volkswagen tiguan Problems
volkswagen tiguan 2011 Complaints
PARKING BRAKE
2011 volkswagen tiguan. consumer states malfunction of electronic parking brake *tgw the consumer was driving down the highway at 50 mph. moments before, coffee from an over-filled cup had spilled into the recessed area where the electronic parking brake switch was located. when the consumer reached for some napkins, the vehicle suddenly came to a screaming halt in the middle of the lane. the engine was still running, but the brakes would not release. the consumer then pulled the parking brake switch; after a number of pulls, it finally released the brakes and the consumer was able to drive to the shoulder. the consumer stated the owners manual clearly stated that when the electronic parking switch lever is engaged while the vehicle is in motion, emergency braking will occur. but, only as long as the switch is being pulled, or until the accelerator is pressed. if the switch is released or the accelerator is pressed, emergency braking should immediately cease. the consumer stated that did not happen in this incident. he had both hands on the wheel and the switch was not pushed and was attempting to get out of the lane. the consumer was pushing the accelerator, thus satisfying both requirements for ceasing emergency braking. the vehicle was bucking back and forth; the vehicle was clearly in first gear, ut the car was not releasing the brakes. the consumer believed the system malfunctioned, perhaps as a result of the spilled coffee. a few days later, the yellow parking brake warning light illuminated on the dash, but did not appear again the next time the vehicle was started. *jb
Reported in: SOUTH PORTLAND ME || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGCV7AX9BW
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
the cruise control speed setting, under certain conditions, will increase when the decrease speed button is pressed. more specifically, when reducing the cruise control speed using the toggle switch at the end of turn signal stem on the left of the steering column, the cruise speed will increase back to the original speed if there is any hesitation in resetting the speed. for example, if the speed is set at 55 and the toggle switch is pressed 5 times to slow the car and reset the speed to 50, if there is a hesitation of a second or two and then toggle again to set the speed at 49, the cruise will reset to 55 and the car will begin accelerating back to the original speed. this occurs even though the only button pressed is the reduce speed button. this occurs at any speed setting (this condition occurred 100% of the times tested at speeds ranging from 40 to 70 mph) and under any conditions (uphill, down hill, and flat driving) - set the speed lower, hesitate, and then reduce the speed further - causes the cruise to reset back to the original speed and the car to accelerate unexpectedly. hope this is clear - email or call if this requires further explanation.
Reported in: GIBSONIA PA || Crash: N || VIN #:
SERVICE BRAKES
sporadic, complete brake failure. brakes fail to catch, petal depressed to the floor does not initiate any braking. once brakes are completely released and pushed again brakes finally catch. this issue occurs at different speeds, sometimes right after car is started, other times after it has been running a while. has occurred 5-7 times in the last year. vw technicians cannot reproduce, so will not do anything to fix. lucky there has been enough stopping distance in the previous instances to pus the brakes twice, but this presents a safety hazard to those in the tiguan and surrounding cars.
Reported in: HILLSBORO OR || Crash: N || VIN #:
STEERING
i was driving on the highway within the limited speed. the steering wheel was suddenly out of my control. the car moved left and right, but i couldn't control it. i hit the brake and eventually stopped by hit the guardrail after turning 180 degree on the highway. the steering wheel light was on but disappeared afterwards. this was a really scaring experience. i could be killed. after complaining the steering wheel problem to volkswagen, since the steering wheel light (orange) disappeared, the customer representative said it was me whom caused the accident. i was furious and insisted on the issue by suggesting to run a thorough check. i waited for more than two weeks before i got a report from vw technician. i was expecting a thorough diagnostic test on the car's steering system, but i only got a short page saying about the car was drivable and apparently nothing wrong, except a noise ( like bearing noise) when turning the steering wheel left or right. vw didn't even do any computer tests or any detailed tests on the car. the noise produced by the steering wheel was once again confirmed that something wrong with steering. finally, vw confirmed there was something wrong with the steering and needed to change the steering system; however, vw said i caused the problem. this is completely nonsense. first, vw said there was nothing wrong with the steering system; however, later because of the obvious noise, now it admitted there was something wrong and said to need to change the whole steering system. since there was only a slight damage at the left bumper at the driver's side, and it didn't damage the steering system inside; thus, it must be the malfunction of steering that caused the accident. however, the way volkswagen dealt with my complaint was horrible. vw tried to push all the responsibility on me and obviously didn't see the whole thing from my side.
Reported in: PLANO TX || Crash: Y || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
while driving on the highway at night, multiple indicator lights began flashing in the following order: check front right low beam, check front right fog light, check rear left side light, check left front side light, number plate check license plate lighting, check third brake light, check rear left brake light, check front right turn signal, and check rear right side light. i pulled over to the side of the highway to examine the car. only one head-light and one tail-light was working. all other lights were out. i turned the car off and back on twice without any change in the lights. i drove the car to the dealership service department right away; however they were closing. the technician said the problem was known to be the result of a defective fuse box and requested that i return in the morning. i've reported similar problems with the electrical/lighting since purchasing the vehicle new; however this was the first time i've experienced a complete failure of the lighting system and the first time i've been told there is a defective fuse box. *updated 09-18-13 *bf updated 9/27/2013 *js
Reported in: ASHBURN VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX7BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
while driving on the highway at night, multiple indicator lights began flashing in the following order: check front right low beam, check front right fog light, check rear left side light, check left front side light, number plate check license plate lighting, check third brake light, check rear left brake light, check front right turn signal, and check rear right side light. i pulled over to the side of the highway to examine the car. only one head-light and one tail-light was working. all other lights were out. i turned the car off and back on twice without any change in the lights. i drove the car to the dealership service department right away; however they were closing. the technician said the problem was known to be the result of a defective fuse box and requested that i return in the morning. i've reported similar problems with the electrical/lighting since purchasing the vehicle new; however this was the first time i've experienced a complete failure of the lighting system and the first time i've been told there is a defective fuse box. *updated 09-18-13 *bf updated 9/27/2013 *js
Reported in: ASHBURN VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX7BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
all the exterior lighting was intermittently not working. turning on headlamps and turning on bright lights would often fix the problem - headlights, blinkers and fog lamps would work again. when this would not work more often than not turning the car off and starting it again would resolve the issue. dealership initially replaced a control module in january of 2013. problem went away for a while. when the problem came back today, the dealership stated they had now had multiple instances of this problem and suspected a melted fuse block in the engine compartment. dealer gave me the failed part and replaced it with another, perhaps a redesigned part as the part number is slightly different. the 30a fuse which controls the headlamps is obviously melted at the block. vehicle is covered under an extended warranty with a $100.00 deductible. spoke with vw of america and asked if they would cover my costs for replacement as dealer claimed that there have been multiple instances of this issue and searching the internet for this issue also results in reports of many others having a similar problem with the fuse block in this vehicle. vw of america politely denied this request. suggest that you pursue the issue and suggest to vw of america that they issue a recall for this component which is failing and, as it is an electrical component, might cause an under the hood fire. updated 09/17/13*lj the exterior lighting failed simultaneously.
Reported in: RENO NV || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX7BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
all the exterior lighting was intermittently not working. turning on headlamps and turning on bright lights would often fix the problem - headlights, blinkers and fog lamps would work again. when this would not work more often than not turning the car off and starting it again would resolve the issue. dealership initially replaced a control module in january of 2013. problem went away for a while. when the problem came back today, the dealership stated they had now had multiple instances of this problem and suspected a melted fuse block in the engine compartment. dealer gave me the failed part and replaced it with another, perhaps a redesigned part as the part number is slightly different. the 30a fuse which controls the headlamps is obviously melted at the block. vehicle is covered under an extended warranty with a $100.00 deductible. spoke with vw of america and asked if they would cover my costs for replacement as dealer claimed that there have been multiple instances of this issue and searching the internet for this issue also results in reports of many others having a similar problem with the fuse block in this vehicle. vw of america politely denied this request. suggest that you pursue the issue and suggest to vw of america that they issue a recall for this component which is failing and, as it is an electrical component, might cause an under the hood fire. updated 09/17/13*lj the exterior lighting failed simultaneously.
Reported in: RENO NV || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX7BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
i started receiving warning lights that there were burned out bulbs around the car. it started with the right front high beam, then low beam. i called the dealership to schedule an appointment for the same day as there was a safety concern with an out headlight. on my way to the dealership the warning light went off and i went home. by the end of the next day and i started to receiving the same warning, right front high and low beam. the warning would go away if i cycled the lights on and off and the high and low beam would come back on. i scheduled another appointment with vw to have them check things out and was told that it could be a problem that they had fixed the week before on the same car, a melted fuse box relay. on my way to the dealer, all of my brake lights and turn signals went out and sure enough it was the melted relay. vw refused to stand behind the repair and said they would contact me if there was a recall. updated 9/19/13 *cn updated 09/27/2013 *js
Reported in: GRAND RAPIDS MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX0BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
intermittent failure of right headlight and turn signal. vw dealership diagnosed as melted fuse box. fuse box replaced and issue resolved.
Reported in: TOMBALL TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX9BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
intermittent failure of right headlight and turn signal. vw dealership diagnosed as melted fuse box. fuse box replaced and issue resolved.
Reported in: TOMBALL TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX9BW
POWER TRAIN
the parking brake sets itself whenever the vehicle is in park. also, when you depress the brakes and come to a stop, it will not roll forward or move until the gas is pressed. the necessity of pressing the gas to move at all is also the case in reverse.
Reported in: GARLAND TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the parking brake sets itself whenever the vehicle is in park. also, when you depress the brakes and come to a stop, it will not roll forward or move until the gas is pressed. the necessity of pressing the gas to move at all is also the case in reverse.
Reported in: GARLAND TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
SERVICE BRAKES
the parking brake sets itself whenever the vehicle is in park. also, when you depress the brakes and come to a stop, it will not roll forward or move until the gas is pressed. the necessity of pressing the gas to move at all is also the case in reverse.
Reported in: GARLAND TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
a fuse has melted (not burned out in the typical manner), and melted part of the fuse block. this caused all of the lights on the vehicle to malfunction. headlights on one side, one turn signal, bulbs in different parts of the taillight assemblies (both sides), one backup light and the third brake light. all appeared to be burned out. upon replacement of the fuse, all worked properly. from researching the internet, we found numerous websites and forums where this has been happening on these vehicles from 2009-2013, usually around 40-50,000 miles. the loss of these lights can cause an accident or fire to the vehicle due to the electrical system getting so hot as to melt the way it did. it has been stated that vw of america has refused to correct these problems...updated 09-18-13 *bf the fuse was replaced to get all of the lights working properly again.
Reported in: SEVIERVILLE TN || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX0BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
a fuse has melted (not burned out in the typical manner), and melted part of the fuse block. this caused all of the lights on the vehicle to malfunction. headlights on one side, one turn signal, bulbs in different parts of the taillight assemblies (both sides), one backup light and the third brake light. all appeared to be burned out. upon replacement of the fuse, all worked properly. from researching the internet, we found numerous websites and forums where this has been happening on these vehicles from 2009-2013, usually around 40-50,000 miles. the loss of these lights can cause an accident or fire to the vehicle due to the electrical system getting so hot as to melt the way it did. it has been stated that vw of america has refused to correct these problems...updated 09-18-13 *bf the fuse was replaced to get all of the lights working properly again.
Reported in: SEVIERVILLE TN || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX0BW
SEATS
tl* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen tiguan. the contact stated while driving 65 mph the contact attempted to raise the passenger seat from the reclined position but the seat would not move. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but was informed the seats were designed not to raise while the vehicle was being driven unless the driver physically lifted the seat for the passenger. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and also stated the seat was operating as designed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 30,000.
Reported in: DOYLESTOWN PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX0BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
intermittent check lights cycles through and shows headlights not working, then brake lights. when i take into the dealership, they check the computer and say that there is no hard recorded error. the danger is that this has happened 3 times and once at night to where my car was like a christmas tree blinking on and off. i almost got rear ended when brake lights don't work. this is very dangerous and the dealership says nothing can be found.
Reported in: ELK GROVE CA || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
intermittent check lights cycles through and shows headlights not working, then brake lights. when i take into the dealership, they check the computer and say that there is no hard recorded error. the danger is that this has happened 3 times and once at night to where my car was like a christmas tree blinking on and off. i almost got rear ended when brake lights don't work. this is very dangerous and the dealership says nothing can be found.
Reported in: ELK GROVE CA || Crash: N || VIN #:
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
traveling north/west bound on interstate 94 in maple grove, mn. car suddenly lost power, started stuttering, and then shut off. waited 2 hours for a tow on the side of the freeway with a 3 year old in 90 degree heat. was towed to luther west side vw dealer and they found a failure of the high pressure fuel pump. there has been ongoing issues with these pumps in previous model years 2009 and 2010. those years were investigated by the ntsb previously and the vw warranty for the part was extended as a result. but as of now vw is refusing to fix the part under warranty.
Reported in: MAPLE GROVE MN || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AXXBW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
multiple electrical items were reported as failing by the vehicle information center (low beam headlight, backup light, side marker light, fog light, third brake light, etc.) and confirmed by performing a walk around of the vehicle. an online search provided information relating to similar issues for other vw owners. the issue was a fuse, located in a fuse block under the hood of the vehicle, that had melted on one side of the fuse enough to tear the fuse link from the fuse blade. the fuse was removed, however, enough damage has been suffered by the fuse socket that a new fuse cannot be inserted. a new fuse block assembly will be required to repair this issue. there is clearly an underlying issue with the fuse block design. overheating of the fuse blade, caused by a poor connection, is destroying the fuse body and socket. this issue can be very dangerous if the lighting components are rendered useless while driving at night.
Reported in: PORT MATILDA PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX0BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
tl* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen tiguan. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the headlights and tail lights failed intermittently as the lighting malfunction warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic stated that the main fuse panel had to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 35,000.
Reported in: PORT REPUBLIC MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AXXBW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
lost half of all exterior lighting when the fuse box melted at a 30 amp fuse. brake lights, turn signals, and head lights stopped working.
Reported in: BRISTOW VA || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
lost half of all exterior lighting when the fuse box melted at a 30 amp fuse. brake lights, turn signals, and head lights stopped working.
Reported in: BRISTOW VA || Crash: N || VIN #:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
first noticed headlight out, changed it and still did not work. then i noticed that the front turn signal also did not work. i walked around the car and noticed that not only did the front headlight and turn signal not work but also the opposite rear brake and turn signal as well. clearly something is wrong. i went to check the fuse it was completely melted as was the box itself! you can not just replace the fuse because the box is damaged and you can't just replace the box because there is to much ampage going to the box that will cause it to do the same thing again! vw needs to make this wrong, right!
Reported in: WINFIELD MO || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX1BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
first noticed headlight out, changed it and still did not work. then i noticed that the front turn signal also did not work. i walked around the car and noticed that not only did the front headlight and turn signal not work but also the opposite rear brake and turn signal as well. clearly something is wrong. i went to check the fuse it was completely melted as was the box itself! you can not just replace the fuse because the box is damaged and you can't just replace the box because there is to much ampage going to the box that will cause it to do the same thing again! vw needs to make this wrong, right!
Reported in: WINFIELD MO || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX1BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
tl* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen tiguan. the contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the head lights and tail lights failed to illuminate normally. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic stated that the fuse box needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 30,000.
Reported in: VENTURA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX5BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
when starting my car (after it had been sitting in the garage for over 24 hrs) i immediately got a "check left front lowbeam" warning plus a warning light on the dash. turned off the car, turned it back on to see if it cleared. then i got the same warning plus "check left front fog light". got out of the car, sure enough, they were both out. i thought it was strange they were both out at the same time, but possibly just a bulb or fuse. started to drive down the street and more warnings for different lights kept coming up. i turned around and went home (had gone maybe a .25 mile). made an appointment at the dealer, and by the time i drove my car in (5.5 miles door to door) all of my exterior lights had thrown a warning and were no longer working (high beams, low beams, fog lights, turn signals, license plate light, brake lights, etc. etc.). this catastrophic failure of all of my lights simultaneously was due to a faulty fuse panel and melted fuse, which was replaced (thankfully) under my extended warranty (would have been over $600 to repair something that failed 1100 miles after my factory warranty otherwise). dealer told me they replaced the entire fuse panel with a redesigned one. this was not the first instance they were aware of of this happening, but indicated no recall had been declared. i am hopeful this fix eliminates the issue from happening in another 30-40k miles, and that there are no other failures or performance degredation in other components as a result. hopefully this part will be recalled before this electrical gremlin hits too many other vehicles. i'm lucky this happened during the day in my driveway and not on a snowy mountain pass at night.
Reported in: LAKEWOOD CO || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX6BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
when starting my car (after it had been sitting in the garage for over 24 hrs) i immediately got a "check left front lowbeam" warning plus a warning light on the dash. turned off the car, turned it back on to see if it cleared. then i got the same warning plus "check left front fog light". got out of the car, sure enough, they were both out. i thought it was strange they were both out at the same time, but possibly just a bulb or fuse. started to drive down the street and more warnings for different lights kept coming up. i turned around and went home (had gone maybe a .25 mile). made an appointment at the dealer, and by the time i drove my car in (5.5 miles door to door) all of my exterior lights had thrown a warning and were no longer working (high beams, low beams, fog lights, turn signals, license plate light, brake lights, etc. etc.). this catastrophic failure of all of my lights simultaneously was due to a faulty fuse panel and melted fuse, which was replaced (thankfully) under my extended warranty (would have been over $600 to repair something that failed 1100 miles after my factory warranty otherwise). dealer told me they replaced the entire fuse panel with a redesigned one. this was not the first instance they were aware of of this happening, but indicated no recall had been declared. i am hopeful this fix eliminates the issue from happening in another 30-40k miles, and that there are no other failures or performance degredation in other components as a result. hopefully this part will be recalled before this electrical gremlin hits too many other vehicles. i'm lucky this happened during the day in my driveway and not on a snowy mountain pass at night.
Reported in: LAKEWOOD CO || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX6BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
while operating the 2011 volkswagen tiguan, on the highway at speeds of approximately 65mph, experienced an electrical failure that caused a headlight / driving light / turn signal / brake light / marker light and plate light failure. the failure became intermittent until taken to the dealership for service. dealer stated "looked up wiring diagram and traced to a fuse in engine fuse block. / fuse not blown, but has corrosion. removed fuse and found fuse block melting. needs fuse and block. replaced both and lighting ok now.
Reported in: RAYMOND NH || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX5BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
while operating the 2011 volkswagen tiguan, on the highway at speeds of approximately 65mph, experienced an electrical failure that caused a headlight / driving light / turn signal / brake light / marker light and plate light failure. the failure became intermittent until taken to the dealership for service. dealer stated "looked up wiring diagram and traced to a fuse in engine fuse block. / fuse not blown, but has corrosion. removed fuse and found fuse block melting. needs fuse and block. replaced both and lighting ok now.
Reported in: RAYMOND NH || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX5BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
tl* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen tiguan. the contact stated that the head lights, brake, and turn signals would intermittently fail. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that there was a melted fuse in the fuse box and as a result, the fuse box needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the failure and current mileage was 59,000.
Reported in: NEW CASTLE PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX0BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
tl* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen tiguan. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the front and rear lights malfunctioned. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. the dealer replaced the fuse under warranty. the contact did not have an issue with the light after the repair. the contact did not call the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 42,000.
Reported in: SPOKANE WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX7BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
i was at work while my car was parked in the lower level of a parking garage. when i came out to leave for home, i started the car and it immediately indicated via center mfd display that all exterior lights need to be checked. left low beam, right low beam, left turn signal, right turn signal, etc. i called the dealer and they could not see me until 5 days later. the next day, however, the lights were back on. i made the appointment for 5 days later and the dealer, under warranty, replaced a melted fuse and fuse block under the hood. i asked if they corrected root cause and they said, "no! we just replaced the bad parts."
Reported in: LOUISVILLE KY || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX5BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
after driving three hours i stopped to get fuel. when i started the car to leave the gas station i saw and heard the directional flasher speed up. i turned off the directional once i exited the station. i then signaled to turn right and the flasher increased flashing speed after 5 seconds. i then received numerous different bulb out messages on the multi function display. i got out and looked and found the right front headlight out as well as numerous amber and red lights on the right side of the car. the directional on the mirror assembly is working then when i parked the car it showed the rear left tail light is out. i confirmed this light is out now. this was night driving and this vehicle had a major electrical failure causing multiple lights including head lamps to be out while driving on the interstate. the vehicle will be scheduled to be serviced and diagnosed shortly at a vw dealer.
Reported in: HENNIKER NH || Crash: N || VIN #:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
while driving... multiple exterior lights (brakelights. headlights, high beams, fog lights, and turn signals) failed... would not fix itself after shutting off car and restarting. brought to dealership for inspection and was notified it was a melted fusebox.
Reported in: LAS VEGAS NV || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AXXBW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
while driving... multiple exterior lights (brakelights. headlights, high beams, fog lights, and turn signals) failed... would not fix itself after shutting off car and restarting. brought to dealership for inspection and was notified it was a melted fusebox.
Reported in: LAS VEGAS NV || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AXXBW
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2011 vw tiguan - lights (headlights, brake lights, signals) all randomly turn off for varying periods of time. the warning indicator in the cabin of the car indicates a light is out. research indicated possible engine compartment fuse box issue, further investigation confirmed this. a fuse in the engine fuse box appears faulty and has begun melting the fuse box itself. it appears there are numerous tiguans manufactured between 2009 and 2011 which are affected by this issue. i am currently placing myself and others at risk on the road. i will seek to get the issue resolved but would like vw of america and other drivers to know about the problem before it poses more of a safety concern, or an injury.
Reported in: SMYRNA GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGCV7AX1BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2011 vw tiguan - lights (headlights, brake lights, signals) all randomly turn off for varying periods of time. the warning indicator in the cabin of the car indicates a light is out. research indicated possible engine compartment fuse box issue, further investigation confirmed this. a fuse in the engine fuse box appears faulty and has begun melting the fuse box itself. it appears there are numerous tiguans manufactured between 2009 and 2011 which are affected by this issue. i am currently placing myself and others at risk on the road. i will seek to get the issue resolved but would like vw of america and other drivers to know about the problem before it poses more of a safety concern, or an injury.
Reported in: SMYRNA GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGCV7AX1BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2011 vw tiguan - lights (headlights, brake lights, signals) all randomly turn off for varying periods of time. the warning indicator in the cabin of the car indicates a light is out. research indicated possible engine compartment fuse box issue, further investigation confirmed this. a fuse in the engine fuse box appears faulty and has begun melting the fuse box itself. it appears there are numerous tiguans manufactured between 2009 and 2011 which are affected by this issue. i am currently placing myself and others at risk on the road. i will seek to get the issue resolved but would like vw of america and other drivers to know about the problem before it poses more of a safety concern, or an injury.
Reported in: SMYRNA GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGCV7AX1BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
my bought new 2011 tiguan se lights were going out-!front head light, fog lights, turn signals , license plate due what vw said was a melted fuse box. also my car would stale at low mph in the winter time since i purchased it feb 2011( vw service response when i initially called " it could be due to cold weatherb" where ( michigan february) knowing we have cold winters why would they sell these cars in this climate ?! said it could be due to one problem which they fixed and now it's cuz the melted fuse box).
Reported in: CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AXXBW
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
i bought a new 2011 tiguan se and it stalls out at around 5 mph. this is very dangers in parking lots ( rolled into light post). vw service first time i brought it in told me it was due to a bad fuel injector which they replaced , when it happened again just this past november they said it was a melted fuse box on top of my lights going out.
Reported in: CLINTON TOWNSHIPS MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AXXBW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
i bought a new 2011 tiguan se and it stalls out at around 5 mph. this is very dangers in parking lots ( rolled into light post). vw service first time i brought it in told me it was due to a bad fuel injector which they replaced , when it happened again just this past november they said it was a melted fuse box on top of my lights going out.
Reported in: CLINTON TOWNSHIPS MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AXXBW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the fuse box in the engine compartment melted. this caused my front-right headlight, rear-left brake and turn signal light, and middle brake light to stop working. my car is all stock and i've done nothing to cause it to exert excess electrical power. i am reporting this because it seems to be a very common problem with vw and is an obvious design flaw.
Reported in: SAN JOSE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX5BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
the fuse box in the engine compartment melted. this caused my front-right headlight, rear-left brake and turn signal light, and middle brake light to stop working. my car is all stock and i've done nothing to cause it to exert excess electrical power. i am reporting this because it seems to be a very common problem with vw and is an obvious design flaw.
Reported in: SAN JOSE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX5BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
my 2011 tiguan is erroneously and intermittently reporting that lamps are out. i went to the auto repair shop, and was told that it was caused by a melted fuse box. i have been on a lot of forum online, and it seems to be a common finding among vw owners,more so tiguan. i do not understand why vwofa has not looked into the issue as yet. my brake lights, my tail lights, my headlights are all out. the idea that a fuse box could be melting under the hood is quite disturbing. vw should look into the matter as soon as possible, because that 3/36k miles warranty that would possibly cover it, does not cut it, considering that this issue usually happens around 40k miles.
Reported in: VALLEY STREAM NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
my 2011 tiguan is erroneously and intermittently reporting that lamps are out. i went to the auto repair shop, and was told that it was caused by a melted fuse box. i have been on a lot of forum online, and it seems to be a common finding among vw owners,more so tiguan. i do not understand why vwofa has not looked into the issue as yet. my brake lights, my tail lights, my headlights are all out. the idea that a fuse box could be melting under the hood is quite disturbing. vw should look into the matter as soon as possible, because that 3/36k miles warranty that would possibly cover it, does not cut it, considering that this issue usually happens around 40k miles.
Reported in: VALLEY STREAM NY || Crash: N || VIN #:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
alert messages appeared on the information display stating that multiple exterior lights failed. i checked and there are approximately six exterior lights that are not working. my husband suggested that this might be a fuse. i did an internet search to see if i could determine if there had been a recall regarding this issue. i found articles on several reputable news sites stating that volkswagen had issued a recall for 800,000 tiguan models worldwide for lighting issues. when i called our local volkswagen dealer, they were unaware of any recalls.
Reported in: LEXINGTON KY || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX5BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
passenger side headlight not lighting, the turn signal on the same side does not work and the rear drivers side tail light does not work.
Reported in: COMMACK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX0BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
passenger side headlight not lighting, the turn signal on the same side does not work and the rear drivers side tail light does not work.
Reported in: COMMACK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX0BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
while driving i received multiple alerts of bulb failures and headlights, turn signals, tail lights would intermittently fail. cause was a fuse and socket in the fuse box that melted and had to be replaced. i checked the recently announced recall however my vin was not included so i wanted to bring it to your attention.
Reported in: LYNNWOOD WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AXXBW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
while driving i received multiple alerts of bulb failures and headlights, turn signals, tail lights would intermittently fail. cause was a fuse and socket in the fuse box that melted and had to be replaced. i checked the recently announced recall however my vin was not included so i wanted to bring it to your attention.
Reported in: LYNNWOOD WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AXXBW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
fuse box melting causing light system failure while driving at night. faulty design/metal screw next to 30 amp fuse causing arc.
Reported in: SACRAMENTO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX9BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
fuse box melting causing light system failure while driving at night. faulty design/metal screw next to 30 amp fuse causing arc.
Reported in: SACRAMENTO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX9BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
lights started randomly going off and on..it would be left front low beam and right front high beam then no tail lights or turn signal, etc. but after a few mins they would come back on then go back off. it is gwttin worse and occurs more often now and i feel unsafe driving it at night.
Reported in: BINGHAMTON NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX3BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
lights started randomly going off and on..it would be left front low beam and right front high beam then no tail lights or turn signal, etc. but after a few mins they would come back on then go back off. it is gwttin worse and occurs more often now and i feel unsafe driving it at night.
Reported in: BINGHAMTON NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX3BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
when i left the house in the morning for work my light-out indicator was showing and i did in fact have a front light out, as it was sunny and nice, i decided to replace it after work, however on my way driving to work (40 mile drive) i had information alerts on my car display that i had lost most/ almost all of my exterior lights including: low. high, fog, my blinkers were intermittently working, and then even my license plate light. i made it to work and called the dealership, there were no recalls on the fuse boxes which i found an article online about. my car is currently in the shop for a whole new fuse box and the mechanic knew about this issue but there was no official recall on it, i think there should be. i could have lost brake lights too, it could have been late and dark and i could have died.
Reported in: SPRINGFIELD VT || Crash: N || VIN #:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
a few days ago i got a warning on my car saying the front right turn signal needed to be checked. it wasn't an emergency situation since the rear and side mirror turn signals still functioned. i had also heard about the recall online, so i thought maybe it was just telling me i was part of the recall and would need to take it in soon. last night, driving in the dark, i lost a headlight, fog light, and the 3rd brake light. it was decided to make the 4 hour trip to the nearest vw dealer this weekend to have it looked at. this morning on my way to work, i lost virtually all of the remaining exterior lighting. luckily it was a bright morning, and work is not far. because of the loss of two brake lights, and assuming i would lose the other one, i had vw tow my car today to the dealer to be repaired. this is my list of lights lost as of 12.6.13 8:00 am: fr dipped beam, fr turn signal, fr main beam, fr fog light, fl side light, rl turn signal, rl brake light, rr side light, 3rd brake light, r reverse light, and license plate light. fortunately i am still under warranty, so it will be repaired at no cost to me regardless of an official recall.
Reported in: GRAND JUNCTION CO || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX3BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
in november my drivers headlight went out i replaced the bulb then it was working but 2 weeks later the passenger side goes out this time not only my headlight my turn signal also goes out from the front. then i get pulled over because now i don't have a driver side back signal light. i replaced all of the bulbs and they still don't work. i don't have warranty on my vehicle. it has become a big problem for me not only that, its a hazard to be on the roads. i called the dealership and now i need to take my vehicle in, but this is the only vehicle i have to commute.
Reported in: PHARR TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX0BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
during driving one headlight (left), third brake light, and front right turn signal gave a bulb out fault. also, the bulbs went out simultaneously. after driving for 30 minutes and then restarting the car, the faults were gone and bulbs were functional. this repeated the next day with bulb out faults and non-functioning bulbs but then reset again after restarting.
Reported in: CULPEPER VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX2BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
during driving one headlight (left), third brake light, and front right turn signal gave a bulb out fault. also, the bulbs went out simultaneously. after driving for 30 minutes and then restarting the car, the faults were gone and bulbs were functional. this repeated the next day with bulb out faults and non-functioning bulbs but then reset again after restarting.
Reported in: CULPEPER VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX2BW
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
when trying to leave a parking spot, car stalled. was able to put car in park and restart car. took to dealer and a fuel sending relay was replaced. had the car in the shop 6 months prior for the electrical issue reported multiple times on this model. dealer said they replaced the high pressure fuel pump. incident occurred again. car returned to shop and this time they said it was the fuel pump again. thankfully this did not occur on highway as others have experienced, but now don't have faith in this vehicle. vw would not help repair costs as car is now (third incident) over the warranty mileage. would not purchase again!
Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
when trying to leave a parking spot, car stalled. was able to put car in park and restart car. took to dealer and a fuel sending relay was replaced. had the car in the shop 6 months prior for the electrical issue reported multiple times on this model. dealer said they replaced the high pressure fuel pump. incident occurred again. car returned to shop and this time they said it was the fuel pump again. thankfully this did not occur on highway as others have experienced, but now don't have faith in this vehicle. vw would not help repair costs as car is now (third incident) over the warranty mileage. would not purchase again!
Reported in: HOUSTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
right side headlamp, turn signal, brake light inoperative. 30 amp fuse one blade burnt but fuse not blown. fuse box melted around contact.
Reported in: SUMMERVILLE SC || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX4BW
STEERING
the outside temperature is -10f today. i started the car and allowed it to warm up for 10 minutes before driving it approximately 5 miles on an errand. i parked the car and turned it off. when i returned and started the car, the steering light came on and i lost the electronic assist for steering. i was able to drive the car home but it was very difficult and i will be having it towed to the shop. ** a quick internet search shows i'm not the only one having this problem so i thought it important to file this.
Reported in: AURORA IL || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX1BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the outside temperature is -10f today. i started the car and allowed it to warm up for 10 minutes before driving it approximately 5 miles on an errand. i parked the car and turned it off. when i returned and started the car, the steering light came on and i lost the electronic assist for steering. i was able to drive the car home but it was very difficult and i will be having it towed to the shop. ** a quick internet search shows i'm not the only one having this problem so i thought it important to file this.
Reported in: AURORA IL || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX1BW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
we had a partial loss of exterior lighting on our 2011 vw tiguan at roughly 61,000 miles. we lost passenger side headlight, rear driver side blinker, front passenger blinker, reverse lights, and tag lights. we tried to replace the bulbs but bulbs were fine. i also checked all fuses and all were ok none were blown. we then took the car to an import specialist since the car was no longer under warranty. they found a circuit under the fusebox that overheated and melted. they replaced the circuit and the lighting was restored, however they said that it would most likely happen again. the replaced circuit only lasted about three weeks and now we have lost the same exterior lighting as before. we contacted vw service and they said based on our vin # there was no recall for our vehicle.
Reported in: FAYETTEVILLE GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX8BW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
we had a partial loss of exterior lighting on our 2011 vw tiguan at roughly 61,000 miles. we lost passenger side headlight, rear driver side blinker, front passenger blinker, reverse lights, and tag lights. we tried to replace the bulbs but bulbs were fine. i also checked all fuses and all were ok none were blown. we then took the car to an import specialist since the car was no longer under warranty. they found a circuit under the fusebox that overheated and melted. they replaced the circuit and the lighting was restored, however they said that it would most likely happen again. the replaced circuit only lasted about three weeks and now we have lost the same exterior lighting as before. we contacted vw service and they said based on our vin # there was no recall for our vehicle.
Reported in: FAYETTEVILLE GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGAV7AX8BW
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
this car does not feel safe. several times the car has just stopped. stopped at a traffic light and started to go and car just died. no lights, no warning. i start up the car, move forward and get ready to pull out into traffic and car just dies. vw said they need to have warning lights or something so they can get the information from the computer and since there are none, it won't tell them anything. even in high-speed driving it sometimes feels like there is a lull or that fuel is not be injected. car does not feel safe. i only use premium gas and keep it above 1/4 of a tank as well. i do not trust this car. unfortunately, i cannot change it out at this time.
Reported in: INWOOD WV || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX3BW
ENGINE
this car does not feel safe. several times the car has just stopped. stopped at a traffic light and started to go and car just died. no lights, no warning. i start up the car, move forward and get ready to pull out into traffic and car just dies. vw said they need to have warning lights or something so they can get the information from the computer and since there are none, it won't tell them anything. even in high-speed driving it sometimes feels like there is a lull or that fuel is not be injected. car does not feel safe. i only use premium gas and keep it above 1/4 of a tank as well. i do not trust this car. unfortunately, i cannot change it out at this time.
Reported in: INWOOD WV || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX3BW
POWER TRAIN
the engines rear main oil seal started leaking. brought it to volkswagen dealer where the car was bought and stated that there was thought to be an oil leak and while the oil change was done if they could take a look it would be greatly appreciated. now at 65000 miles and 5000 over the factory warranty they finally acknowledge the problem and are wanting over $1500 to fix it. the whole underside of the car is soaked in oil and my once nice driveway looks like a truck stop. volkswagen refuses to work with us. i find it absolutely ridiculous that such a new car should have such an expensive issue with so little miles. my work truck has 300k miles and has yet to drip even a drop of oil in my driveway... and its over 10 years old. the biggest kicker is the dealers lack to acknowledge the problem till well after the warranty was passed.
Reported in: JOLIET IL || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE
the engines rear main oil seal started leaking. brought it to volkswagen dealer where the car was bought and stated that there was thought to be an oil leak and while the oil change was done if they could take a look it would be greatly appreciated. now at 65000 miles and 5000 over the factory warranty they finally acknowledge the problem and are wanting over $1500 to fix it. the whole underside of the car is soaked in oil and my once nice driveway looks like a truck stop. volkswagen refuses to work with us. i find it absolutely ridiculous that such a new car should have such an expensive issue with so little miles. my work truck has 300k miles and has yet to drip even a drop of oil in my driveway... and its over 10 years old. the biggest kicker is the dealers lack to acknowledge the problem till well after the warranty was passed.
Reported in: JOLIET IL || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
vehicle rapidly decelerated from 50 miles per hour to approximately 30 miles per hour. check engine and epc warning lights illuminated. engine ran rough and acceleration above 35 miles per hour was not possible. volkswagen dealership replaced all four ignition coils. volkswagen later agreed to reimburse cost of the ignition coils but refused reimbursement for related labor charges stating no outstanding recall in effect for the ignition coils.
Reported in: STATEN ISLAND NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX5BW
ENGINE
vehicle rapidly decelerated from 50 miles per hour to approximately 30 miles per hour. check engine and epc warning lights illuminated. engine ran rough and acceleration above 35 miles per hour was not possible. volkswagen dealership replaced all four ignition coils. volkswagen later agreed to reimburse cost of the ignition coils but refused reimbursement for related labor charges stating no outstanding recall in effect for the ignition coils.
Reported in: STATEN ISLAND NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX5BW
ENGINE
twice while driving, the car has shut off. once when leaving a parking lot. once on the interstate in traffick, going under 20 mph. the dealership replaced the j519 module.
Reported in: MT PLEASANT SC || Crash: N || VIN #:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
twice while driving, the car has shut off. once when leaving a parking lot. once on the interstate in traffick, going under 20 mph. the dealership replaced the j519 module.
Reported in: MT PLEASANT SC || Crash: N || VIN #:
ENGINE
timing chain tensioner failed causing the timing to jump destroying the engine.
Reported in: GLENWOOD SPRINGS CO || Crash: N || VIN #: WVGBV7AX4BW