Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2022 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

When it happens

Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.

What owners wrote

“Ongoing issues with hesitation when accelerating from a stop. The car will feel like it has no power when pushing on the accelerator it may then jerk into gear and accelerate quickly or what feels like jerking in-between gears.”

Filed Aug 17, 2023

“When engine is cold, the transmission hesitates/stutters and then slams into gear. After a couple of minutes of driving, the issue stops. Turning the auto start/stop off does not have an impact on the hesitation/stuttering. This is a safety issue. Dealership claims they cannot replicate and no issues on computer diagnostics. Issue has been on going since it was purchased.”

Filed Jun 13, 2023

“Vehicle hesitates badly after a cold start, sometime several times before it goes away. I'm afraid I'll get hit pulling into traffic if not able to accelerate. No warning lamp, checked for fault codes, none stored. have tried several types of fuel as well as adding VW fuel treatment to resolve the issue. nothing has worked so far. The issue happens every time I start the car cold.”

Filed Apr 29, 2023

“Tiguan hesitates/bogs down while accelerating when cold - particularly while turning. Also noticed non-responsive acceleration with a warm engine while turning left across traffic several times. Unnerving behavior -- as it doesn't happen with any predictable frequency.”

Filed Mar 5, 2023

Other problems on this car

• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 41 reports
• Burns oil or oil level rises 41 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 38 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 34 reports