2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Exterior lighting Problems

While driving the car looses all dashboard lights, brake lights, blinkers. The motor stays running and it has a check starter system message. Has done it several times in the 2 weeks we have owned it. Seems to only occur when it is hot outside. It is very unsafe to loose break lights, blinkers, and all info on dash while driving with no warning. It gives a pull over immediately message right after it does it. Taking it to auto repair shop this week to see what they say, but not very optimistic since I have been reading it happens a lot with this vehicle and rarely they figure out the problem.

NHTSA ID

11728068

Incident

Mar 21, 2026

Aftermarket headlights were purchased online. Manufactured by AKD Aokeding in China. The headlights were installed by a ASE certified tech. The left low beam light went out within minutes while driving. Headlights were removed and internals inspected. The construction of these lights are very unsafe and would not meet any manufacturer specs. Not sure how these headlights would pass any safety compliance. The internal components were loose, unsecure and fragile. The wiring used was very thin approximately 28/30 gauge diameter. Right side headlight displayed excessive heat. These lights and company products need further review for further sales to the U.S. Other complains are online about this manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11656671

Incident

Apr 23, 2025

Center overhead console had a catastrophic failure of the brackets holding it in place on the ceiling of the car. This resulted in the full console dangling from the ceiling of the car by wires only. This blocks driver view, the rear view mirror, and swings into driver and passenger headspace. Contacted the dealership and was told this is a common problem. There was no warning before this occurred.

NHTSA ID

11618546

Incident

Oct 7, 2024

I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my Volkswagen Tiguan 2020. The dome light in my vehicle has completely broken off, melting the plastic from the screws, and was hanging by the electrical wires. This issue poses multiple safety hazards: 1.Injury Risk: While driving, the dome light unlatched and fell and struck me on the side of my head, causing a distraction and injury. 2.Visibility Obstruction: When the dome light is hanging, it completely blocks the view through the windshield and rearview mirror, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. I have taken my vehicle to the dealership, and they confirmed that this is a common problem with this model. They have seen and replaced the dome light on many other vehicles of the same model. Despite this being a known issue, there were no warning lights or indicators to alert me to the impending failure. This indicates that the parts used are faulty and pose a significant safety risk. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue promptly and consider issuing a safety recall for Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 vehicles to prevent potential accidents and injuries. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

NHTSA ID

11600088

Incident

Jul 3, 2024

When the car is parked under the Sun on hot days. The car will lose the power and we get message on Dashboard "Check Starter System" When this happens and car is running, it will lose power, No AC, No Lights, No Brake Lights, No Hazard Lights, Speedometer will not work but Engine is running and you can drive the car. It is extremely dangerous to drive it that way. Some folks reported that replacing faulty ignition switch resolve the issue but it needs to be properly investigated and issue official recall on all VW models which are experiencing the issue. Its on VW Tiguan, Golf, Jetta for sure. Please see the video of issue [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11594549

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Overhead console which controls lights, sunroof, garage opener, just FELL DOWN. You can see where the glue and the plastic surrounding the screws holding the console up failed and cracked. Console has never been altered, is rarely touched except for light buttons as I don't like to open roof and my garage opener is on my phone. I don't have kids who could have messed with it. VW is refusing to cover cost of its repair as my 4 year warranty ended 16 days ago. If I had been driving while it happened, It would have caused an accident.

NHTSA ID

11590169

Incident

May 20, 2024

overhead console detached dropped down while driving, yes available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? created hazard for front seat occupants. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No

NHTSA ID

11551958

Incident

Oct 19, 2023

The car was parked outside during the summer. Opened the car door and noticed the entire overhead console above the driver had detached, and was broken, hanging head high by the wire connections. The plastic is broken around the screws that usually hold it into place, so it cannot be reattached without getting a replacement part installed. Driving is dangerous when this occurs as the entire console sways back and forth in front of the driver, hitting them, which in turn obstructs visibility through front windshield, internal and exterior rearview mirrors and is an overall distraction/hazard to the driver. Also cannot utilize overhead lights and other functionality while the overhead console is detached. No warnings or way of predicting this from occurring. This is the second time this has occurred in the span of 1 year to this vehicle. Had dealership install new overhead console after this happened the first time.

NHTSA ID

11481072

Incident

Aug 23, 2022