VehicleVerdict

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan sits mid-pack among Tiguan years: 199 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 166, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (48), electrical system (31), and engine (27), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

199

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Tiguan years?

Tiguan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted446 complaints2009: 247 complaints2010: 158 complaints2011: 238 complaints2012: 214 complaints2013: 227 complaints2014: 127 complaints2015: 106 complaints2016: 145 complaints2017: 101 complaints2018: 446 complaints2019: 282 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 175 complaints2022: 432 complaints2023: 84 complaints2024: 88 complaints2025: 65 complaints2026: 33 complaints
Tiguan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tiguan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other4824%
Electrical System3116%
Engine2714%
Driver Assistance2613%
Body & Structure158%
Brakes116%
Visibility & Wipers105%
Lighting84%
Transmission53%
Speed Control42%
Fuel System42%
Seat Belts32%
Suspension21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Steering11%
Seats11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V226000Body & StructureApril 6, 2022 · 6,553 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.

Consequence

An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.

20V579000Seat BeltsSeptember 23, 2020 · 6 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The third row seat belt anchor bolts may not have been properly torqued.

Consequence

Improperly torqued bolts may prevent the third row seat belt from performing as designed in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. Owners are advised: No one should occupy the third row seat due to the safety risk. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen number for this recall is 69BA.

20V505000SeatsAugust 26, 2020 · 5,376 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.

Consequence

In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I came out of the Walmart and got into my car and the Overhead Console was Detached hanging by electrical cords in front of the rear view mirror. Drove to the Antwerpen delership before they closed and was informed it detached due to HEAT????? Seriously, heat! Have an appointment on 08/07/2024. It…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 3, 2024

“Control panel on the ceiling of the car (holds the sos button, controls for sun roof) fell off and was hanging on by wires. Dealership said it was defective clips GPS in car and through car play also does not work. Navigation shows car significantly off course. Vw said it was a Verizon issue, but…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 15, 2024

“The contact's fiancé owned a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while his fiancé was driving 30 mph when the steering wheel and the entire vehicle began to shake. The contact stated the Electronic Throttle Control warning light was illuminated. The driver was distracted by the failure,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 14, 2021 · crash

“THE VEHICLE WILL STOP ITSELF WHILE IN MOTION THROUGH THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM AT RANDOM TIMES, BOTH IN TRAFFIC AND WHEN NO OTHER VEHICLES ARE AROUND. THE WARNING WILL SHOW UP IN THE GAUGE CLUSTER AND THE CAR WILL QUICKLY COME TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AT LEAST 4 OCCASIONS. THE DEALER HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 15, 2020

“The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the interior overhead console had become detached from the interior roof of the vehicle. The contact used tape to temporarily secure the console. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 1, 2025

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan — common questions

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tiguan: 199 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 Tiguan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (48 complaints), electrical system (31 complaints), engine (27 complaints).

Does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Tiguan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tiguan years to avoid are 2018, 2022, 2019, 2011, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2016, 2014. The cleanest record among Tiguan years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.