2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, 3% of the 144 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.
“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #11632746, filed 2024-12“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11575721, filed 2024-03“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11608462, filed 2024-08Related service bulletins
- 11032219Apr 2, 2026Condition is normal due to cold fresh air and humidity
- 11030845Mar 30, 2026Moisture Accumulation
- 11021373Jul 14, 2025What to do if customer mentions water droplet within tail lights.
- 11011375Nov 27, 2024moisture witin rear tail lamp assembly
- 11005830Jul 15, 2024Phyical condensation within Taillamp cluster is an optical phenomenon and does not affect the function of the taillights.
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 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
54 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsForward collision avoidance
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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