2020 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 15, 2026CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Vehicle threw SOS emergency call feature error two years ago. I replaced the module at the dealership. Today, the same SOS emergency call feature again showed up and I am unable to make an emergency call. This is a known and common issue with VW.

   NHTSA complaint #11764516 · source
2. Filed Jul 6, 2026WAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   -After turning the car on and driving a short distance, the driver dashboard made a warning sound and flashed a warning about my 'ignition system' turning itself off. After that, the entire dash (the speedometer, gas gauge, the infotainment system, the internal climate controls, etc.) went blank. The warning told me to immediately pull the car over and turn it off. Because of this, the car's external brake lights and turn signal indicators also do not work. -Because this…

   NHTSA complaint #11748627 · source
3. Filed Jul 2, 2026ARElectrical System

   Component(s) Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH, EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL Summary: When the interior cabin or ambient temperature becomes hot, a critical ignition/electrical failure occurs. The dashboard displays error: "Ignition has switched, please safely stop the vehicle." Immediately following, a total electrical shutdown occurs: the instrument cluster goes black, and all external signaling—including the brake lights…

   NHTSA complaint #11748037 · source
4. Filed Jun 9, 2026NYElectrical System

   center roof console fell out while driving VW states it out of extended warranty charging $200 for repair I find this very dangerous

   NHTSA complaint #11742947 · source
5. Filed Apr 15, 2026OHElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   When I am driving my vehicle, I get an alert that the "Ignition switched off, please safely stop the video". All electrical power to the vehicle subsequently drops off. This is the same issue that the 2018-2019 VW Jetta's were recalled for in 2023.

   NHTSA complaint #11731300 · source
6. Filed Apr 9, 2026ARElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   When the weather is warm or hot the car will drive less than a mile then cuts off but still drives. No air conditioning no radio or camera works how car shuts off but can still drive.

   NHTSA complaint #11730216 · source
7. Filed Feb 17, 2026NMElectrical System

   SOS button is not working. Console fell out of roof of car earlier this summer (a national recall) and now the SOS error J949 is not working, and because the SOS button isnt working neither is the bluetooth. This is absolutely due to the faulty console that had to be rewired and clipped back into the roof of the vehicle. Currently not being covered by dealerships, it is absolutely a volkswagen fault in their upper electrical console issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11718513 · source
8. Filed Feb 3, 2026ILElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Car beeped and displayed warning stating that Ignition will turn off and Check Starter System on four separate occasions, resulting in loss of all electrical power including but not limited to headlights, brake lights, console display, speedometer, dashboard lights, turn signals, hazard lights a/c, etc. The center console felt very warm. The car needed to be pulled over and ignition turned off for a prolonged period of time before restarting or else the issue would continue.…

   NHTSA complaint #11715381 · source
9. Filed Nov 18, 2025MIDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   I am experiencing the Driver Door Control Switch / EBS error. When this occurs my emergency break activates when I am driving, throwing me into a complete stop unexpectedly, pulls several check engine lights and a series of loud distracting alert sounds. This is extremely dangerous on the road and I’ve almost been rear-ended multiple times. I have brought my vehicle in to Volkswagen and European Specialty Auto Shop and they were not able to replicate the issue thus we’re not…

   NHTSA complaint #11700200 · source
10. Filed Aug 9, 2025CAElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

    The windshield wipers have been acting up, turning on unexpectedly when I use the turn signals, with no input from me, or when I drive over bumps, which seriously blocks my view and creates a danger on the road, especially in bad weather or during turns. This problem started showing up in October 2023 when the car had about 16,000miles, still under the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. I took it to a dealership that month, but they checked the turn signals, scanned for faults,…

    NHTSA complaint #11679481 · source
11. Filed Apr 23, 2025TXElectrical System

    After sitting in the hot sun for an hour or so, turned it on, and got a "check starter" warning, and all the dash instruments went off. No lights, turn signals, brake lights. Radio worked, windows worked for a bit, then nothing. Had power steering and brakes. Had warning lights on the mirrors. No AC/heat. Speedometer, tach, fuel, temp, display - all off. Car still ran. Found issue to be a faulty ignition switch

    NHTSA complaint #11656447 · source
12. Filed Mar 3, 2025NJElectrical System

    SOS malfunction light came on after downloading & syncing the car with the MyVW app. I took the car to the dealer & they said the module needs to be replaced & it would be $1500 because it’s out of warranty but it seems like in 2021 VW replaced it for free because it’s a known issue. I did not purchase this car until 2024 so it’s not covered. There are multiple people noting the same issue on online forums.

    NHTSA complaint #11645924 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology