The 5F module on our 2021 VW Tiguan has bricked our infotainment screen after a botched software update sent from VW. We are having to drive our car without the use of a GPS, rear view camera, radio and defrost system because VW has not currently got this issue on recall, and we are not under warranty. This was a problem caused soley by VW’s software update and has nothing to do with our driving or service of the car.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems
26 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 26
- of this car's complaints
- 18%
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
2021 Tiguan parking brake comes on without being commanded. There is a fault with the drivers door. I believe the the driver door module or corresponding wiring. The front drivers window toggle switch does not work the toggles switches for the rest of the window work only if the is not an error displayed on the dash. The lock button does not work on the drivers door at all and only works on the rest of the door when an error message is not displayed on the dash. The dash displays the following errors: 1. Driver Door Contact Switch. 2. Start/Stop. 3. Electronic Parking Brake. It also displays Attention: Engine is running. So far the parking brake only comes on(un commanded) when the vehicle is stopped.
The J949 SOS emergency communication unit failed, disabling vehicle 911 automatic crash notifications and emergency response capabilities.” the federal safety agency opens defect investigations based on consumer complaint clusters for this exact failure pattern.
My name is [XXX], and I am writing today to express my complete frustration mentally and financially with a CPO 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (VIN [XXX]) I purchased XXX. To date my vehicle has been in for service multiple times – countless times for an issue with the infotainment system and driver warning indicators that is still unresolved and again for months waiting on a new engine due to an oil consumption issue that was finally resolved November of 2025 (Case XXX). My recent service visit on XXX was due to a “12 v battery not charging” error message. The vehicle was immediately taken to VW of [XXX] where we were advised it would be 3 weeks before my vehicle would even be looked at (which is atrocious) and not to drive it because further damage would be caused with no alternative solution offered for transportation. I then had the vehicle towed to a repair shop where I was advised the alternator “fried a 400-amp fuse and killed the battery, which should not happen, especially on a vehicle that has less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.” I paid $1,605.37 for a new alternator, 400-amp fuse and battery. Completely appalling and disappointing considering I take excellent care of my vehicle and it is supposedly an inspected, certified pre-owned vehicle – that’s a lemon in my opinion! I am seeking reimbursement for this huge expense for a vehicle that should not have these issues! I look forward to a resolve to this urgent complaint. Regards, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical screen fail. Makes backup camera turn black and turns off while using. off and on repeatedly while in use. Very dangerous.
Tha back up camera system is glitching out. We reset the system but is keeps freezing/blacking out after about 30 seconds. This is known issue with this model of Volkswagen.
Vehicle was just turned on and put into reverse. Dash and infotainment center lights flashed and shut off. Vehicle rolled backwards uncontrollably down a sloped driveway. Steering and brakes were not properly functioning. Vehicle came to a stop when it struck a parked vehicle in its path.
Parking brake violently engaging with every stop
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was driving slowly in traffic, several unknown warning lights illuminated orange, and the speedometer and RPM went to zero. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that minutes later, the vehicle returned to function as intended. The contact's wife stated that after several minutes, the lights and indicators returned to normal function. A short while later, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle then returned to function as intended. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver’s side door failed to open. While using the key fob, the doors failed to open. The contact's wife tested the door, and the only door that opened was the rear passenger’s side door. The contact's wife opened the driver’s side door manually. The vehicle then failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Three hours later, when the contact arrived at the residence, the contact was able to start the vehicle, the doors opened as intended, and the contact was able to drive around the neighborhood. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,180.
In July, Chicagoland was very hot and my car stays in the garage. The piece that holds the sun roof control panel on the ceiling melted and came partially off. It’s been hanging since then since I was told it wasn’t ready to be fixed yet since there is no recall. I’ve been waiting but now my SOS feature is inoperable.
Questions about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints about the electrical of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, 18% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Volkswagen Tiguan have the most electrical problems?
The Volkswagen Tiguan model years with the most electrical complaints are 2022 (65 complaints), 2019 (57 complaints) and 2011 (47 complaints).
Other 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
Engine 58Driver assistance 13Fuel system 12Body 11Transmission 11Visibility 9Brakes 6Acceleration 5Lights 5Airbags 2Suspension 2Locks 1Seat belts 1Steering 1Tires 1Wheels 1
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