Volkswagen Tiguan Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the Volkswagen Tiguan across 14 model years. The 2011 model year has the most (39). The words owners use most often: “fuse box” (25% of reports).
- 126exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuse box: mentioned in 32 of 126 complaints (25%)
- Low beam: mentioned in 17 of 126 complaints (13%)
- Turn signal: mentioned in 17 of 126 complaints (13%)
- License plate: mentioned in 11 of 126 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 87 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 126 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 1 an injury.
Volkswagen Tiguan exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Tiguan | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2024 Tiguan | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2022 Tiguan | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2021 Tiguan | 5 | 3% | — |
| 2020 Tiguan | 8 | 6% | — |
| 2019 Tiguan | 11 | 6% | 100 |
| 2018 Tiguan | 17 | 6% | 1,200 |
| 2017 Tiguan | 1 | 1% | 20 |
| 2016 Tiguan | 2 | 2% | 6,290 |
| 2013 Tiguan | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2012 Tiguan | 1 | 1% | 28,700 |
| 2011 Tiguan | 39 | 24% | 43,800 |
| 2010 Tiguan | 19 | 17% | 42,746 |
| 2009 Tiguan | 15 | 9% | 55,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting:tail lights
Model years: 2018
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The back-up lights in the taillight assemblies may not be bright enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the back-up lights are not bright enough, other drivers may not see the vehicle reversing, or the driver may back into an obstacle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected inner taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94J9.
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers; exterior lighting
Model years: 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tiguan vehicles manufactured July 2007 through June 2011. Due to a problem with the fuse for the exterior lights, the holder for the fuse that controls the vehicle's exterior lights circuit may melt.
Risk: If the holder melts, there may be a partial loss of exterior lighting. Reduced vehicle illumination diminishes the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 97Z9/2V.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Driving totally fine and my car makes a loud noise, tells me to check starter system and pull over. ALL electronics shut off and engine continues to run. Speedometer, gas gauge, radio screen, lights, turn signals, hazards, brake lights, EVERYTHING electronic shuts off. Starter was checked, battery…
Suspected Electrical Defect and Potential Fire Hazard â 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL I am reporting a suspected electrical safety defect involving the sunroof wiring harness in my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL. While my vehicle was parked, an attempt was made to replace a blown F23 fuse. Smoke began…
My vehicle was parked on my worksite and when I can out to check a truck in. I noticed my windows looked tinted and when I went to investigate my vehicle was on fire or smoking badly and I closed the door and call [XXX]. This was a very traumatic experience for me considering I had only purchased…
On August 14, 2026, I brought my Volkswagen, with approximately 7,500 miles and still under warranty, to Bay Ridge Volkswagen, an authorized Volkswagen dealership in Brooklyn, NY. At approximately 8:00 AM, the dealer informed me that my vehicle had an applicable recall/service campaign and that…
2022 Tiguan overhead consule just fell down hanging by wires. No glasses compartment so not sure what would cause the stress on it due to usage. Dealer said 2020 models had issue and have an extended warranty. The 2022 does not have any recall. Seems like design flaw VW should correct as issue…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Volkswagen Tiguans have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 126 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the Volkswagen Tiguan. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Volkswagen Tiguan exterior lighting?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list exterior lighting. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The most frequent phrase is “fuse box”, in 32 of 126 complaints, followed by “low beam” (17).
Other Volkswagen Tiguan problems
- Engine problems (699)
- Electrical System problems (548)
- Air Bags problems (317)
- Power Train problems (207)
- Steering problems (193)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (178)
- Forward Collision Avoidance problems (138)
- Service Brakes problems (127)
See all Volkswagen Tiguan problems.