens oil loss

  • That Volkswagen failed to notify customers of these defects

  • That warranty repairs consist of oil top-offs, not actual fixes

Plaintiffs claim they were forced to carry oil in the vehicle at all times due to the unpredictability of the issue—and in some cases, repairs have not resolved the problem.

Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)

In September 2024, VW issued TSB 2017813/19, instructing dealers to perform oil consumption tests on affected vehicles. However, many owners report the outcome of these tests was just a temporary oil top-off, with no long-term solution offered.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you own a 2022–2023 VW Tiguan, watch for the following warning signs:

  • Engine oil warning light shortly after an oil change

  • Noticeable engine hesitation or sputtering

  • Needing to add oil between scheduled services

  • Check engine light or PCV-related faults

If you’ve brought your Tiguan in for repair multiple times for oil consumption issues with no permanent fix, you may have a lemon.

How to Proceed

Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure that all of your complaints are noted in the work order that you receive when you first drop off your vehicle.

Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: While the law doesn't specify an exact number, generally, if the same problem persists after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a "lemon."

Monitor Symptoms: Any new engine noises, warning lights, or loss of power? Stop driving immediately and seek inspection and let the dealership know.

Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If repairs fail, or if you experience repeated issues, you may be entitled to relief under California law. Remedies can include a repurchase of the vehicle or a cash settlement.

🛑 Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law

If you are like many VW Tiguan owners now experiencing excessive oil loss or engine trouble, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law.

Compensation may include:

  • A complete repurchase of your defective vehicle

  • A replacement vehicle

  • Or substantial cash reimbursement for damage already caused

If you’re in California and your 2022–2023 VW Tiguan has piston ring or engine-related issues, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.

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