Owners of other VW or Audi vehicles such as the Jetta, Passat, CC, Atlas, Touareg, Golf, Beetle, A3, S3, RS 3, A4, S4, A5, A6, S6, A7, S7, RS 7, A8, Q3, Q5, TT and Q7 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb part number is 921 (also known as W16W).

You could also install some brighter 921 LED bulbs.

The tools needed to remove the rear bumper cover and access the light bulb socket include a Torx T-25 star bit socket and also a Torx T-30 socket or screwdriver.

Then locate the two small screws on the wheel well liner. One is located at the bottom edge and the other is closer to the outside of the vehicle.

Remove the two screws by turning them counterclockwise with a Torx T-25 socket and a ratchet.

Then look under the rear bumper cover and locate the other Torx T-25 screw.

Remove the screw by turning it counterclockwise and set it aside in with the other two screws.

Remove the two screws by turning them in the counterclockwise direction with a Torx T-30 screwdriver or a socket with a ratchet.

(If you plan on replacing the second reverse light bulb at the same time, continue removing the three T-25 screws on the other side of the bumper cover.)

Gently pull the rear bumper cover away from the back of the SUV.

I recommend placing a towel under the bumper cover to protect the paint from being scratched.

Once the bumper cover is out of the way, you'll be able to easily access the reverse light bulb housing.

There are two screws on the back side of the housing that secure it to the vehicle.

I found it easier to attach the T-25 socket to a short extension bar to loosen the screws.

Gently remove the light housing from the vehicle.

Then lift up the plastic tab on the bulb socket until the hole is clear of the plastic peg.

Pull the old light bulb straight out of the socket.

If you would like to have brighter reverse lights (that have a longer life span), install some compatible 921 LED bulbs.

Push the electrical connector straight on to the bulb socket until it clicks securely into place.

Have an assistant step on the brake pedal and place the transmission in reverse.

Re-insert the bulb socket into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

The hole in the tab on the bulb socket should securely snap into place over the plastic peg.

Tighten the two screws a few turns by hand to prevent them from becoming cross threaded or being dropped and lost.

Then tighten it a few turns in the clockwise direction.

Raise the bumper cover and carefully push it back into place.

Remove the two screws that hold the license plate in place and remove the plate.

Then remove the two screws that are located behind the license plate by turning them in the counterclockwise direction with the Torx T-25 screwdriver.

Gently pull back the top of the plastic panel above the license plate mounting location.

Double check that the rear bumper cover is flush with the other body panel.

Replace the two T-25 screws.

Replace the license plate and the two screws that secure it in place.

Tighten the two screws in the clockwise direction.

Finally, replace the two small screws into the rear wheel well liner by turning them in the clockwise direction with the T-25 socket and ratchet.

To perform a final test of the new light bulbs, have a helper step on the brake pedal and place the transmission in reverse.

Be sure to record the bulb change in your vehicle's service records.

For more, please check out my other 2009-2017 VW Tiguan DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.