Dead Wipers: Troubleshooting VW Tiguan Wiper System

I had a very similar issue with my 2009 Golf 2.0 TSI last winter. With some experience working on VW electronics, I can tell you this is a fairly common problem in these models. The symptoms were identical, complete wiper failure with no response from the wiper motor when using the controls. After checking the fuses like you did, I took it to my regular workshop. They diagnosed it as a damaged wiring harness connection where it meets the wiper motor plug. The constant movement and exposure to moisture had caused corrosion in the connector. The repair involved replacing the damaged section of the wiring harness and the connector. Total repair time was about 2 hours and cost 95€ including parts and labor. Since the fix, the wipers have worked flawlessly. Could you share some additional details about your Tiguan? Specifically: Any warning lights on the dash? Does the windshield washer pump still work? Did the wipers stop suddenly or gradually become slower? What error codes did the diagnostic show? This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced or if it might be the wiper motor itself that needs replacement.

Latest service was at 120000km. Thanks for the detailed response. The warning lights are all normal and no, the washer pump isnt working either. The wipers stopped suddenly during normal operation last week. The diagnostic showed error P0868 and P0869, which appear related to the wiper motor circuit. The workshop quoted 350€ for a new wiper motor plus labor, but your wiring harness issue sounds similar to my symptoms. Will have them check the connections first before replacing the whole motor. The turn signal and all other steering column controls work fine, which makes me think the wiper switch might not be the culprit. Did your repair also resolve any washer pump issues, or was that a separate fix?

Thanks for providing those details. In my case, fixing the wiring harness actually solved both the wiper and washer pump issues since they share the same circuit connection point near the rain sensor module. The error codes you mentioned (P0868/P0869) are very similar to what my Golf showed. When the workshop repaired my wiring harness connection, they found significant corrosion where water had seeped in through the steering column area. This affected both the wiper blade operation and washer fluid systems. The fact that your turn signals work but both wipers and washer pump failed simultaneously strongly suggests a wiring issue rather than a failed motor. 350€ for a new motor seems steep when the real issue might be a simple wiring repair. In my experience, the wiper motor itself rarely fails completely without showing signs of slowing down first. The cruise control and other steering column functions working normally also points away from a switch problem. Suggest having them inspect the wiring connections first, particularly where the harness passes through the firewall and near the rain sensor module. Could save you significant money compared to a full motor replacement.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I contacted the workshop again and insisted they check the wiring harness first, especially around the rain sensor area you mentioned. They found severe corrosion in the main wiring connector, just like in your Golf case. The final repair cost was 120€ including cleaning the connections and replacing the damaged section of the harness. Much better than the 350€ motor replacement they initially quoted. Both the wiper motor and washer pump are working perfectly now. The cruise control and wiper switch on the steering column were never the problem after all. Good thing I asked here before approving the more expensive repair. For anyone else having similar issues, definitely worth checking those wiring connections before replacing major components. Really appreciate the help in troubleshooting this, saved me quite a bit of money and got my car fixed properly.