2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, 6% of the 141 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 complaint #11590169, filed 2024-05“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11600088, filed 2024-07“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11481072, filed 2022-08“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 complaint #11618546, filed 2024-10“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 complaint #11551958, filed 2023-10Related service bulletins
- 11030845Mar 30, 2026Moisture Accumulation
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 8 | 6% |
| 2019 | 11 | 6% |
| 2018 | 17 | 6% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 39 | 24% |
| 2010 | 19 | 17% |
| 2009 | 15 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
53 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsForward collision avoidance
16 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology