Volkswagen is recalling 49,958 model-year 2025 Tiguans because software can cause the Body Control Module to reset without warning, potentially shutting down the engine or disabling important vehicle controls while driving.
Software Issue Can Reset Body Control Module
The recall covers 49,958 Volkswagen Tiguans built between March 25 and August 30 of last year. The issue affects vehicles equipped with one specific version of the software that operates the Body Control Module, so the entire 2025 production run is not included.
According to Volkswagen, the software can cause the BCM to reset unexpectedly, including while the vehicle is being driven. Because the module controls many of the vehicle’s body-related functions, a reset can create several potential problems.
The reset can shut off the engine, resulting in a loss of power and a sudden rapid stop in the roadway. If the engine remains running, the failure can still cause certain controls to stop working, prevent instruments and telltale warnings from illuminating, and disable the rearview cameras.
The exterior lights can also shut off. Volkswagen said these issues can increase the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen Tracked the Issue Before Recall
Volkswagen first became aware of the problem in January 2025, when the ignition turned off in a test vehicle.
By June last year, the automaker determined that the issue was related to errors with the error correcting code. However, Volkswagen said that “given the nature of the topic and the number of factors required to trigger the failure mode, it was unclear whether any additional cases would likely occur.” The company continued monitoring the situation.
Between October 2025 and April 2026, Volkswagen identified “a small number” of potentially related issues in other markets. The automaker has not experienced any such cases in the United States.
Despite that, Volkswagen’s safety committee decided to issue the recall because the company could not rule out the possibility of the problem occurring in a vehicle owned by a customer.
How Volkswagen Will Fix the Tiguan Recall
The repair requires a software update at a Volkswagen dealership, and owners will not be charged for the fix.
Volkswagen has already sent letters notifying owners about the recall. Owners who have not received a letter can search for their vehicle identification number, or VIN, on Volkswagen’s website or with the NHTSA.
However, the software update is not yet ready. Volkswagen plans to send another round of letters when the update becomes available and expects that to happen November 6.
