Table 1 shows one common exterior lighting related problems of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting problems |
This over head dome light falls out of nowhere it hit me in the face while driving. There are alot of complaints about this but no recall.
The overhead console that controls the interior lights, sunroof, sos button, etc. Just popped off while driving and almost hit me in the head.
This a safety concern with the console dropping down while driving. The overhead (central) console behind the rearview mirror dropped down on my current vehicle (it also dropped down on another Tiguan that I owned while it was parked at the dealership for a different repair (doesn't seem to be a coincidence along with other complaints by customers who show photos online of the same problem with the same make and model Tiguan that I have (2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV). Again, this is a safety concern about the overhead (central) console dropping down while driving and also hanging after it drops down which may cause other electrical issues such as starting and exposure to moisture, heat, or coldness in the interior of the car. Also, cannot open the sunroof now due to concerns of exposure.
The overhead control console breaks free and falls down in front of the rear view mirror. Inspecting the broken console, the screws are to tight causing the plastic to fatigue and eventually break. Searching this issue on reddit, it seems common enough, people have had them fall when closing a door, pots holes ect. Mine broke free when giving over a speed bump.
The seal on the passenger headlight on my 2021 Tiguan failed and condensation accumulated in the light. After a short while, the light shorted out and needed to be replaced. The dealer I went to was not very responsive and stated the light was on backorder and they could not obtain. Once the light shorted, the dealership took the car overnight, provided a loaner and replaced the headlight. For the record, I do not know if the light is vw or after-market and do not care as long as it continues to work. This is important b/c now the driver headlight seal failed and the light shorted out. Same story with the headlight on backorder and the dealership will not replace nor provide a loner. It is apparent the headlights used in vw Tiguans are faulty and run the risk of shorting out. So I am left a leased vehicle that is literally not legally fit to drive - no head light, turn-signal is also not operable.
I was driving down the road and the overhead console fell out of the roof. . . I researched it and found this has happened to many people. Just glad I didnt wreck.
On ~August 1, 2022, the "overheard console" (containing lights, bt microphone, and sunglass compartment) unexpectedly "dropped" out of the vehicle's ceiling. The plastic and adhesive keeping this part in place appeared to have cracked into pieces, and the weight of the part caused it to fall. I was driving during this incident and it startled me into nearly having an accident. When I called the dealership I purchased this brand new car from less than two years ago, (hewlett Volkswagen of georgetown, texas) they informed me that I was one of many customers experiencing the same issue on Tiguans manufactured in the last 2 years. In fact, when I described what happened, the service advisor guessed my make/model before I provided further detail. The dealership refused to accommodate my safety (let along the inconvenience) by offering a tow/loaner vehicle, so I had to drive over 25 miles (~40 minutes) to bring the car in to get the broken console removed. In that trip, I almost got into another accident because the part dangling from my ceiling was obstructing my view while driving. I have been waiting 6 weeks to get this part replaced, which the dealership confirmed was back order issues because they've had so many instances with other vw Tiguans this summer. I have contacted vw customer service hotline and the dealership about a recall on this, but both validated that they've never filed anything despite being fully aware that "dropping overhead consoles" have been a recurring safety risk for cars with my make/model/year for months. While I've waited for vw to take responsibility, I've injured myself getting into my vehicle at night because I have no lights inside the car, let alone at extreme risk for assault. And because I cannot use the bt microphone, a feature which encouraged me to buy this car brand new, I have had to make sacrifices in my career. My life and the lives of others have been put at risk because vw has refused to consider this a safety recall.