Volkswagen Tiguan Owner Reports Loud, Alarming Noise; Manufacturer Denies Safety Concern

A 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan owned by content creator Kat Mackenzie has been emitting a loud, unusual noise likened to an airplane propeller—one audible even with the doors closed. The issue has recurred multiple times while driving, raising concerns about the vehicle’s safety. Mackenzie reported the problem to Volkswagen, but the automaker stated it does not constitute a safety issue. Frustrated, she posted a video of the noise online, which has garnered over 348,000 views, and appealed for assistance from other owners or the manufacturer. Mackenzie’s post included the hashtag “#lemon,” referencing lemon laws that protect consumers who purchase vehicles with significant defects that persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts. Under most state lemon laws, such protections apply only if the defect arises within the original warranty period—typically within 12,000 to 24,000 miles—and affects essential vehicle systems such as the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, or electrical components. Consumers are generally required to give the manufacturer or dealer a chance to fix the issue before pursuing remedies like a refund or replacement. While some commenters voiced concern about the safety of continuing to drive the vehicle, others speculated the noise might stem from the car’s audio system. One commenter, whose spouse reportedly works as a Volkswagen technician, suggested the sound could be caused by a faulty amplifier located under the driver’s seat. Another recommended disconnecting the battery to reset the system. The 2022 Tiguan holds average reliability ratings, with RepairPal assigning it a 3.0 out of 5.0. Owners across various model years have reported higher-than-average repair frequencies. Volkswagen has not issued a public response to Mackenzie’s complaint.