Electrical System Problems of Volkswagen Tiguan - part 1

The infotainment and emergency calling feature of my vehicle stopped working with a blacked out infotainment system. The error was reported as a failed "f5 module" and the dealership reports over 2000 on backorder. The inability to make calls during an emergency is the only linked safety item here.

See all problems of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

The mib3 infotainment center has suffered a complete hardware/software failure and is entirely black. This has completely disabled the rearview backup camera, creating an immediate safety hazard and violating federal safety standards.

The vehicle experienced a sudden, total loss of motive power while driving on active roads on two separate occasions (10/06/2026 and 10/18/2026). The vehicle completely shuts off without throwing any preliminary dashboard warnings, battery lights, or error messages. Once shut down, the ignition will not turn over and the engine refuses to start. The vehicle can only be temporarily revived via an external jumpstart, indicating that the engine is draining the battery entirely while in motion because the alternator or Smart battery charging module is defective. During the second incident on 10/18/2026, the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy traffic intersection while stopping at a red light. My spouse and infant child were trapped in the vehicle for over two hours in an extremely high-risk crash zone before roadside help could arrive to jumpstart the vehicle. The local authorized Volkswagen dealership previously attempted to remedy the issue on 10/06/2026 by simply charging the battery for 24 hours, failing to find the root cause of the active electrical drainage and releasing an unsafe vehicle back into commerce. This is a severe, unpredictable stalling defect that leaves drivers entirely vulnerable to rear-end collisions.

See all problems of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

I went to start the vehicle and immediately received numerous errors and warning lights on the dash. These include: rear traffic alert, transmission error, drive system warning, engine warnings and more - all saying to ‘please service vehicle’. I put my foot on the break and attempted to shift the car into drive and it would not let me shift out of park. I turned the car off, then back on, and attempted the process again with the same errors and result. I had to contact road side assistance and have my car towed to the dealership service department. Had I been anywhere but at home, I would have felt increasingly unsafe and inconvenienced. However, as this is just one of multiple malfunctions with this vehicle, I continue to feel unsafe using the vehicle for myself and my family, as it has proved unreliable time and time again.

See all problems of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

The 5f module on our 2021 vw Tiguan has bricked our infotainment screen after a botched software update sent from vw. We are having to drive our car without the use of a gps, rear view camera, radio and defrost system because vw has not currently got this issue on recall, and we are not under warranty. This was a problem caused soley by vw’s software update and has nothing to do with our driving or service of the car.

See all problems of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

Screen went black on vehicle entertainment console and sos emergency system failure being reported by vehicle dashboard indicators. Rear-view camera is unreliable and video feed freezes or fails to display. No power delivery to charging ports. Mobile wifi access point paid service is inaccessible. Already taken vehicle into dealership who alerted me of a backorder for a necessary replacement of the f5 module to remedy the issue with vehicle. I am a lessee with a warranty on this vehicle. Dealership says I just have to wait. Is this car now unsafe to drive?.

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 was checked, alternator was checked, everything is fine. This is a vw issue as many 2019 Tiguans have been experiencing this exact issue this year. This is not safe!.

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Within 6 months of purchasing car cpo from dealer, car went into limp mode. Was less than 35k miles, still having same issues at 85k miles. Took to dealer, they said nothing was wrong with car. Car began to have ecu light come on frequently in the middle of driving, took back to dealer. They replaced the fuel injector harness under warranty. Began to have issues with fuel injector misfires, car stalling and lagging at stop signs, sputtering when given gas. When driven for long periods at a time, would intermittently not start. Took back to dealer within a year, spent 1800 on maybe fixes, modules and carbon filter replacement. Same issues. Took back again, spent another 1800 replacing modules. Same issues repeated. Took to a european car specialist as we were frustrated with not getting the vehicle properly fixed for years at the dealer, had the engine walnut blasted for any carbon buildup and fuel injectors cleaned, they diagnosed and said the fuel rail harness is bad. Took back to Volkswagen, they re-evaluated and said there was no issue- my husband had to explain to them that there was a repair just done so code reading would not be sufficient and they needed to get under the car and use a multimeter to diagnose the wiring harness. Service team needs additional training- after doing so they found the fuel harness used may in fact be bad and replaced it a second time. Called vw corporate who was no help and told me we are at the discretion of the dealer and they years of the same issues are just what happens at times when the vehicle is out of warranty. There are thousands of reports online- I have been out of use of the vehicle for at least 6 months in my 5 years of ownership. I cannot believe that vw has consistently faulty product relating to the fuel rail system and has not recalled the vehicles.

See all problems of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

"the main infotainment screen completely failed and went black on my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, rendering the backup camera entirely inoperable. This creates a severe safety hazard and violates federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 111. The vehicle was diagnosed at keffer vw, and the manufacturer stated the replacement parts are backordered for 4 to 5 weeks. The dealership and manufacturer refused to provide a loaner vehicle, forcing me to leave the car on the dealer lot to avoid driving an unsafe vehicle. Volkswagen is failing to provide a safe remedy within a reasonable timeframe under warranty. ".

My entire infotainment system went black and a warning about the sos system failing came up on the dash. My back up camera does not work, the sos system does not work, radio, charger, etc. I called vw customer care who sent me to the dealership. Dealer said they tried the tb 91-26-04 (2082628) software protocol from Volkswagen and had no success. They need part j794 to complete the repair. The part is on back order with no eta of when it will arrive. Dealership gave me back the car with compromised safety features (now federally mandated). I'm a lessee under warranty. I'm also nervous that other parts of the car could also have electrical or systemic failure.

While driving a 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan in los angeles county, CA, the vehicle spontaneously and without driver input shifted itself into neutral. The vehicle experienced a complete loss of motive power and stopped driving. I was travelling with my newborn infant in the back seat when the vehicle lost propulsion in active traffic, creating an extreme and immediate collision hazard. The vehicle had to be coasted to the shoulder under hazardous conditions. Car literally stopped in the middle of a busy intersection. Several dashboard lights came on during this incident. The next day the engine light turned on.

The infotainment center in my 2023 vw Tiguan se has completely died. With this failure, the reverse camera no longer activates or functions whatsoever. I am unable to access any of the features of the car that are adjusted via the infotainment center. I have contacted both the manufacturer and dealer, but there are no recalls on this year of vehicle, only the newer years. It is available for inspection. There was no indication of an issue before this failure occured and it still remains unusable after various attempts to resolve the issue per online recommendations. I cannot see behind me as the car has various blind spots now.

See all problems of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

Suspected electrical defect and potential fire hazard – 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 coming from the sunroof area and filled the cabin. Afterward, multiple warning lights illuminated, the vehicle displayed a “turn car off” warning, the door locks repeatedly cycled, the climate control stopped working, and the infotainment/navigation screen shut off and restarted. A mechanic subsequently determined that the sunroof wiring harness had melted and required replacement. I was informed that the wiring harness (part number 5na971648c) is unavailable and has been placed under Volkswagen’s “quality inspection” process due to suspected fire-hazard concerns. Volkswagen reportedly no longer supplies this harness separately, requiring replacement of the entire sunroof assembly, including the glass, even though the glass is not the source of the problem. The repair is estimated at $3,900 and requires extensive labor, including dashboard removal and a VIN-specific part from germany. My primary concern is safety, not cost. A wiring harness that melts and produces enough smoke to fill a vehicle’s cabin could potentially cause a fire, damage other electrical systems, or endanger occupants. I am concerned other owners may face the same hazard. I request that NHTSA investigate whether the sunroof wiring harness or associated electrical system in 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles presents a safety defect, review similar reports, and determine whether further investigation or corrective action is warranted.

While opening the sunroof, the front end of the sunroof began to billow smoke. The cabin filled with smoke. The car was immediately turned off and the fuse was removed. While attempting to drive the vehicle closer to the dealership, the car experienced a total electrical failure and stalled on the side of the road. The car will require a tow. There is a known recall on this matter, however, my VIN does not fall under this recall. The recall explains the exact issue we experienced with the smoking sunroof motor from the faulty lighting causing a serious fire risk.

Vehicle threw sos emergency call feature error two years ago. I replaced the module at the dealership. Today, the same sos emergency call feature again showed up and I am unable to make an emergency call. This is a known and common issue with vw.

See all problems of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an alert flashed indicating that "travel assist is no longer available," followed by a loud, persistent chiming noise that continued while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Last night I was easing into braking to switch lanes when the car braked on its own. (completely stopping) there was nobody in front of me, and the car isn’t dirty, so the sensors weren't blocked. We were almost rear ended as a result. All the dash lights randomly turn on. The sos always comes and also, the horn when I lock my vehicle it occasionally goes off. The usb connections occasionally work in it. The car pretty much has its days.

The infotainment system no longer works after an over the air update. The backup camera is including all other cameras are no longer visible . Before it completely just stopped working when attempting to back out the infotainment system would freeze and not signal something was back there . The digitally dynamic road display is not working so car acc is not operable . Additionally since the blackout the windshield wipers randomly turn on even if not raining causing distraction and obstructed visibility at times problem has been confirmed by independent vw dealers in several states (there is a whole facebook vw owners group where several people are reporting the same issue) there are also known topics related to these issues on vws help center page regarding ota updates and infotainment system issues it gives instructions on how to troubleshoot but then says see your local dealer if that doesn’t resolve the issue vehicle has been inspected by vw dealer. The backup camera would freeze intermittently and dealer would report nothing to see so it’s working fine . After last ota update system blacked out longer and has not turned back on.

This is an additional complaint concerning the same vehicle previously reported under odi xxx. On xxx, while the vehicle was in drive and moving at approximately 5 mph in [xxx], it unexpectedly shut off and shifted itself into park. On xxx, while reversing, the vehicle suddenly lost all power and the engine shut off while the transmission was still in reverse. The vehicle had to be shifted into park before it would restart. Photographs were taken immediately after the xxx incident and are available. These repeated shutdowns created a serious risk of a crash or injury. The vehicle has an extensive repair history, including a transmission replacement, but continues to experience hard shifting, vibration at all speeds including during acceleration, intermittent check-engine lights, electrical problems, camera and infotainment failures, and remote-start failures. There was no immediate warning before either shutdown. Volkswagen has been notified. The vehicle is now included in Volkswagen safety recall 57kl/NHTSA 26v587 for body control module software that may reset unexpectedly, switch off the ignition, cause an engine stall, and disable controls, warning lights, exterior lighting, or the rearview camera. The recall remains incomplete. The vehicle is available for inspection. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v587000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.

2022 vw Tiguan, VIN [xxx], 54,953 mi. Infotainment screen went black; because the rearview camera image displays only on that screen, the backup camera is completely inoperative in reverse. Failure is constant. I replaced a blown #20 fuse and attempted a hard restart with no result. Xxx, Volkswagen of [xxx] [xxx]: tech found dtc in ecm stating no communication with 5f module (infotainment control unit); vw guided test plan directs replacement of the 5f module. Quoted $501. 54. Dealer stated this is a known issue and multiple customers there are waiting on the same backordered part. Vw has already recalled 2022 Tiguans for this component and this consequence. Campaign 22v-514 ([xxx]): infotainment memory module defect causing rearview camera image not to display, certified by vw as an fmvss 111 noncompliance. Campaign 25v-082: 2022-24 Tiguan camera control unit error, same loss of camera display. Nhtsa VIN lookup on xxx shows no open recalls; my vehicle was included in neither campaign and no remedy has ever been applied. My vehicle has the identical failure (same model year, platform, component, and loss of rear visibility) as the recalled population. The dealer's statement that multiple customers await the same part indicates the defect population extends beyond the recalled vins. I request NHTSA evaluate whether the scope of 22v-514 and 25v-082 was underinclusive and whether a recall query or scope expansion is warranted for uncovered 2022 Tiguans. Ro and VIN lookup available on request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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 the vehicle from the dealership on the 18th and had recently been training one of my kids for driving lessons. While I am grateful that me or my family where not physically injured it is unacceptable that both the manufacturer and dealership knowingly put both me and my family in harms way and I expect to be compensated for this preventable traumatic experience we've endured due to no fault of ours. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The back up camera, bluetooth and radio system has all gone black.

2021 Tiguan parking brake comes on without being commanded. There is a fault with the drivers door. I believe the the driver door module or corresponding wiring. The front drivers window toggle switch does not work the toggles switches for the rest of the window work only if the is not an error displayed on the dash. The lock button does not work on the drivers door at all and only works on the rest of the door when an error message is not displayed on the dash. The dash displays the following errors: 1. Driver door contact switch. 2. Start/stop. 3. Electronic parking brake. It also displays attention: engine is running. So far the parking brake only comes on(un commanded) when the vehicle is stopped.

A/c has been a consistent issue since I purchased this from columbia SC- carmax's dealership in 2022. I've replaced the compressor and valves, and no resolve. The car sucks up oil and the electrical system is wacky!.

See all problems of the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 🔎.

Following a recent Volkswagen software update, the 5f module on my 2024 vw Tiguan (VIN: [xxx], mileage: 14,449) completely failed. The local dealership (ro number: xxx) confirmed the failure and advised replacing the 5f module (auth code:xxx), which is on backorder with no eta. This initial failure disabled critical safety systems: the backup camera (violating fmvss 111), the sos emergency system, and the tpms. Volkswagen corporate (case with [xxx]) has refused vor escalation and denied alternative transportation. Furthermore, since retrieving the vehicle from the dealership, the electrical issues have escalated severely. The vehicle now experiences intermittent total electrical/lock-out failures 3 to 4 times a day. During these episodes, neither the key fob nor the physical interior lock/unlock buttons function. The vehicle remains completely unresponsive for several minutes before randomly working again. This poses a severe safety risk of trapping occupants inside or leaving them stranded outside. Vw's negligence in addressing these escalating software and electrical safety defects is unacceptable. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On xxx, my 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced an internal electrical failure of the 5f infotainment control module (part #3q5-035-842-j). There were no advance warning lights or symptoms prior to the screen going completely black and unresponsive. The failure was officially diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized dealership, fitzgerald Volkswagen in [xxx], on xxx. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: the 5f module failure completely disables the primary display screen, rendering the rearview camera system frozen and entirely inoperable. This creates a severe rear-visibility safety hazard while reversing, particularly when transporting my minor child, and fails to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard fmvss no. 111 (rear visibility). Systemic failure & backorder: the module failure also disables the radio, wireless charging, and front/rear usb ports. Fitzgerald vw special-ordered the replacement module under warranty but confirmed the part is on a nationwide backorder with no estimated time of arrival (eta) and approximately 59 units currently backordered nationwide. The vehicle has not been inspected by law enforcement or insurance, but the manufacturer (Volkswagen group of America) has been formally notified under customer care case #xxx. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

According to the report I received from nucar in tilton nh, my 5f module for the infotainment system is not working after an ota update. Navigation, volume, road sign assistance (speed limit signs), bluetooth sound, seat memory, etc . . I had to pay $700 to have them look at the car and they did not fix it. Now my estimate for repair is $1700 . . . This car has 68501 miles . . Just over 60k - this is not an abuse failure - it is a product failure. There are many reports online indicating multiple model years with this issue. I am not sure what this report will do but I hope it supports fixing these expensive cars which break before you can pay them off.

My 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan has recurring oil consumption and an inoperative infotainment head unit. The engine requires approximately one additional quart of oil every 2,000 miles between oil changes. This requires repeated monitoring and oil additions. The cause of the oil loss or consumption has not been confirmed. The infotainment screen remains black. It briefly lights up or attempts to start, but does not successfully boot and remains unusable. This is a recurring problem. If accurate: the rearview camera image also does not display when reversing, limiting visibility behind the vehicle. The oil consumption was first noticed as soon as we bought the vehicle new, and reported a couple times at the dealership we purchased from, who then stated it was normal. The head unit problem began around 60,000 miles, around 8/2026.

My name is [xxx], and I am writing today to express my complete frustration mentally and financially with a cpo 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN [xxx]) I purchased xxx. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (case xxx). My recent service visit on xxx was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to vw of [xxx] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer. ” I paid $1,605. 37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Tiguan purchased 7/3 2026. The sos car info that feeds other instruments did not work. Then the car play communication dropped and would only return after car restarts. Not sure what instruments it ties to but no calls and no sos.

The infotainment mib3 system failed. Infotainment screen is completely black and non functional. This has put my family at risk because I can’t see my backup camera and have very limited visibility through rear view mirror when backing up. I also lost safety features such as rear cross traffic warning, rear auto braking, ability to see pedestrians or vehicles when backing up, and the emergency cell call system. My car also no longer can access navigation or carplay which makes navigation dangerous on my small phone. Failure of mib3 infotainment brain was confirmed by vw dealer. Car is under factory warranty but part is backordered with no eta so I’m forced to drive an unsafe car. Was denied a loaner vehicle. This failure happened 1 day after overhead console spontaneously broke and fell down from headliner. Error lights now persist on the dashboard.

On unusually hot days, my vw Tiguan 2019, pops up a check start system and shuts down the dash and all electrical components (speedometer, a/c, infotainment system, blindside monitors, brake lights etc. ) car still runs but everything does not work. On searching, there are other vw users complaining about this issue as well making it a known manufacturer defect/issue. I called my local vw dealer letting them know that this is a safety issue and to find out if there is currently a recall for this issue but was told there is none. As this is a massively known safety issue. I think the nthsa must mandate Volkswagen to do a complete recall for all vw vehicles they know are affected by this issue on their own budget without having consumers have to pay for this repair. Thank you.

During hot weather the vehicles electrical will shut down while driving displaying a message saying check starter system and I will loose all lighting and brake lights and turn signals and hvac systems and engine will shut off also I was going down the highway when this happened to me and it only happens in hot weather. This has been happening since we purchased the vehicle Volkswagen refuses to fix it and the 2020 models are on recall for this same issues.

The 2026 vw Tiguan infotainment system blacks out due to thermal failure at ambient temps as low as 100 deg f this creates a total loss of driver controls including windshield defrost and demise systems posing an immediate visibility hazard vw refused to repair becuase defective hardware does not store a diagnostic trouble code on reboot. Prevents any driver action to clear fogged windshield. Or operate fan speeds to do so.