2020 Volkswagen TIGUAN: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
139 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
30,400 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 28 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 51 of 139 complaints (36.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 22 | 15.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 22 | 15.8% |
| Engine operation | 5 | 3.6% |
| Steering behavior | 4 | 2.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 1.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 0.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 51 |
| Electrical System | 33 |
| Engine | 25 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 14 |
| Service Brakes | 10 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 10 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 |
| Structure:Body | 8 |
Unknown Or Other: 51; Electrical System: 33; Engine: 25; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 14; Service Brakes: 10; Visibility/Wiper: 10; Exterior Lighting: 8; Structure:Body: 8
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 13 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 4 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 8 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 13; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 111 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 25 |
2020: 10; 2021: 10; 2022: 18; 2023: 24; 2024: 36; 2025: 16; 2026: 25
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 22 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 22 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11328653 · 2020-06-13 (June 13, 2020)
EMERGENCY CONTACT FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK, I HAVE BEEN PAYING FOR THE SUBSCRIPTION. MULTIPLE TICKETS HAVE BEEN PLACED WITH VW CARNET OFFICE FOR MONTHS AND HAVE NOT HELP. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11328653 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11339072 · 2020-07-13 (July 13, 2020)
SEATBELTS ARE WET AND MOISTURE IS BUILDING UP IN THE CAR AFTER HEAVY RAIN WHILE SUNROOF AND ALL DOORS CLOSED AND CAR IS PARKED. POSSIBLY A SUNROOF DRAINING ISSUE. SEATBELTS MAINLY AFFECTED ARE IN THE REAR, PARTICULARLY REAR-PASSENGER - BUT FRONT BELTS AFFECTED ALSO. WATER ALSO OBSERVED IN REAR DOOR WELLS AND ON FRONT DRIVER'S WINDOW POST (LEFT OF WINDSHIELD). SEATBELTS SMELL DAMP AND ARE SO WET THAT THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE TO WEAR AND WOULD LEAVE WATER ON CLOTHES,
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11339072 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11343022 · 2020-08-03 (August 3, 2020)
THIS CAR IS NOT EVEN 6 MONTHS OLD AND WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY THE TIRE BLEW, MY CAR FISHTAILED AND I HIT A GUARDRAIL. THE TIRE IS SHREDDED. I TOOK IT TO A TIRE SHOP THE SAME NIGHT AND THEY SAID THIS IS NOT WHAT TYPICALLY HAPPENS TO A TIRE.
Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11343022 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11352690 · 2020-09-02 (September 2, 2020)
GOOD EVENING, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE BEST PERSON TO COMMUNICATE WITH REGARDING THE DISCREPANCIES I HAVE RECENTLY FOUND ON MY TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND INSPECTION FORM. MY NAMES SEEM TO BE INCONSISTENT ON THE FORMS. THE INSPECTION FORM ALSO INDICATES THAT THE LEFT WHEEL AND RIGHT WHEEL HAVE BEEN REMOVED ACCORDING TO THE INSPECTION FORM. THERE IS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT MAY HELP INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE AT [XXX] THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SPEAKING WITH YOU. [XXX] INFORMAT…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11352690 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11359751 · 2020-09-18 (September 18, 2020)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WAITED FOR A MINUTE THEN DROVE TO HIS DESTINATION WITH NO FURTHER ISSUES. THE CONTACT CALLED JOE HEIDT MOTORS VOLKSWAGEN (515 RT 17 N, RAMSEY, NJ 07446, [phone removed]) AND WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED IMMEDIATELY. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS STILL PENDING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILU…
Owner-reported narrative. 7,722 miles reported. Look up ODI 11359751 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11360270 · 2020-09-21 (September 21, 2020)
BOUGHT CAR ON 4/6/ 2020 BRAND NEW AT 2600 MILES OIL LITE CAME ON I CHECKED AND IT NEEDED 1 QUART.I WENT TO DEALER THEY CHECKED IT AND ADDED 1 QUART AND TOLD ME TO COME BACK WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN . I CHECK IT EVERY WEEK AND NOW 9/21/20 IT IS ADD THE ADD POINT ON THESTICK ODOMETER NOW AT 3800 MILES. THIS HIGH CONSUMPTION IS TO MUCH.THE LIGHT HAS NOT COME ON YET BUT I DONT LIKE RUNNING IT DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE STICK. I HAD A 2019 TIGUAN AND IT NEVER NEEDED OIL AND HAD OVER 8000 MILES ON IT.I BELIEVE THEY MADE CHANGES TO THE ENGINE AND IM NOT…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11360270 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11362849 · 2020-10-05 (October 5, 2020)
MY CHANGE OIL SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND KEPT REMINDING ME DAILY FOR 10 DAYS THAT I NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TODAY AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD ONLY CHANGE THE OIL AT 10,000 MILES. I ONLY HAD 5800 MILES BUT THE OIL WAS LOW SO THEY ADDED OIL. I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THE CAR 6 MONTHS. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE NEW ENGINES OR SHOULD THE OIL REALLY BE CHANGED AT 6000 MILES? I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING ISSUES WITH A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BY VOLKSWAGEN TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11362849 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11365341 · 2020-10-20 (October 20, 2020)
BRAKES STARTING SQUEALING PERIODICALLY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES LIGHTLY, WITH ONLY 1,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. BRAKES NOW SQUEALING NEARLY ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES APPLIED LIGHTLY, NOT SO MUCH IF BRAKING HEAVILY. VEHICLE HAS 5,000 MILES ON IT. HAD ANOTHER VW DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING, IT IS NORMAL AND NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. HANDED A BROCHURE TO CONVINCE ME IT OK.
Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11365341 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
20V505000 · Seats
Reported: 2020-08-26 (August 26, 2020)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V579000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other | Seat Belts
Reported: 2020-09-23 (September 23, 2020)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V226000 · Structure:Body
Reported: 2022-04-06 (April 6, 2022)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗