A Volkswagen wiring harness class action lawsuit alleges that several Volkswagen Atlas, Golf, Jetta, Tiguan and Taos vehicles may be prone to random braking. According to the lawsuit, faulty wiring harnesses result in random activation of automatic emergency brakes, windows opening and closing by themselves, and other vehicle defects.
The class action lawsuit alleges that these vehicles should have been recalled. Though the lawsuit cites Volkswagen’s knowledge of the wiring harness problem in VW Atlas vehicles, the lawsuit alleges that many Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles suffer the same issue. Many owners of 2019–2022 Volkswagen Tiguan cars have submitted complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
We have compiled a sample of these complaints, which have prompted the class action lawsuit. Please note that the complaints on the Volkswagen Tiguan wiring harness issues have been edited for grammar and clarity.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
My Tiguan is doing the same thing as the Atlas. I have been told by the dealer and the VW representative that did a physical inspection of my vehicle, that the issues are the same. I was doing 70 mph on the highway all the dash[board] lights went on and then the brakes engage, bringing my vehicle to a complete stop. This was in March of 2021. Vehicle was taken straight to dealer. I was told then what was happening, and was told the issue was resolved. Then in January 2022, the vehicle did the same thing once at a low speed, and again that same morning going 30 mph, where the truck behind us did everything he could to avoid hitting the vehicle as my vehicle came to a complete stop. I was the front car and thankfully, the truck behind me was the only other vehicle on the road. I pulled in to a parking lot, I attempted to back up and the vehicle would not go in to reverse. I had to have my vehicle towed to the dealership where it has sat since January. They have not been able to repair the unit, as they are waiting for a wire harness for the door. VW corporate has been notified and is not been helpful at this point.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Door latch malfunctions required multiple visits to mechanic to diagnose. It locked and unlocked randomly, as in would lock me out or in the vehicle, requiring I use an alternate door (not driver door) to exit my vehicle. Emergency brake assist engages in gutters and driveways. Essentially anything that isn’t flat terrain may result in the Tiguan slamming on the brakes for you, coming to a complete stop. Even when approaching dips, gutters, driveways or different inclines you have a very likely chance of the emergency system engaging brakes.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the Forward Collision Avoidance system and Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency braking engaged. The brake warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure reoccurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact requested that the dealer notify the manufacturer of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
The vehicle will stop itself while in motion through the automatic braking system at random times, both in traffic and when no other vehicles are around. The warning will show up in the gauge cluster and the car will quickly come to a stop. This has happened on at least 4 occasions. The dealer has stated there are no faults.
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
While driving, car gives error messages: Driver door contact switch, then drivers window and drivers side passengers window rolls down 2 inches. With in a few seconds get Error Start/Stop, and a few seconds later Fault: Electronic parking brake. When I slowed to a stop the parking brake engaged and stopped the vehicle. The only way to move the vehicle is to turn off and restart. Upon restart, you can disengage the parking brake and move the vehicle from the roadway.
If you have recurring braking problems with your Volkswagen, your vehicle may be a lemon. Read more about your California lemon law rights. If you would like more information, complete the form below to request a free consultation.
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2017–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
