Take blind spot indicator is not working.Not warning of another car in our blind spot posses a safety risk to us and other drivers on the road with us.The dealer, Garvey Volkswagon Queensbury NY 12804, confirmed our complaint. Our car has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer. The problem first appeared in April 2023 without any warning. I contacted Volkswagon of America and they…
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan electrical problems
moderate 49 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Of the 17 model years of Volkswagen Tiguan we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 49.
Owners have filed 49 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2019 Tiguan owners report serious electrical failures in heat above 70°F that shut down instruments, lights, and brakes while the engine still runs—a hazard identical to a VW recall on 2019 Jettas that hasn't been extended to Tiguans. Cold-weather parking brake engagement while driving and defective door wiring harnesses also create collision risks; some owners had to provide lawsuit documents to force warranty repairs.
Owners describe a dominant electrical failure pattern tied to heat and cold weather. In hot conditions (70°F and above), the vehicle loses electrical power while the engine continues running—instrument panel, headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, radio, AC, and backup camera all shut down. Owners report seeing error messages like "Check Starter System," "Ignition Off," or "Check Starting System" before complete power loss. Multiple owners mention this has occurred on highways at speed, requiring coasting to safety. A few owners note the vehicle may not restart immediately or requires waiting in shade for an hour before restarting.
In cold weather, some owners report a "Driver Door Contact Switch" error preceding random parking brake engagement while driving—a serious hazard that has caused near-collisions. Others describe automatic braking sensors engaging without objects in the road, and a rear hatch opening on its own while parked.
Owners cite VW recall 28H7 (ignition switch polyfuse failure in 2019 Jettas) and mention that part number 5Q1 905 865 (ignition switch) is identical in Tiguans, yet VW has not extended the recall. Some owners report dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose without reproducing the fault live, or replacing the same failed part instead of addressing the root cause. One fire incident is reported, and one owner noted 180-degree air from AC vents. Several secondary electrical faults appear: horn intermittent, blind spot indicators failing, door locks not responding, and sunroof drains causing water damage and electrical shorts.
Same Volkswagen Tiguan electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Electrical power loss in heat—ignition switch/polyfuse failure
Vehicle loses all electrical power (instruments, lights, AC, radio) while engine continues running, typically in temperatures above 70°F. Error messages display: 'Check Starter System,' 'Ignition Off,' or 'Please Check Starting System.' Vehicle may not restart immediately; cooling in shade often allows restart. Occurs shortly after starting (1–5 minutes) or randomly while driving.
When: Hot weather conditions (70°F–100°F); some occurrences noted at 77°F on overcast days
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of instrument cluster, headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals; Radio and AC shut off; Engine continues to run but all other electrical systems disabled; Error message 'Check Starter System' or 'Ignition Off' displayed; Delayed or failed restart; vehicle may require multiple restart attempts; Vehicle may stall after power loss
Codes mentioned: U019900, Check Starter System, Ignition Off - Please Check Starter System
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report ignition switch replacement (part number 5Q1 905 865 or 521905865) resolves the issue; one owner paid over $700 for replacement. One owner reports dealership reinstalled the same recalled part instead of a corrected version.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW Recall 28H7 issued for 2019 Jetta models only; owners report VW has not extended recall to Tiguan despite identical part numbers and failure mode. Some owners note dealership claimed inability to diagnose without live fault code; recall campaign 23V60400 (Electrical System) mentioned but VIN not included in recall coverage.
Parking brake engagement while driving
Parking brake engages automatically and unexpectedly while driving, causing sudden deceleration and creating collision hazard. Often preceded by 'Driver Door Contact Switch' error. Occurs primarily in cold, snowy weather.
When: Cold weather, winter conditions; first occurrence more than one year ago in winter
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages suddenly while driving (approaching intersection, heavy highway traffic); Vehicle decelerates unexpectedly; 'Driver Door Contact Switch' error precedes engagement; Multiple electronic alerts and error messages follow initial contact switch error; Cascade of electronic faults triggered after initial door switch error
Codes mentioned: Driver Door Contact Switch
Repairs/costs cited: Door wiring harness replacement (per VW Technical Tip, error code U019900) resolves issue. One owner reports dealer initially refused to replace harness without live error code despite multiple OBD codes, and only agreed after owner provided class action lawsuit documentation, technical tip reference, and offered to pay out-of-pocket despite warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related VW recalls exist for other models with same issue; VW Technical Tip available describing proper service procedure (harness replacement). One owner reports local dealership claimed not to know of the problem despite it being well-documented.
Automatic braking system false engagement
Collision avoidance and automatic braking systems engage without objects or vehicles in the road, causing sudden deceleration. Front warning/brake assist also engages at low speeds over small surface changes or when transitioning from parking lot to street.
When: Random occurrence; one owner reports low-speed transitions trigger false engagement
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic braking engages with no vehicle or obstacle ahead; Sudden deceleration in traffic; Forward and backward collision avoidance engage simultaneously; Vehicle comes to sudden stop in roadway; Brake assist engages when cresting small downward slopes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate faults; one owner has video documentation of the malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership claimed this is 'normal' behavior; manufacturer did not respond to complaint communication.
Rear hatch opens on its own
Rear hatchback door opens spontaneously while vehicle is parked in garage overnight. Door cannot fully open if garage door is partially closed, resulting in collision damage to both vehicle and garage door.
When: While parked in garage overnight
Symptoms owners cite: Hatch opens on its own without user input; Hatch opens twice in one night; Owner did not detect opening immediately
Repairs/costs cited: Garage door and rear hatch door both sustained damage; hatch remains operational but bent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW customer service offered no help or investigation; owner reports similar incidents reported by other Tiguan owners but no recall issued.
Delayed or unresponsive acceleration
Engine hesitates or fails to respond immediately when accelerator is pressed, creating delay of 3–6 seconds or longer. In one incident, sudden lurch forward occurred after no initial response, resulting in collision at intersection.
When: At traffic lights and from stops; one incident at intersection
Symptoms owners cite: 3–6+ second delay between pressing accelerator and throttle response; Sudden forward lurch after delay, causing collision with vehicle ahead; Collision avoidance system did not engage; Vehicle continued same erratic behavior even after collision until towed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially blamed aftermarket battery and carbon buildup; battery replacement did not resolve issue. One owner notes Reddit references suggest crank-start issue.
Door lock and unlock failure
Driver's door fails to lock or unlock via button or key fob; passenger door locks/unlock issues also reported. Owner unable to enter vehicle or had to manually remove door handle cover to access manual key slot, damaging door finish.
When: Random occurrences; sometimes linked to electrical faults ('Driver Door Contact Switch' error)
Symptoms owners cite: Door button does not unlock door; Key fob does not unlock door; Second key fob also fails to unlock; Manual key access required; Door handle cover difficult to pry off, scratches door finish
Codes mentioned: Driver Door Contact Switch
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provided workaround instructions for manual key access.
Horn intermittent operation
Horn works only intermittently—approximately 50% of the time when pressed or when locking vehicle via remote. First noticed after dealership service in July 2020.
When: After scheduled service in early July 2020; recurring intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not sound when locking car with remote; Horn does not sound when button pressed while driving or stationary; Works only about half the time attempted
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claimed repair on 8/11/2020 resolved issue; horn worked when tested at pickup, but failed again when tested later that same day.
Blind spot indicator failure
Blind spot detection indicator light does not illuminate to warn of vehicles in blind spot. Dealer replaced passenger-side indicator under warranty; driver-side indicator now faulty after warranty expiration.
When: Passenger-side failure and repair under warranty; driver-side failure after warranty expiration (first appeared April 2023)
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot indicator light not illuminating; No warning of vehicle in blind spot
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced passenger side under warranty; driver side not covered after warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Volkswagen of America refused to pay for out-of-warranty repair.
Sunroof drain leaks and water damage
Sunroof leaks water into vehicle while closed and parked, filling interior with gallons of water. Improper routing of sunroof drains causes water accumulation in floor pan behind passenger seat, leading to electrical shorts and secondary failures (parking brake malfunction, electrical system faults).
When: While parked in driveway with sunroof closed
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaks into vehicle from closed sunroof; Gallons of water accumulate inside car; Water damage to interior; Water collects in floor pan behind passenger seat; Water causes electrical shorts in nearby systems; Parking brake will not disengage due to electrical shorts from water
Repairs/costs cited: Parking brake shop diagnosed water in floor pan as cause of electrical shorts; sunroof drain found to be improperly routed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Existing class action lawsuit regarding this problem; owners report not made aware of lawsuit. Dealership appointment delays noted (1 week out) despite vehicle under manufacturer warranty.
Air conditioning blows hot air or overheats
AC system blows hot air while driving at various speeds despite technician finding no fault with AC unit. One owner's air measured at 180°F at vent by fire department, indicating dangerous overheating of heating element.
When: While driving at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: AC blows hot air instead of cold; Air temperature at vent measured 180°F (extremely dangerous); Occurs randomly while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection found no fault with AC system; owner instructed to purchase thermometer and track temperatures; one owner measured 180°F at vent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stood behind dealership diagnostic and offered no further assistance despite owner documentation of above-normal temperatures.
Engine stall in automatic start/stop mode
Automatic start/stop feature malfunctions, causing engine to stall unexpectedly at traffic light or stop and fail to restart. Dashboard displays message to 'manually restart engine,' but manual restart procedure does not work.
When: While stopped at traffic light in left-turn lane; also parking lot incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely while stopped; No warning signal before stall; Message displayed: 'Manually restart engine'; Manual restart procedure ineffective; Yellow engine light appears after stall; Vehicle requires ~5 minutes and multiple restart attempts (park-to-drive cycling) before restarting
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not yet inspected; fault not reproduced by dealer or independent service.
Rear window defroster overheating and shattering
Rear window defroster element overheats, causing window to make explosion sound and crack in spiderweb pattern from electrical connection points. Window then shatters into pieces.
When: After running defroster for approximately 10 minutes
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window makes sudden explosion sound; Window cracks in spiderweb pattern radiating from electrical connections; Window shatters into pieces after initial cracking; Electrical heating element appears to have overheated
CarNet in-car system non-functional
CarNet (in-car infotainment/connectivity system) does not respond to button inputs from new vehicle. Dealership unable to provide fix; issue diagnosed as software problem requiring manufacturer solution.
When: From new (5 miles on odometer)
Symptoms owners cite: Buttons do not activate CarNet system; No response to user input
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service took two days to attempt repair; unable to fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer has not provided software fix after 2+ months; customer reports no resolution available from VW.
Battery drain and repeated failure
Battery drains repeatedly despite replacement. Vehicle displays '12V Battery Almost Drained' error message and requires jump-start; new battery installed but issue recurs within a year.
When: Less than a year after battery replacement
Symptoms owners cite: '12V Battery Almost Drained, charge while driving' error message; Vehicle will not start; Requires jump-start; Problem recurs after battery replacement
Codes mentioned: 12V Battery Almost Drained
Repairs/costs cited: Shop replaced battery; independent mechanics tested replacement battery and determined it did not need replacement, indicating underlying electrical system issue.
Engine fire
Vehicle caught fire under hood while merging onto interstate ramp. Driver saw smoke from vents, exited vehicle safely with children, and fire spread despite bystander efforts with fire extinguishers. Fire chief suspected electrical short or manufacturing defect.
When: Less than a year after lease began; within days of scheduled maintenance (1/31); first problem noticed June 4
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke visible from dash vents; Flames under hood; Fire spread despite fire extinguisher attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was brand new from lot; in dealership 1/31 for scheduled maintenance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; fire chief suspected electrical short or manufacturing defect but cause not definitively determined.
Door window operation failure and seat belt retraction issue
Driver and passenger-side windows will not roll up; middle-row seat belt will not retract. Related to broader electrical system faults ('Driver Door Contact Switch' error).
When: Concurrent with other electrical faults
Symptoms owners cite: Driver window will not roll up; Passenger window on left side will not roll up; Middle-row seat belt will not retract
Codes mentioned: Driver Door Contact Switch
Air bag electrical malfunction and wiring harness fault
Air bag electrical system malfunctions, including sensor and wiring harness issues inside passenger door. Related to door electrical faults and wiring harness issues documented in VW Technical Tip for 'Driver Door Contact Switch' error.
When: Related to water intrusion from sunroof leaks and door contact switch faults
Symptoms owners cite: Air bag electrical malfunction; Door locking/unlocking electrical faults; Wiring harness issues in passenger door
Codes mentioned: Driver Door Contact Switch
Repairs/costs cited: Door wiring harness replacement (error U019900) addresses related door electrical faults; air bag wiring harness in passenger door also affected.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW Technical Tip describes service procedure for harness replacement.
Rough idle, misfiring cylinder, and oil leaks
Engine runs rough at idle with occasional near-stalls. Independent diagnostic indicates one cylinder misfiring; PCV system suspected as likely cause, common failure point on VW vehicles.
When: Ongoing; first noticed when out of warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle quality; Occasional near-stalling at idle; Miscellaneous oil leaks; Single-cylinder misfire detected on diagnostic scan
Repairs/costs cited: Independent shop ran diagnostic and recommends PCV inspection. Dealer will not diagnose or repair out-of-warranty issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused to address once out of warranty.
Front collision sensor and warning light false activation
Front collision sensor triggers warning light and disables sensor without any obstruction present. Requires system reset by turning car off and on.
When: While driving in city; 5–6 times on various dates; also triggered by driver-side mirror collision sensor repeatedly while on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Front collision sensor warning light activates during low-speed city driving; Sensor becomes disabled upon activation; Warning light activates for no apparent reason; Driver-side mirror collision sensor activates repeatedly while on highway without nearby vehicles; System resets after vehicle is shut off and turned back on; Warning light sometimes turns off by itself
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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…
Parking brake would not disengage and the shop told me it was because water was in the floor pan behind the passenger seat and it’s causing shorts In the electrical system. The cause of the water was diagnosed as a leaking sunroof. This has caused me loss of vehicle, time and too much money!
The read window defroster was not working well. A few days ago, when I turned on the defroster and drove for about 10 minutes, all of a sudden, the rear window made an explosion sound, and windows cracked like a spiderweb. I stopped the car and got out the car and shut the door, the cracked window shattered in pieces. It seems like the heating element overheated as the crack propagated from…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 49 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 2,742 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 11,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 2,742; a quarter make it past 40,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Volkswagen/Tiguan.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.