NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
10 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 16, 2025
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
On three (3) separate occasions, my 2019 VW Tiguan has produced an error stating "Check Starter System" on the console and shut down electrical systems such as instrument panel, brake lights, headlights, taillights, back up camera, and other electrical systems while driving. All three (3) situations followed the same series of e…
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On three (3) separate occasions, my 2019 VW Tiguan has produced an error stating "Check Starter System" on the console and shut down electrical systems such as instrument panel, brake lights, headlights, taillights, back up camera, and other electrical systems while driving. All three (3) situations followed the same series of events whereas the car was out in the sunlight on warmer days (70+ degrees) and occurred within 5 or so minutes of starting. After shutting the vehicle off and attempting to restart, the ignition will not always work and the car will not turn over. When it does, the key will need to be turned farther than a normal ignition start and most likely produce an immediate error and electrical system shut down. In the most recent occurrence, I found a parking garage and left the car for around an hour and did not experience the issue for the rest of the trip. It appears that there was a recall for a similar issues with the Jetta models made in the same year (2019). Volkswagen Recall: 28H7-Ignition Switch / NHTSA campaign number: 23V604
NHTSA ODI #11667089
103,000 miles · Jun 2, 2025
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingTires
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights unexpectedly failed to illuminate until the vehicle passed over a bump in the road, and shortly afterwards the headlights became illuminated again. Additionally, the engine oil and TPMS warning lights…
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The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights unexpectedly failed to illuminate until the vehicle passed over a bump in the road, and shortly afterwards the headlights became illuminated again. Additionally, the engine oil and TPMS warning lights remained illuminated after the vehicle had an oil change and the tires were properly inflated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, but the dealer provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V815000 (Tires). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #11664278
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2024
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVehicle Speed Control
A month ago I started my vehicle and 1/2 a mile into driving, all my electronics turned off with no warning(radio, instrument cluster, A/C, gauges, turn signals, headlights). The only electrical component working was the power windows. I couldn't see my speed, any warning lights or my turn signals. I immediately pulled over as I…
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A month ago I started my vehicle and 1/2 a mile into driving, all my electronics turned off with no warning(radio, instrument cluster, A/C, gauges, turn signals, headlights). The only electrical component working was the power windows. I couldn't see my speed, any warning lights or my turn signals. I immediately pulled over as I couldn't even tell if my car was still drivable. I Turned off the car (just the engine at this point) and tried to start it again with no response when I turned the key. When it finally turned back on, all the electronics turned on and immediately turned off again. The display on the instrument cluster briefly said "check starter system". Since then it will happen any time it is hot out. Heat is definitely what is triggering the symptoms. This same issue has been seen in the VW 2019 Jetta. This is a huge safety issue.
NHTSA ODI #11610542
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
I was driving on a hot day and all of the instrument panel, air conditioning, all controllers, like signaling, windshield wipers, radio and all electronic gear turned off. Without the equipment and tools available, I could not change lanes or come to a stop safely. It would be difficult for me to say if other systems were affe…
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I was driving on a hot day and all of the instrument panel, air conditioning, all controllers, like signaling, windshield wipers, radio and all electronic gear turned off. Without the equipment and tools available, I could not change lanes or come to a stop safely. It would be difficult for me to say if other systems were affected. I was luckily not going very fast at the time and was able to navigate to the shoulder and stop my car without incident but it was a very stressful situation that I had never experienced in a vehicle before that time. Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection. This happened for the first time today so I have not tried to reproduce the issue. However, many others have complained about it on forums. Here is one of many examples: [XXX] A car's electronic systems should not completely turn off because of changes in the weather. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11604399
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVehicle Speed Control
While driving an alert comes on that states check engine system. As soon as this happens all power in the car turns off. Engine is still running but you no longer have any turning signals, brake lights, headlights, air conditioning, etc. It happens randomly and has almost cause me to be rear ended due to car behind me not kno…
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While driving an alert comes on that states check engine system. As soon as this happens all power in the car turns off. Engine is still running but you no longer have any turning signals, brake lights, headlights, air conditioning, etc. It happens randomly and has almost cause me to be rear ended due to car behind me not knowing I was slowing down or stopping. This happens when I am not close to a dealership so they have not been able to witness this.
NHTSA ODI #11530993
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
While driving at night the cars IP displayed a warning "ignition system shutdown please check your start system", the Instrument panel and information display then went dark with no symbiology speed, revs or turn signals. The head lights and tail lights shut off and cabin fan and side windows stopped working. The engine continue…
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While driving at night the cars IP displayed a warning "ignition system shutdown please check your start system", the Instrument panel and information display then went dark with no symbiology speed, revs or turn signals. The head lights and tail lights shut off and cabin fan and side windows stopped working. The engine continued to run so I was able to safely exit the highway but was a stressful and dangerous moment. When the vehicle was taken for repair VW service says issue was caused by a malfunctioning battery which was replaced at my cost with an OEM part. this has not fixed the issue though and I am attempting to get a new appointment for service.
NHTSA ODI #11493350
100 miles · Apr 16, 2021
Exterior Lighting
THIS IS A SECOND COMPLAINT ABOUT THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE. THE LOW BEAMS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY SAFELY. I COMPLAINED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO REFERRED ME TO THE DEALER. WHO STATED THAT THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT THAT CAN BE MADE. PER THE DEALERS DESCRIPTION THE VEHICLE ONLY UTILIZES ONE BULB FOR HIGH AND LOW BEAMS. THERE…
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THIS IS A SECOND COMPLAINT ABOUT THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE. THE LOW BEAMS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY SAFELY. I COMPLAINED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO REFERRED ME TO THE DEALER. WHO STATED THAT THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT THAT CAN BE MADE. PER THE DEALERS DESCRIPTION THE VEHICLE ONLY UTILIZES ONE BULB FOR HIGH AND LOW BEAMS. THERE IS A SHIELD THAT COMES DOWN TO CREATE THE LOW BEAMS. WITH THAT BEING SAID, IN THE LOW BEAM POSITION THE SHIELD CREATES DISTINCT LINE THAT ONLY ILLUMINATES A SHORT DISTANCE OF ROAD IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ALSO CREATES A WALL OF DARKNESS BEYOND THAT. NO DIFFUSION OF LIGHT JUST GOING INTO THE DARKNESS BLIND. THIS TO ME IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION..
NHTSA ODI #11408417
3,600 miles · Jan 29, 2021
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE LED AND THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AFS. ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM. I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY ADEQUATELY. THERE IS AN AREA THAT IS JUST IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THAT ONE CAN SEE THE ROADWAY. THEN THERE IS A DEFINITE LINE THAT BASICALLY CREATES A WALL OF DARKNESS, THAT PREVENT…
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THE HEADLIGHTS ARE LED AND THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AFS. ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM. I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY ADEQUATELY. THERE IS AN AREA THAT IS JUST IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THAT ONE CAN SEE THE ROADWAY. THEN THERE IS A DEFINITE LINE THAT BASICALLY CREATES A WALL OF DARKNESS, THAT PREVENTS ONE FROM SEEING ANYTHING BEYOND THAT, THIS CREATES A BLIND AREA. ANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT I HAVE DRIVEN OVER THE YEARS PROVIDE LIGHTING THAT ILLUMINATES THE AREA IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THEN DEFUSES THE LIGHT FURTHER TO SEE DOWN THE ROADWAY, AND DOES NOT CREATE A WALL OF DARKNESS. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP TO VW AND THE DEALER WHO STATES THAT THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING CORRECTLY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE SYSTEM ONLY UTILIZES ONE BULB FOR BOTH LOW BEAMS AND HIGH BEAMS, WITH A SHIELD THAT COVERS A PORTION OF THE LIGHTING TO CREATE THE LOW BEAMS. I GUESS THAT IS WHY THE LIGHTING HAS A VERY DEFINITIVE LINE CUTTING IT OFF BLUNTLY, THEREFORE CREATING A WALL OF DARKNESS, THIS LITERALLY CREATES A BLIND AREA FOR WHICH ONE CANNOT SEE A SUFFICIENT AREA IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. TO OPERATE IT SAFELY. TO ME THIS CREATES A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS WITH LOW BEAMS ON. AS EXPLAINED TO ME THE SHIELD GOES UP FOR WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS ARE ACTIVATED, I HAVE SEEN SOME ONLINE POSTS THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING, PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT TO DO REGARDING THIS ISSUE THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
NHTSA ODI #11390648
15 miles · Dec 18, 2018
Exterior Lighting
BOTH HEADLIGHT HAVE EXTENSIVE CONDENSATION WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. INCIDENT OCCURRED OVERNIGHT WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, IN A CLOSED PARKING LOT. CAR WAS DRIVEN FROM THE DEALER LOT TO THE CUSTOMER'S PARKING LOT A NIGHT BEFORE DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE CONDENSATION COVERS THE LED MODULES OF THE TURN SIGNAL AT THE BOT…
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BOTH HEADLIGHT HAVE EXTENSIVE CONDENSATION WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. INCIDENT OCCURRED OVERNIGHT WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, IN A CLOSED PARKING LOT. CAR WAS DRIVEN FROM THE DEALER LOT TO THE CUSTOMER'S PARKING LOT A NIGHT BEFORE DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE CONDENSATION COVERS THE LED MODULES OF THE TURN SIGNAL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SAME HOUSING, AND DEPENDING ON THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE AND HOW LONG THE CAR WAS OPERATING, THE CONDENSATION MOVES UPWARDS TO THE FRONT OF THE LOW BEAMS. VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATES THIS INCIDENT IS NORMAL. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON TWO DOCUMENTED SERVICE VISITS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN CAR WAS ONE DAY OLD. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.
NHTSA ODI #11162269
9 miles · Dec 1, 2018
Exterior Lighting
NEW CAR WITH 9 MILES SAT IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. IN THE MORNING,THERE WAS SPOTTING CONDENSATION INSIDE ONE OF THE LIGHTS(DRIVER SIDE). DROVE IT TO THE DEALER AND BY THAT TIME CONDENSATION HAS OCCURRED INSIDE BOTH OF THE LIGHTS.
NHTSA ODI #11155365
Official recalls
5Oct 31, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Apr 6, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
Mar 27, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The tire information label contains inaccurate tire dimension and inflation pressure specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The incorrect specifications can result in improper tire inflations or to installing a tire of the wrong size on the vehicle. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D2.
Mar 6, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Nov 26, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗