Years affected, the mileage it usually shows up at, and what fixes it
About this problem
Every engine burns a little oil, but some designs burn a quart every 1,000 miles or less. The usual cause is piston rings that stick or wear, letting oil slip into the combustion chamber. If the owner does not top up between changes, the oil level drops low enough to damage the engine. Carmakers have issued bulletins and, in some cases, extended warranties for this.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Volkswagen Tiguan since 2012, 113 (6.2%) describe oil consumption, the second most reported problem we track on the Tiguan. The reports cluster on the 2021, 2022 and 2023 model years, and the 2022 drew the most, with 45. No recall covers it, but Volkswagen has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of 2021 to 2023 Tiguans report the engine burning oil between changes and low oil warnings. Some report a quart every 1,000 to 2,000 miles.
How it gets fixed
Volkswagen dealers run an oil consumption test, and engines that fail may get repairs under warranty.
Typical cost: Testing is free; engine repairs out of warranty can cost $3,000 or more.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Since purchasing this vehicle, along with 2 other tiguans in my family. ALL of them have had excessive oil consumption. I have complained each time I bring the car in for service and i always being told âthis is normalâ."
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
"Noticed the check engine oil light started coming on periodically between oil changes 3-4 years ago, but no external or noticeable oil leaks. Was told by VW multiple times itâs standard for VWs to burn oil."
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
"My 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has an ongoing excessive oil consumption problem that began in April 2025 when the low oil warning illuminated. I added approximately one quart of oil and contacted the Volkswagen dealership."
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Volkswagen has sent dealers 24 bulletins that mention this problem on the Tiguan. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.
How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
How to measure engine oil consumption.
Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
Engine oil consumption measurement.
Oil consumption test updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
Before you buy a Tiguan
- Check the oil level on the dipstick.
- Ask for oil change records and any oil consumption test.
Questions
Which Volkswagen Tiguan years have oil consumption?
Complaints are highest for the 2021, 2022, 2023 model years. The 2022 drew the most, with 45 reports.
How much does it cost to fix?
Testing is free; engine repairs out of warranty can cost $3,000 or more.