VW Touareg Mirror Heaters Fail in Both Side Mirrors

Experienced similar mirror heating issues on a 2011 VW Tiguan during cold weather last season. The electrical fault turned out to be more than just a connectivity problem. The repair required partial disassembly of both side mirrors to access the heating elements and wiring. The main issue was corroded connections between the mirror heating elements and the main wiring harness, likely due to moisture infiltration over time. This is a common failure point in these mirror assemblies. While a complete rearview mirror replacement wasnt necessary, the repair involved: Testing the heating circuit, Replacing corroded wire terminals, Installing new moisture seals, Reconnecting and weatherproofing the connections The job took around 3 hours at the shop. Its a serious repair since winter driving safety depends on clear mirrors, but not a complex one for an experienced technician. The heating function worked perfectly after the fix. The electrical fault codes disappeared once the connections were restored. For VW models of this generation, its worth checking the connections first before considering full mirror replacement.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Tiguan mirror repair. My Touareg had the same issues this winter and got it fixed about 3 months ago. Now both heater elements work great in cold weather conditions. Curious to know what was your final repair cost? After my experience with similar mirror heating problems, I want to compare prices. Also, have you noticed any other electrical issues since the repair was done? Our cars seem to share these common electrical faults, especially with the mirror heating system, so it would be helpful to know if your fix was a permanent solution.

Thanks for the follow-up. I can confirm the temperature control system for the mirrors has been working flawlessly since the repair. The electrical fault turned out to be much simpler than initially feared, just a damaged cable connection that needed fixing. The total cost came to 95€ for the repair, which included testing the car electronics and resolving the connection issue. This seems reasonable compared to the potential cost of complete mirror replacement. The fix has proven to be permanent with no recurring cold weather issues. The heater element functions perfectly now, and I have not experienced any other electrical problems with the mirror system or related components. Simply maintaining clean, dry connections seems key to preventing future mirror heating failures. Getting the repair done properly the first time by addressing the root cause saved money in the long run.

I had my Touareg checked at a local garage last week and the total repair bill came to 120€. Higher than expected but worth it for proper winter driving safety. The mechanic found corroded wiring in both side mirrors, similar to what you described. The car electronics specialist spent about 2 hours fixing the connections and testing the heating elements. No need for complete mirror replacement which was a relief. They also applied additional weatherproofing to prevent future moisture damage. Since the repair, both mirrors heat up perfectly in cold conditions. No error codes have returned and the rearview mirror systems all work as they should. The mechanic mentioned these heating element issues are quite common in VWs of our age, but the fix should last if done properly. Glad to hear your repair has held up well. The slightly higher cost at my garage seems worth it for the thorough job they did on the mirror heating system.