2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 140 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 17 Tiguan model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 5 involved a crash. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, bodyApr 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.
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V226000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsSep 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V579000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsAug 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V505000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
140 reports, newest first.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 19, 2023
This car burns oil. I am adding at 1-2 quarts of oil every 2-3 months and I only have 24k miles on this car. I've had an oil consumption test completed and they said that its falling just with in normal limits. It's unacceptable. Additionally, the emergency braking system is faulty, it will register shadows or on a slightly winding road will register on coming traffic and slam on brakes. I have had cars blowing their horns and swerving from behind me in order to avoid a collision. I had that check as well and their advise was to disable it. WHAT?!? So either I disable a safety system or I get rear-ended. This is a joke and completely unacceptable.
Service brakes, Air, Jan 18, 2023
The contact rented a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated driving 60 MPH, the vehicle independently pulled across the lanes of the highway with the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact was not able to control the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the highway and was able to get the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed back to the car rental office. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available.
Back over prevention, Dec 5, 2022
I've been having backup camera problems since I purchased this vehicle in June 2020. It only works 20% of the time. There have been times were I don't see people or vehicles as I back up. I've only been seen for service twice. I don't have the time to take it in once a week for them to do to a hard reset or replace the J949 Module. I've attached a service receipt. Usually just have a black screen. Below is the address to a consumer report page detailing the issues. Unfortunately, my vehicle is not in the recall list. https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/volkswagen-recalls-cars-and-suvs-for-backup-camera-problems-a1136236169/
Service brakes, Aug 30, 2022
Uneven and excessive pad wear that was reported to be "normal" by the dealer. Photo of pads from passenger side of vehicle attached. One is almost unworn and the other is down to metal.
Structure, Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the upper overhead console had detached from the headliner. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on all three occasions and had the part replaced under warranty. Recently, the contact stated that the failure returned where the console was hanging from the headliner three wires. The contact stated that the console obstructed her vision of the rearview mirror and side mirrors. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Aug 24, 2022
The car was parked outside during the summer. Opened the car door and noticed the entire overhead console above the driver had detached, and was broken, hanging head high by the wire connections. The plastic is broken around the screws that usually hold it into place, so it cannot be reattached without getting a replacement part installed. Driving is dangerous when this occurs as the entire console sways back and forth in front of the driver, hitting them, which in turn obstructs visibility through front windshield, internal and exterior rearview mirrors and is an overall distraction/hazard to the driver. Also cannot utilize overhead lights and other functionality while the overhead console is detached. No warnings or way of predicting this from occurring. This is the second time this has occurred in the span of 1 year to this vehicle. Had dealership install new overhead console after this happened the first time.
Structure, Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the sunroof console detached and blocked the rear-view mirror and side view mirror. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the replacement part was on back order. The contact stated that he was told to use duct tape until the replacement part arrived. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Structure, Aug 19, 2022
The contact leased a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was entering the vehicle, she noticed that the overhead console was not properly secured. While his wife was driving at unknown speeds in high temperatures, the overhead console detached from the roof. The contact was unable to utilize the lights, blue tooth, sunroof, and other features on the console. Additionally, the wires were exposed. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the contact was informed that the parts were backordered; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Covina Volkswagen (528 S Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723) where the console was disconnected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 34,799.
Structure, Aug 10, 2022
Overhead console falls out for no reason, impairing forward vision. Came out of work and found it hanging. Needed to drive with one hand and hold the console with the other. VW is aware of this and is not notifying owners. My dealer has several waiting for parts that are taking a month. Am I supposed to drive an unsafe vehicle for a month? They will not give me a loaner and suggested I use packing tape to hold it in place. Tape does not work; the console is too heavy. This happened without warning
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2022
Disconnect not working no green or red light on
Visibility/wiper, Jul 13, 2022
The Overhead Console Detached and was hanging down and blocking the rearview mirror and proper vision along with hanging in mid air. The overhead console just began to fall and looked loose and then a day later was hanging all the way. This is clearly an issue, I have googled it and immediately found that this has happened to others and I find that the terminology that the dealer uses is similar amoungst customers to put the blame on the customer and say it is not a faulty part. The screws that hold this piece up seem to have been over screwed causing this overhead console to detach. I also saw others report that they get it fixed and it even happens again and again it is not covered due to the plastic breaks too and they say that is an outside force that the plastic broke. With this part broken I am also unable to open my sunroof too. Another point I would like to make is that if my husband was not able to disconnect the wires I would of had to drive with the part hanging in the way. I tried to duct tape it up and unhook it and it did not stay up nor was I able to unhook it. I also saw comments stating that this is happening to vehicles when it is hot out and it has been hot the past month or so here. I think the worst part is that a dealer is basically saying you are lying and had to damage the part which I have no idea how you would of even damaged the part due to the location of the part. I am completely dissatisfied with the dealer and how they handle the situation by saying it is the customers fault when clearly you can google it and find others with the same issue, did everyone damage the same part that is located in an awkward location? I dont think so.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
Low Engine Oil. Car is burning oil. Having to put engine oil every 3 months.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 2, 2022
The front assist emergency braking system activates for no reason. On all occasions, the last incident happened July 1, 2022, there were no obstacles in the road to warrant the car to come to a near stop. I’ve brought the car to the dealership for inspection and was informed the car is “sensitive”.
Engine, Jun 6, 2022
MY 2020 VOLKSWAGON TIGUAN STALLS WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE MAKES A GRINDING NOISE AND THERE IS NO POWER. I HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF AND THEN BACK ON. IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN 2021 AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE STARTER-THAT WORKED FOR A WHILE BUT IN THE PAST 7 DAYS (MAY 30, 2022 TO JUNE 6, 2022) IT HAS STALLED 5 TIMES WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 3, 2022
Automatic emergency brakes engage when pulling into/out of slightly sloped ground. My vehicle has come to a halt while in the middle of a highway multiple times after pulling out of a parking lot where it is slightly sloped. The most recent time was 5/3/22, but it has happened on 5 previous occasions. The emergency sensor believes the ground in front of me is an obstacle. I am now careful to only pull onto the highway when there are absolutely no cars coming for a good distance because my brakes will engage while I'm halfway into the road. The slope I'm talking about is not extreme or severe. No one else is having this issue in the spots where it happens to me.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 9, 2022
My tiguan is having the same issue at the vw Atlas. Emergency Braking system applying the parking break. Errors with the door sensor, start-stop, hill assist, and parking break.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance system and Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency braking engaged. The brake warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure reoccurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact requested that the dealer notify the manufacturer of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000. The contact stated that Legend VW inspected the vehicle a second time and did not find an issue.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 18, 2022
Emergency breaking activate when passing construction zone or taking curves on the road and sensors reads barriers or cones and locks the breaks and emergency breaking warning comes on dashboard. Horn not functioning in high humid climates
Electrical system, Seats, Visibility/wiper, Mar 9, 2022
Water coming in through sunroof and pooling in the back seat foot pans. Only reason I was aware was first because someone with the same vehicle told me it happened to them and second I began to see moisture and ice on the inside of the windshield. Also began to have a mold odor. This lead to corrosion of the floor pans and damage to electrical wiring. Unknown what other long term damage could be caused.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 1, 2022, crash
Unknown
Engine, Jul 22, 2021
Complete engine stoppage approximately 18:00 21 July 2021. Headed east on Germany Road, a serpentine two lane road with no shoulder. Engine stopped and vehivle coasted to a stop. I turned on the emergency lights and put the vehicle in park. Fortunately, I was able to restart the car and proceed. It was pure luck that I wasn't rear-ended.
Steering, Jul 15, 2021
On three separate occasions the power steering unit lost power, after restarting the car it would work again.
Seat belts, Jun 24, 2021
DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT BELT, BEING USED WITH HIGH-BACK CHILD BOOSTER CAR SEAT (GRACO),LOCKED UP WITH CHILD IN THE CAR SEAT. THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND GOT TIGHTER AS THE CHILD TRIED TO RELEASE IT. ADULTS COULD NOT RELEASE THE BELT OR REMOVE CHILD FROM THE CAR SEAT. THE SEATBELT HAD TO BE CUT TO REMOVE THE CHILD. THE CAR SEAT HAS BEEN IN USE IN VARIOUS OTHER VEHICLES (HONDA, FORD, SUBARU AND AUDI) WITHOUT INCIDENT.
Engine, Jun 22, 2021, crash
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, which caused her to run a red light and crash into another vehicle. All front and side air bags deployed. The driver did not sustain any injuries or seek medical attention. The contact stated his mother was seated at the rear driver side and did sustain injuries on both of her knees and sought medical attention on the day of the accident and also the following day. The contact stated unknown person in the other vehicle sustain also injuries on their knee. A police report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The vehicle was towed to the insurance lot. The contact called the local dealer and was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,139.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 14, 2021
One of the fuel injectors cracked along with the fuel rail leading to a very large fuel leak. There was also an oil leak at the same time, but the origin has not been diagnosed. The vehicle was towed to the dealership to diagnose the problem and attempt repair. There were no warning lights, signs, or symptoms. I started the vehicle and drove approximately 20 ft to a stop sign, going under 10 mph, and all of a sudden smelled an extreme odor of gasoline. The check engine and other driver alerts came on.