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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
6%of 144 total for the year
Median mileage
7,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, 6% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,000 miles.

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.

“We have a cracked windshield and VW has not been able to provide us with a replacement windshield. I have contacted VW parts at the dealership, called VW care, and called harrs auto glass. No one can get me any info on when a new windshield will be available for my car. I'm told the windshield is on backorder with an unknown ETA. I have been waiting for a windshield for 1 year with no news.”

NHTSA complaint #11578899, filed 2024-03

“I have had to replace multiple windshields for something barely hitting it on the freeway - I think this is my 4th windshield and have not been driving near big trucks or construction during the incidents. Another issue is that I have had the car abruptly break in both leaving the parking lot and on the freeway in traffic thinking I am going to hit something when nothing is there which seems to be a sensor issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11523238, filed 2023-05

“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof shattered. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11512728, filed 2023-03, 7,000 miles

“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 2024-08

“Wipers randomly start when switch is turned off. Wipers will randomly not start when wipers are turned on. Safety of others is affected due to visibility being obscured due to wipers not turning on. Injuries can occur when wipers randomly start. There was no warning prior to the problem starting.”

NHTSA complaint #11732222, filed 2026-04

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202638%
202524%
20241013%
202346%
2022135%
202196%
2020118%
201995%
201883%
201711%
201633%
201546%
201422%
201311%
201264%
201022%
200942%

Other parts of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Engine
54 complaints
Other or unknown
30 complaints
Electrical system
25 complaints
Fuel system
12 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
11 complaints
Body and structure
11 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
11 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Engine cooling
5 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Back-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