Lemberg Law is investigating ongoing consumer complaints about oil leaks and excessive oil usage by the 2022 and 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan models. As if that’s not bad enough, many owners are complaining that they get no help or support from the automaker or VW dealerships. Worse still, some dealers maintain that the oil consumption described is normal.
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Introduction to VW Tiguan Oil Issues
Complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and discussions on multiple Reddit threads indicate that Tiguan oil consumption is a major problem. Of course, not all owners have experienced the problem. However, many have, and there is little doubt that many more will do so in the future. Most complaints show that it isn’t usually a problem with new vehicles. Rather, oil problems seem to develop over time, and those who are affected are hugely frustrated.
This comment was made in response to recent posts on Reddit about excessive oil consumption: “I am having the same issue with my 2023 Tiguan. And honestly, it is really frustrating. Haven’t had the issue for the first 20k miles. It started afterward.”
What Are Owners Experiencing
There are more complaints to the NHTSA about the 2022 VW Tiguan than the 2023 model, but the issues are the same. The overall message is that both MY Tiguans use excessive oil. Typical oil consumption problems reported by consumers include:
Low oil warning lights
Oil leaks
Blue-tinted smoke when starting or warming up
Oil so low the dipstick had no oil on it
A need to top up oil frequently
What Volkswagen Has Said
The short answer to this question is not very much! We have viewed hundreds of manufacturer communications, which must be filed with the NHTSA by law.
There are multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) that advise and update dealerships about engine oil quality standards. There are also several that talk about oil pressure priming.
A TSB released on June 20, 2023, attempts to explain a customer complaint that “oil consumption is higher than the Volkswagen oil consumption standard of up to 0.5 quarts per 600 miles, or 0.5 liters per 1000 km.” This document relates to all 2000-2024 VW models except the Routan minivan. It states that “Typically, engines with specified break-in periods consume more oil during the break-in period, and the oil consumption will stabilize after the break-in period.” Additionally, it states that “the rate of oil consumption depends on the quality and viscosity of the oil, the RPM at which the engine is operated, the ambient temperature, and road conditions. Further factors include the amount of oil dilution from water condensation or fuel residue and the oxidation level of the oil.”
VW’s advice to dealerships is to explain the technical background to customers before testing or attempting any form of repair! Then, they should test for leaks and possibly perform an oil consumption test, details of which are provided.
Additionally, there is another TSB released on June 26, 2023, that tells dealerships how to test oil levels during a pre-delivery inspection (PDI). This relates to all gasoline models except the Routan), manufactured between 2014-2024. It is not a bulletin that aims to solve problems.
Complaints
Only one complaint to the NHTSA highlights a dealership that acknowledges there is “an issue with VW Tiguan engines burning oil at a higher rate than the standard.” An owner from Vermont states in a May 2024 complaint that this dealership was in West Lebanon, New Hampshire. The complaint states that the fuel low indicator kept coming on. At first, the dealership’s advice was to add oil. Then they agreed to do a fuel consumption test. “They stated they are seeing a lot more folks like myself coming in with lower mile Tiguan with this issue. Normally they are seeing many with 50K + miles. While I was there another customer overheard the service adviser talking to me and he said he had the same issue.”
The complaint also reports “blue puffs of smoke coming out of the back” when they start the Tiguan. “It seems like this is a huge issue that is now coming to light. The dealership told me I’m at stage 2 with VW and (the) next step is taking (the) engine apart and warning VW of (the) issue.”
Some dealerships acknowledge there is a problem, but they identify different issues. Others maintain that vehicles are functioning normally or they cannot find a problem.
Dealerships Diagnose Different Issues
A New York owner of a 2022 Tiguan noticed “excessive smoke coming from the exhaust pipes” while driving and the low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle, which had 1,000 miles on the clock, was taken to the dealer who diagnosed a failure with the valve steam seals. These are critical components that help to control the amount of oil that enters the engine’s combustion chamber through the valve guides. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust and increased oil consumption.
“The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. It was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the fuel vapor leak detection pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance.”
Another Vermont owner states that the low oil light came on soon after an oil change when the mileage was less than 2,000. This dealership also said seals (two) needed to be replaced. This was done and the owner was advised to check the oil “every so often.” After driving a further 500 miles, the vehicle needed at least 1 quart of oil. I “took it back to (the) dealership (and) now they say I need a whole new Head and it is a common problem. They have done about 3-4 in 2024! I feel like that’s a safety concern but they don’t.”
Dealers Say High Oil Consumption Is Normal
An owner from Michigan states that a 2022 Tiguan was using excess oil since it had done about 15,000 miles. It also blows blue smoke at start-up at times. “Engine now has 35,000 miles and uses all of its engine oil before its next scheduled maintenance.” An oil consumption test revealed it uses .61 quarts per 1000 miles. But VW maintains this is normal. “VW states to change oil every 10,000 miles. It will be gone and (the) engine will have no oil remaining within the scheduled maintenance (period).” This owner has contacted VW directly and maintains the vehicle will have cost over $1000 per mile to own. However, the “dealer and VW keep telling us to just check oil. It’s normal… This is NOT normal.”
The Nevada owner of a 2023 Tigua states that it consumes a lot of engine oil. “Every 2,000 and 3,000 miles, the oil engine light turns on and it shows that oil level is low.” The second time it happened he took the vehicle in and was told it was normal to have to have to add oil every 3,000 miles.
An owner from Connecticut complained that the oil light went out in May 2023 (at 15,000 miles) and August 2023 (17,500 miles). Both times the oil was down to 1 quart and smoke had been coming out of the exhaust intermittently. The “VW service department did an oil consumption test which resulted in the car burning just under a quart of oil after 600 miles. They said the car is functioning normally, but if it burned over a 1/2 quart of oil, they would do something.”
Online Discussion
The conversation on several Reddit threads tells the same story. Tiguans get low on oil in between oil changes. Drivers notice blueish smoke. Dealers say it’s normal!
“I have a 2023 Tiguan and it’s burning oil. The first time (the) dealership said it was normal to have to add oil. Then because it was low again and smoking more frequently they decided it was time to check it. Now, they think it’s a valve guide issue and that part is on back order so they had to give me a loaner as they have no idea when I’ll be able to get my car back.”
Another 2023 Tiguan owner states, I’m at about 7,500 miles on my 23 and just got the low oil light. Checked the dipstick and sure enough I’m right below the hashes. I added a half quart to get me to my service in a month but I’m wondering if I should be asking about this.”
The response was: “I would report it to the dealership the next time it happens. My dealership topped off the oil and I had them track how much oil was being consumed. In my case, it was 1.5 quarts. every 500-600 miles (spec is .5 quarts every 600 miles.) Oil consumption tests came back “Within Limits” but I sat down with them and did the Math. They reached out to technicians at VW of America and found oil leading to the pipe that leads to the intake manifold. Changed the PCV valve but no change in consumption. Check Engine light came on just prior to the oil light coming on again. Error Code P0491. Head gasket and valve seal guides changed. Waiting to see if (the) problem is finally resolved.”
More Examples of Dealerships Stating High Oil Consumption Is Normal
“I got my 2023 Tiguan, new, in October of 2022. To sum it up, I’ve had issues with the car notifying me that my oil is low consistently every 2,500-3,000 miles. I have taken it into the dealer probably 6-7 times to get the oil topped off, and they continue to say this is a normal thing with these newer engines that they consume a lot of oil. But every 2,500-3,000 miles? This is something I wasn’t told before I bought the car in any capacity.”
“I was looking at a 2022 Tiguan SEL R-Line online and once I looked at the Carfax I found out it had been a manufacturer buyback car after many many oil changes, oil consumption tests performed, heads changed, etc… and then had been auctioned to the selling used car dealer. I have since found that many 2022s have this issue and that dealers like to say it’s normal for the engine to consume x amount of oil. Of course, that’s an outright lie. My 2019 didn’t consume any oil. Unfortunately, someone hit me and totaled it.”
Facing Oil Consumption Problems with Your Tiguan? We’re Here to Help, Free of Charge
Lemberg Law is actively investigating and gathering information about 2022-2023 Tiguan oil consumption issues. So, if you are experiencing problems with your Tiguan, we would like to hear from you. We will assess your problems free of charge, and you may be eligible to join our class action investigation. All you have to do is fill out a contact form or call our Helpline.
The law says Volkswagen — not you — must pay the legal bills for lemon law cases. That’s why it’s not going to cost you a cent.
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
Been having multiple oil consumption problems with my 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, R-line since I leased it in 2021. No matter how many times I serviced the vehicle out-of-pocket with my local body shop because my dealership is an hour away I would still need to buy oil and put it in it myself. I brought it to Volkswagen finally in September 2024 and they told me that it’s completely normal for the oil to run low and I may need to add oil every 5000 miles and to bring it back if the oil light went on sure enough six weeks later, I brought it back and they told me they have to keep the car and they could keep it from anywhere from a week to six months. They sent me an information packet on how to qualify for a buyback and are making me investigate along paper trail. They want to consider buying back the vehicle! I’m truly disgusted because I made all my car payments on time and now at the end of my lease, I might not even have the option to buy it out, which was always my plan
Mark R
2022 bought with 23,000 miles after 30,000 mile oil change the low oil level light has been on every 1500-1700 miles. failed oil consumption but the dealer said it was oil separator issue and installed on october 1 – the light just went on again 1700 miles after.
John W
Purchased a 2022 VW Tiguan used with 36129 miles on it. So far I have been in the dealership every month of ownership with a low engine oil light on. The first time the light came on was at 37,300 miles on it, one quart was added. The second time it came on at 37,923 and the dealership topped it off and falsely stated that the light had come on within VW specifications. I got an oil change at 38464 miles and then the light came back on at 39457 miles and I took it back to the dealership and they just use the same thing over and over again by saying “German cars burn oil” but the previous owner had started the oil consumption test already and then decided to sell so I am unable to get an oil consumption test paid for under warranty.
Caleb S
I have a 2023 SEL R-Line I purchased new in March of 2023. The first year was a very normal experience, with the exception of a glitchy infotainment system and hesitation on acceleration on a cold start. 6 months ago, the light came on to add oil and I though it might have been slightly under filled at the dealership, so I bought a $12 quart of super fancy euro spec oil and used three quarters of it to top it off. 4000 miles later, I used the remainder of that bottle and a little over half of the second one. I asked that they perform an oil consumption test to verify the loss and they said I’m nowhere near the tolerances of the test and that any additional testing will come out of my pocket now. Absolutely thrilled someone is willing to fight VW and their bogus consumption standards.
Bob v
I am thinking of buying a 2024 tiguan, but I don’t want to add oil every thousand miles. Would you recommend with your experience that I not buy this car? Thank you very much bob.
LembergLaw
Hi Bob – Thanks for your comment! As a lemon law firm, our goal is to help consumers who are experiencing significant issues with their vehicles, but we don’t make recommendations on whether or not to purchase a specific car. It’s important to note that with mass-produced vehicles, it’s not uncommon for some to experience issues, while others may not. If you do decide to purchase the Tiguan and encounter any issues that you feel may qualify as a defect under lemon law, feel free to reach out and we’d be happy to help.
Paul D
2022 VW Tiguan, 40,000km since new. High oil consumption, roughly 1 quart every 1000 miles. If a class action is started, I would like to be a part of it. VW dealers saying it is normal and acceptable. Within limits. Consumers should be warned before purchase.
Been having multiple oil consumption problems with my 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, R-line since I leased it in 2021. No matter how many times I serviced the vehicle out-of-pocket with my local body shop because my dealership is an hour away I would still need to buy oil and put it in it myself. I brought it to Volkswagen finally in September 2024 and they told me that it’s completely normal for the oil to run low and I may need to add oil every 5000 miles and to bring it back if the oil light went on sure enough six weeks later, I brought it back and they told me they have to keep the car and they could keep it from anywhere from a week to six months. They sent me an information packet on how to qualify for a buyback and are making me investigate along paper trail. They want to consider buying back the vehicle! I’m truly disgusted because I made all my car payments on time and now at the end of my lease, I might not even have the option to buy it out, which was always my plan
2022 bought with 23,000 miles after 30,000 mile oil change the low oil level light has been on every 1500-1700 miles. failed oil consumption but the dealer said it was oil separator issue and installed on october 1 – the light just went on again 1700 miles after.
Purchased a 2022 VW Tiguan used with 36129 miles on it. So far I have been in the dealership every month of ownership with a low engine oil light on. The first time the light came on was at 37,300 miles on it, one quart was added. The second time it came on at 37,923 and the dealership topped it off and falsely stated that the light had come on within VW specifications. I got an oil change at 38464 miles and then the light came back on at 39457 miles and I took it back to the dealership and they just use the same thing over and over again by saying “German cars burn oil” but the previous owner had started the oil consumption test already and then decided to sell so I am unable to get an oil consumption test paid for under warranty.
I have a 2023 SEL R-Line I purchased new in March of 2023. The first year was a very normal experience, with the exception of a glitchy infotainment system and hesitation on acceleration on a cold start. 6 months ago, the light came on to add oil and I though it might have been slightly under filled at the dealership, so I bought a $12 quart of super fancy euro spec oil and used three quarters of it to top it off. 4000 miles later, I used the remainder of that bottle and a little over half of the second one. I asked that they perform an oil consumption test to verify the loss and they said I’m nowhere near the tolerances of the test and that any additional testing will come out of my pocket now. Absolutely thrilled someone is willing to fight VW and their bogus consumption standards.
I am thinking of buying a 2024 tiguan, but I don’t want to add oil every thousand miles. Would you recommend with your experience that I not buy this car? Thank you very much bob.
Hi Bob – Thanks for your comment! As a lemon law firm, our goal is to help consumers who are experiencing significant issues with their vehicles, but we don’t make recommendations on whether or not to purchase a specific car. It’s important to note that with mass-produced vehicles, it’s not uncommon for some to experience issues, while others may not. If you do decide to purchase the Tiguan and encounter any issues that you feel may qualify as a defect under lemon law, feel free to reach out and we’d be happy to help.
2022 VW Tiguan, 40,000km since new. High oil consumption, roughly 1 quart every 1000 miles. If a class action is started, I would like to be a part of it. VW dealers saying it is normal and acceptable. Within limits. Consumers should be warned before purchase.