VW Wipers Dead, Common Causes and Solutions

I had a very similar issue with my 2013 VW Golf (also gasoline). As someone with basic car maintenance experience, I initially thought it was the wiper motor, but it turned out to be much simpler. The workshop found a loose connection in the wiring harness connecting the wiper switch to the control module. Some pins in the plug had corroded, causing intermittent contact issues until the wipers stopped working completely. They cleaned the connections and replaced the damaged plug for 95€, which fixed the problem completely. Before going to the workshop, you can check a few things: Test if you hear the wiper motor trying to work when activating the wiper switch, Check if the fuse for the wiper system is blown, Listen for any clicking sounds from the wiper switch when operating it Getting the error code read would definitely help diagnose the issue. Could you share: Have you noticed any intermittent wiper operation before they stopped completely? Does the windshield washer pump still work when activated? Are there any other electrical issues in the car? The wiper system is usually quite robust, so its often just a connection issue rather than a failed wiper motor or switch. Having the error code would help confirm if its an electrical connection problem like mine was.

Thanks for sharing those details. In my case (35219km, last service 2 months ago), the fault turned out to be a defective wiper switch. Yes, I hear a faint click when operating it, but no response from the wiper motor on either front or rear wipers. The windshield washer pump still works normally. Before discovering the faulty switch, I checked all fuses and verified the wiring harness connections were secure. The cruise control and other electrical systems work perfectly fine, which helped isolate the issue to just the wiper system components. Getting the error code read next week, will update the thread once I know more. Good to hear your repair was relatively straightforward with just a connection issue.

Thanks for the update on your wiper switch issue. Based on the symptoms you described, it sounds very similar to what I experienced, though mine turned out to be the wiring harness connection rather than the switch itself. The clicking sound from your wiper switch combined with a completely non-responsive wiper motor strongly points to an electrical issue rather than a mechanical one. Since you mentioned the windshield washer pump works normally, this further isolates the problem to the switch or its immediate connections. In my repair experience with the Golf, replacing any wiper-related components was straightforward. The wiper switch replacement typically costs between 150-200€ for parts plus labor. While checking the error codes, have them verify the rain sensor connectivity if your model has one installed, sometimes these can interfere with normal wiper operation. One thing I learned during my repair: when the wiring harness was inspected, the technician found that water had gotten into the switch housing over time, accelerating corrosion. It might be worth having them check for any water ingress points while they have everything apart. Looking forward to hearing what the error codes reveal. The fact that your cruise control and other systems work normally does suggest a localized issue with the wiper control circuit.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I got the error codes read today, it showed fault code P0919 which confirms an issue with the wiper switch circuit. The workshop quoted 180€ to replace the wiper switch assembly in the steering column. They also checked the wiring harness connections and rain sensor as suggested, but found those to be working properly. No signs of water damage or corrosion inside the switch housing. The technician explained that these switches commonly fail due to internal wear of the electrical contacts. Will get it replaced next week and update once the repair is complete. Really hoping this fixes both front and rear wipers since driving without them is quite risky. Good to know the repair should be relatively straightforward. Thanks again for sharing your experiences, it helped me better understand what to expect during the diagnostic process.