RoadVitals

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
141
Latest Oct 6, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Apr 6, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
7 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 141 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 529 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
22V226000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Apr 6, 2022
6,553 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 66N5View on NHTSA.gov
20V579000

SEAT BELTS; SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Sep 23, 2020
6 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69BAView on NHTSA.gov
20V505000

SEATS

Aug 26, 2020
5,376 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 72L1, 72K8, 72K9View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 141
Engine
Filed Oct 6, 2026

While driving my 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan (equipped with approximately 39,000 miles), the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic total engine failure without prior warning, resulting in an immediate loss of power and propulsion while in motion. This sudden stall on an active roadway created a severe, immediate safety hazard and a high risk of a collision. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained with a complete and documented history of annual professional servicing. Prior to the failure, the engine repair light would frequently illuminate. Upon subsequent teardown and investigation of the failed engine, the authorized manufacturer dealership discovered heavy metal shavings in the engine oil, indicating severe and premature internal mechanical destruction of critical engine components. The vehicle has been diagnosed as requiring a complete engine replacement costing $9,000. A catastrophic mechanical failure of this nature at exceptionally low mileage, despite regular annual maintenance, points to a significant manufacturing or material defect.

NHTSA ID
11769339
Incident
Oct 2, 2026
Electrical
Filed Sep 15, 2026

Vehicle threw SOS emergency call feature error two years ago. I replaced the module at the dealership. Today, the same SOS emergency call feature again showed up and I am unable to make an emergency call. This is a known and common issue with VW.

NHTSA ID
11764516
Incident
Sep 15, 2026
Filed Aug 28, 2026

I was driving the car it died while driving. The dealership can’t figure out what’s going on. And it will die WHILE driving and then say check starter ignition system. I open the door it says the engine is on but it is not. This vechicle had a physical key and you have the press the breaks to start the car

NHTSA ID
11760463
Incident
Aug 26, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while the outside temperature was cool, the vehicle operated normally. However, when the heat index was high, the message that the starter was hot was displayed. Shortly afterwards, the instrument cluster went black, and the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to coast the vehicle to the roadside. The contact waited approximately five minutes and restarted the vehicle. While driving in a subdivision, the vehicle stalled again. The local dealer was contacted, but there was no response despite the contact leaving a voicemail. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

NHTSA ID
11757871
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Mileage
63,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, upon entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the dome light had detached and fallen. The contact stated that the electrical wiring was hanging down. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the mileage was 2,000 miles over the extended warranty limitation. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA ID
11756171
Incident
Aug 7, 2026
Mileage
76,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with two toddlers inside the vehicle, the ceiling of the vehicle detached and caused a bump on the head. A dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that it was a known issue with similar vehicles. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a recall associated with the failure but had expired. No assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact about an extended warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 110,738.

NHTSA ID
11756052
Incident
Jul 31, 2026
Mileage
110,738 mi
Visibility
Filed Aug 3, 2026

The overhead console by the rear view mirror suddenly detached - only hanging by cords. It will not go back on. Duct tape will not even hold it. It is a safety hazard to drive it, and it impairs visibility. The dealership I took it to says this is a problem with 2020 tiguans, but I will have to pay for the repair.

NHTSA ID
11754422
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Other / unspecified
Filed Aug 3, 2026

This appears to be a design defect in the interaction between the lock-off bar and the seat belt during removal. Beyond the property damage, this creates a safety risk: a caregiver who cannot remove or reinstall the seat may drive with an improperly secured car seat, and a damaged or cut vehicle belt in that seating position is unusable until repaired. I reported this to Evenflo’s ParentLink support on 7/19/2026 (ref:!00Df402dTF0.!500Uy0uvwTd:ref). Evenflo responded that the tangling meant I “incorrectly followed” a step, without asking any diagnostic questions, and denied reimbursement. My requests for escalation on 7/21 and 7/23 have gone unanswered. Photos of the seat, the belt path, and the cut belt are available on request.

NHTSA ID
11754352
Incident
Jul 1, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

V1718032037201_21

ENGINE

Checking engine oil level.

V0017132033846_27

ENGINE

Prevent Sporatic Misfire Faults.

V0118122014603_22

ENGINE

Reprogramming Control Module process

V9419012011521_22

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses

V1917012022548_16

ENGINE

Identifying and Mixing Volkswagen Engine Coolants

V0116132033805_12

ENGINE

Engine missfire diagnostic aid

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Tiguan by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026380039.8
2025583053.9
2024802059.0
2023721045.4
20222815056.2
20211465056.5
2020Viewing1413055.0
20191965056.2
201828914261.2
2017774056.3
2016972153.0
2015624046.4
2014843358.9
20131403357.7
20121533355.8
20111623455.8
20101102255.5
20091683153.3
2008000—
2007000—
2006000—
2005000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.