Volkswagen markets its cars as safe, affordable, and reliable, but the reality doesn’t always match the branding. In particular, many drivers have reported problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. According to federal records, 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan problems have led to five recalls and over 100 official consumer complaints. If you have noticed any severe, persistent issues with your 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan despite several repair attempts while it’s under warranty, you may have the right to legal relief through California’s Lemon Law.
At The Barry Law Firm, we focus exclusively on California Lemon Law cases, including issues with Volkswagen cars like the 2019 Tiguan. Our in-depth experience with these cases means we can handle all the legal details of your case and work to hold Volkswagen accountable for the problems they’ve caused you. We have over 15 years of experience with Lemon Law cases and a 4.9-star Google rating based on more than 350 client reviews. Plus, you never owe us any fees for taking your case, regardless of the outcome. Call The Barry Law Firm now or complete our contact form for a FAST & FREE consultation.
When Your 2019 VW Tiguan May Qualify as a Lemon
If your 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has had persistent defects, it may qualify as a lemon under California’s Lemon Law when specific legal requirements apply. The issue must involve a substantial defect that affects the vehicle’s safety, use, or value. The defect must also fall under the manufacturer’s original warranty and start while that warranty was still in effect.
Another key requirement is giving Volkswagen a reasonable number of chances to fix the issue. What counts as “reasonable” depends on the situation:
- Serious safety problems often allow fewer repair attempts (as few as two attempts in some cases).
- Less severe issues may require more visits to the authorized dealership.
- In other cases, a defective 2019 Tiguan may qualify as a lemon if it stays out of service for an excessive amount of time due to warranty repairs.
The manufacturer, usually through its authorized dealership, must perform the repair attempts for them to count. When these conditions exist, California law may require the manufacturer to repurchase your defective vehicle and refund what you have spent on it through a Lemon Law claim.
Common Problems Found in the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Consumer Reports has determined that the 2019 Tiguan is less reliable than vehicles from the same model year, with several recalls and owner complaints. Drivers have reported many 2019 VW Tiguan problems, including:
- No warning when the key stays in the ignition – Some 2019 Tiguan models lack an audible alert when drivers leave the key in the ignition and open the door. This problem increases the risk of the car rolling away without the driver knowing, potentially leading to catastrophic crashes. The lack of an audible warning in these situations also makes 2019 Tiguans more prone to theft, as it’s much easier to steal a car when the key is already in the ignition. The danger from this issue is especially prevalent in parking areas or residential settings.
- Rear coil spring fractures – Reports show that rear suspension coil springs in certain 2019 Tiguan SUVs can fracture earlier than expected. A broken spring can shift or puncture a rear tire while the car is in motion. That can cause sudden handling problems, uneven ride height, or a rapid loss of tire pressure. These sudden changes in the car’s performance significantly increase the risk of drivers losing control at highway speeds or during turns.
- Rear spoiler separation – Certain Tiguan models include an accessory rear hatch spoiler that may not attach securely to the vehicle. When this component loosens, it can detach during driving and become a road hazard for other drivers. A separating spoiler can also distract a driver if it shifts or rattles, and it may damage the rear of the vehicle or nearby traffic if it detaches at speed.
- Tire pressure loss not detected by the monitoring system – Some 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUVs have tire pressure monitoring systems that fail to detect air pressure loss when all four tires deflate at the same time. Without a timely warning, drivers may continue driving on underinflated tires without realizing the danger. Low tire pressure can reduce traction, affect braking, and increase the chances of a crash, especially during emergency maneuvers or long drives.
How Can the California Lemon Law Help You?
California’s Lemon Law provides a remedy when your 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan keeps having severe warranty-covered problems that the manufacturer can’t or won’t fix. When your vehicle meets the legal qualifications, the law can require the manufacturer to repurchase it and compensate you for your related losses. A Lemon Law buyback can cover what you paid for the car, along with expenses tied to ownership, such as repair costs, towing and rental car fees, and any loan payments you’ve made.
The law also gives you leverage during the claim process. Once you allow a reasonable number of repair attempts at an authorized dealership, the manufacturer must take responsibility for ongoing Volkswagen car defects that affect the car’s safety, use, or value. You do not need to prove intent or bad faith. You only need to show that the problem has continued under the manufacturer’s original warranty.
California’s Lemon Law also protects you from expensive legal bills. If you win your case, the manufacturer must pay all attorney fees and other costs associated with the case. You can pursue a claim without taking on financial risk while holding Volkswagen accountable under California law.
What to Do If You Think Your Volkswagen Is a Lemon
Follow these steps if you suspect your 2019 Tiguan is a lemon:
- Track every problem from the start. Write down when each issue begins, how it affects the car’s driving, and how it impacts the Tiguan’s safety, use, or value. Clear records help show that the defect has continued over time, which supports your claim if the manufacturer questions the severity or frequency of the problem.
- Take the vehicle to an authorized dealership for repairs. Always bring your Tiguan to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for warranty work. Repairs only count under California’s Lemon Law when the manufacturer, usually through its authorized dealership, attempts the fix. Skipping this step can weaken your claim and block you from recovering fair compensation.
- Keep copies of all repair orders and invoices. Save every service record, even when the dealership claims it fixed the issue. These documents show how many repair attempts occurred and how long the vehicle has stayed out of service. Service records also help confirm that the defect appeared while the manufacturer’s original warranty remained active.
- Give the manufacturer a reasonable chance to fix the issue. California law requires you to allow a reasonable number of repair attempts. The number varies depending on how serious the problem is. Showing patience during this process strengthens your position and shows that you followed the law before filing a Lemon Law claim.
- Pay attention to how long the vehicle stays out of service. Long repair times can matter in a Lemon Law case just as much as repeat visits. If your Tiguan spends an excessive amount of time at the authorized dealership for warranty repairs, that downtime can support your claim.
- Save your bills, invoices, and receipts. Establishing your expenses related to owning your faulty Volkswagen is a critical part of your Lemon Law claim. You should keep records of any out-of-pocket repair, towing, or alternative transportation costs.
- Speak with a Lemon Law attorney before deadlines pass. California’s Lemon Law includes a deadline for filing a lawsuit. A lawyer can review your records, explain your options, and submit your claim before time runs out.
Why Having a Lemon Law Attorney Is Crucial
An experienced Lemon Law attorney at The Barry Law Firm can protect your rights when a manufacturer pushes back or tries to delay your claim. You’re facing large auto companies that handle these cases often and know how to undermine your case. Our lawyers understand how California’s Lemon Law applies to your situation and know how to present repair records, warranty coverage, and timelines in a way that supports your claim.
An attorney can also manage communication with the manufacturer, which reduces your stress and helps you avoid mistakes that could weaken your claim. And our team can add up all your eligible losses to maximize your compensation and make sure you don’t leave any money on the table.
The Barry Law Firm Is Ready to Fight Your Case
Don’t let Volkswagen off the hook for their sloppy work if you’re dealing with a defective 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The Barry Law Firm knows these cases inside out and can build a compelling claim on your behalf, handling the entire Lemon Law process from start to finish. Remember, you don’t owe us any fees regardless of your claim’s outcome, so call now or complete our contact form for a FAST & FREE consultation.
