2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 140
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2020
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 140 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 110 |
| 2011 | 162 |
| 2012 | 153 |
| 2013 | 140 |
| 2014 | 84 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 97 |
| 2017 | 76 |
| 2018 | 287 |
| 2019 | 195 |
| 2020 | 140 |
| 2021 | 144 |
| 2022 | 274 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 36 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
24% · 34 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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 ODI report, 2026-09-15
Engine
19% · 26 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-22
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-06
Forward collision avoidance
16% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Structure
11% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing body and ceiling.
Service brakes
8% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing air.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020-09-11Seats20V505000 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.
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.
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2020-10-07Seat belts20V579000 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.
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.
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2022-06-03Structure22V226000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V505000 · Seats
- Recall 20V579000 · Seat belts
- Recall 22V226000 · Structure
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.