What to do if the Volkswagen Tiguan electronic handbrake cannot be released?

[AustinFitz]

If the Volkswagen Tiguan electronic handbrake cannot be released, it may be due to a malfunction in the electronic handbrake system or the electronic handbrake actuator, and a diagnostic computer is required for troubleshooting. The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV under SAIC Volkswagen, with exterior dimensions of 4506mm in length, 1809mm in width, and 1685mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2684mm. The Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a 1.8T turbocharged engine and a 1.4T turbocharged engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a maximum horsepower of 160, a maximum power of 118 kW, and a maximum torque of 250 Nm.

[DelNova]

Last week my Tiguan also had the electronic parking brake stuck issue. After struggling for hours, I realized it was a basic operation problem. First make sure you've pressed the brake pedal all the way down - some cars require deep pressing to release. If it's rainy or winter, the brake discs might be frozen. Don't force it - try pouring warm water near the brake pads. Also, keep a can of rust remover in your trunk - rusty brake pads can get stuck too, a spray of WD-40 can help in emergencies. Once my dead battery triggered the electronic parking brake protection, but it worked normally right after jump-starting. As a last resort, there's a small cover near the driver's left foot - pry it open and pull the yellow cable for manual release, though you'll need to crouch down to find it.

[McIsla]

A mechanic with ten years of experience working on Volkswagens told me that 80% of the electronic parking brake failures in the Tiguan are mechanical issues. The gearbox of the parking brake motor is prone to sand and dust ingress—if you hear a buzzing sound but the wheels don't move, it's likely jammed. Driving through waterlogged roads after summer rains, especially where mud and sand get splashed in, makes it particularly susceptible to damage. Take it to a repair shop and have them remove and lubricate the caliper guide pins—it can be fixed in minutes. If you find moisture inside the electronic parking brake module (located under the center console), you must replace the module. Last time, an owner was charged 1,800 yuan for this. The motor itself is cheaper to replace—an aftermarket motor costs just over 300 yuan and can be installed easily.

[VonLandon]

I've been paying attention to the electronic parking brake issue for a long time, and the core problem is that the system self-test failed. After starting the car, check the dashboard for warning lights—if the circled P icon is flashing, it means the system is protesting. Using a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes is the most accurate method, with common codes being C10E3 (motor overheating) or U1113 (signal loss). Some owners have reported that modifying the central control screen can interfere with the signal. There's also a less common situation: water seeping from the rear carpet into the wiring harness connector in the central channel, which can be fixed by drying it with a hairdryer. Avoid taking it to unprofessional repair shops for random disassembly—Volkswagen's electronic systems are particularly finicky.

[Johnny]

Here are three emergency solutions: After starting the car, shift to D gear and lightly press the accelerator—the vehicle will attempt to automatically release the handbrake, but this only works on gentle slopes. The second trick is the power reset method: disconnect the battery negative terminal for five minutes to reboot the system. The most extreme method involves removing the tire and tapping the back of the brake caliper with a hammer (remember to use a wooden block as padding), applying only about 30% force. Always perform these operations on level ground—last year, a car rolled downhill after releasing the handbrake on a slope, but thankfully a utility pole stopped it. When towing, always shift to N gear!