NHTSA Complaint #11672586 — 2022 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

At 49,000 miles, all four spark plugs and ignition coils failed and had to be replaced due to engine stuttering and hesitation during acceleration. The check engine light first appeared as I approached a red light to make a timed left turn at a high-traffic intersection during rush hour. The malfunction caused my vehicle to struggle accelerating through the intersection, putting myself and others at risk. A certified mechanic confirmed the error code indicating faulty spark plugs and coils and replaced all components under warranty. However, the check engine light continued to reappear intermittently—sometimes turning off for a week after restarting the engine, other times staying on for extended periods. Despite the initial replacement, the same code concern persisted, and the mechanic replaced the components again under the parts and labor warranty. When the issue continued, I took my vehicle to my regular trusted mechanic, who performed a more in-depth diagnostic. They discovered an excessive and unusual amount of carbon buildup in the fuel injectors, which was likely triggering the engine code and causing drivability issues. This diagnosis resulted in an additional repair expense of nearly $700. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, but the failed components are available for inspection upon request. These issues are unexpected given the vehicle's low mileage, age, and regular maintenance. Total repairs reached nearly $1,300. The hesitation posed a safety risk in traffic and suggests a possible premature system failure. My regular mechanic noted Volkswagen may claim this is “regular maintenance,” though this is not common in similar makes and models like the Tiguan.