2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Oil Consumption Lawsuit: Is Your Engine Burning Oil?

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Volkswagen for excessive oil consumption in the 2022-2023 Tiguan models.

Owners have reported that their engines are burning oil at an unusually fast rate, requiring frequent top-ups between scheduled service appointments.

The lawsuit claims that defective piston rings in the EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines allow oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn off, potentially leading to engine damage if not addressed.

Despite multiple visits to dealerships, some owners have received inadequate solutions. The plaintiffs argue that this issue forces Tiguan owners to replenish oil more often than Volkswagen’s maintenance guidelines recommend, increasing the risk of engine failure or stalling while driving.

If you own a 2022-2023 Volkswagen Tiguan and are experiencing similar issues, it may be worth checking if your vehicle is part of this lawsuit or contacting your dealership for more information.

Which Tiguan Models Experience Excessive Oil Consumption?

The excessive oil consumption issue is most commonly found in the 2022-2023 Volkswagen Tiguan models that feature the EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines.

Owners of these vehicles have reported the need to frequently add oil between scheduled service visits.

This problem is typically caused by faulty piston rings, which allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn off during operation.

What Causes the Tiguan Oil Burning Issue?

The excessive oil consumption in the 2022-2023 Volkswagen Tiguan models is primarily due to defective piston rings in the EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines.

These piston rings lack the necessary tension to create a proper seal, allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber where it burns off during operation.

As a result, owners often find themselves needing to top up the oil between scheduled service appointments.

Volkswagen has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a permanent solution, typically resorting to adding oil as a temporary fix. If left unaddressed, this defect can lead to potential engine damage.

In legal complaints, it is argued that the defective piston rings fail to form a tight seal between the piston and the cylinder wall.

This allows oil to pass into the combustion chamber, where it burns off. Beyond the risk of engine damage, the issue is also linked to increased exhaust emissions, which can pose both safety and environmental concerns.

Have There Been Any Related Recalls?

As of now, no official recalls have been issued for the excessive oil consumption issue in the 2022-2023 Volkswagen Tiguan models.

However, Volkswagen has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2017813/19) to dealerships. This bulletin instructs dealers to conduct an oil consumption test if a customer reports excessive oil usage.

According to a class action lawsuit involving the Tiguan, the TSB was issued to dealers in September 2024. The bulletin directs dealerships to inspect the engine for any oil leaks.

If no leak is found but the customer complains of excessive oil consumption beyond Volkswagen’s oil consumption standard, the dealer is required to perform a three-step “Oil Consumption Test” before any repairs are considered.

Volkswagen’s oil consumption standard is defined as “up to 0.5 quarts per 600 miles, or 0.5 liters per 1,000 km.”

If you are experiencing this issue, it may be beneficial to contact your dealership to inquire about the oil consumption test and possible remedies they can offer.

The lawsuit claims that Volkswagen has been aware of this defect since as early as 2008 but has failed to warn consumers, issue recalls for affected vehicles, or provide a suitable, free fix.

The suit further alleges that when drivers report the oil consumption problem, authorized dealerships often only add more oil as a temporary fix, instead of performing the necessary repairs under warranty.

Should I Join a Class Action Lawsuit?

Deciding whether to join a class action lawsuit depends on your individual circumstances. Here are some factors to help guide your decision:

Pros of Joining the Lawsuit

• Potential Compensation: If the lawsuit is successful, you may receive compensation for repairs, diminished vehicle value, or other related expenses.
• Shared Legal Costs: Legal fees are typically divided among all plaintiffs, reducing the financial burden on any one individual.
• Strength in Numbers: A class action lawsuit can carry more weight than individual claims, potentially leading to a faster resolution.

Cons of Joining the Lawsuit

• Time and Effort: Participating in a lawsuit can be time-consuming, requiring you to provide documentation and possibly attend legal proceedings.
• Uncertain Outcome: There is no guarantee of a favorable result, and the process may take years to conclude.
• Limited Control: As part of a class action, you may have less influence over the legal strategy and key decisions compared to filing an individual lawsuit.

Next Steps

• Consult a Lawyer: It’s important to speak with a legal professional who can assess your situation and provide personalized advice.
• Document Your Experience: Keep thorough records of your vehicle’s oil consumption issues, including service visits and communications with the dealership.

If you’re dealing with significant issues in your Tiguan, joining the class action lawsuit could offer a path toward resolution and compensation. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider seeking legal advice before making a decision.

Should I File a Lemon Law Claim?

Filing a Lemon Law claim may be a good option if your Volkswagen Tiguan is plagued by persistent issues. Here are key points to consider:

Eligibility Criteria

• Defects: The vehicle must have significant defects that affect its use, value, or safety.
• Repair Attempts: The manufacturer or dealer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue. In California, this typically means:
  • Two attempts for defects that could cause serious injury or death.
  • Four attempts for less severe defects.
  • Or the vehicle has been out of service for a total of 30 days or more due to repairs.
• Warranty: The vehicle must still be under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Benefits of Filing a Lemon Law Claim

• Vehicle Replacement or Refund: If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer may be required to either replace it or refund the purchase price.
• Reimbursement of Costs: You could be entitled to reimbursement for repair costs, towing, and rental car fees.
• Legal Fees: If you win the case, the manufacturer may be required to cover your attorney fees and court costs.

Steps to File a Claim

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all repair attempts, communications with the dealership, and any related expenses.
• Notify the Manufacturer: Send a formal written notice to the manufacturer outlining the defects and repair attempts.
• Consult a Lawyer: An experienced Lemon Law attorney can guide you through the process and help improve your chances of a successful claim.

If your Tiguan is experiencing significant issues and meets the eligibility criteria, filing a Lemon Law claim could be an effective way to seek resolution.

Consulting a legal professional will provide you with personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

For Volkswagen Tiguan owners dealing with ongoing issues, such as excessive oil consumption, filing a Lemon Law claim may offer a more effective solution.

A Lemon Law claim could provide compensation or a replacement vehicle, helping you resolve the situation in a way that meets your needs.

Past Lemon Law cases related to the Tiguan have resulted in compensation for affected owners, offering financial relief and a potential resolution to the persistent defects:

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

The Lemon Law Experts Can Help!

If you’re dealing with ongoing oil consumption issues in your Volkswagen Tiguan and haven’t received a permanent solution from the manufacturer or dealership, it might be time to explore your legal options.

An experienced Lemon Law attorney can help you determine the best course of action, whether it involves joining a class action lawsuit or filing an individual claim for a vehicle replacement, refund, or other compensation.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we have a proven history of helping clients resolve complex automotive defect cases.

Since 2009, we’ve been committed to representing individuals dealing with persistent vehicle problems, working diligently to secure favorable outcomes under both state and federal Lemon Laws.

Our legal team has extensive experience handling a variety of automotive defects, including the oil consumption issues affecting the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with your Tiguan’s oil consumption problem and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—take action now to address your vehicle’s issues and protect your rights.