NHTSA Complaint #11712553 — 2025 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

I purchased a new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN [XXX] ) on December 9, 2025. On January 18, 2026, with 1,243 miles, the closed sunroof suddenly shattered as I slowly backed out of my indoor garage. There was no debris, no storm, and no outside impact. I took photos immediately, including wide and close‑up shots; none show any impact point. I reported the incident to Brookdale Volkswagen the same day and sent my photos. The dealership submitted a warranty request, but Volkswagen denied it as “outside influence,” without identifying an impact point or providing written inspection notes. I requested evidence supporting that conclusion, the VW case details, and a physical inspection with written findings. After the car was towed to the dealer, the service manager sent a new photo labeled a “rock chip.” This mark does not appear in any of my original photos taken immediately after the shattering, before towing. The dealer referenced VW Tracking [XXX] and repeated the denial. Volkswagen Customer CARE later issued a formal denial and directed me to BBB AUTO LINE for dispute resolution. No external cause was present; the vehicle was indoors and stationary. No impact point appears in my original photos, and the later “chip” only appeared after the vehicle left my possession, so it is not reliable evidence of pre‑existing damage. Tempered roof glass can fail spontaneously due to manufacturing or installation stress, making this a warranty‑covered defect absent proof of impact. I am requesting warranty coverage for replacement of the panoramic sunroof assembly and related interior cleanup or repairs, written inspection findings and all photos used to support any continued impact claim, and reimbursement or coverage of reasonable costs tied to the failure. I am filing this claim through BBB AUTO LINE, and a related NHTSA complaint is being filed to document the safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)