This page covers 3 recalls, 124 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.
25 mpg combined
9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan cluster most heavily around electrical behavior and engine issues. On the electrical side, owners frequently describe a partial or complete loss of power to dashboard displays, brake lights, and turn signals while the engine continues running, several note this happens mainly in hot weather and triggers a "check starter system" message. A smaller group reports the engine cutting out briefly or losing accessory functions like air conditioning and the backup camera under similar warm-weather conditions. Engine oil consumption is a recurring theme as well, with multiple owners reporting the need to add extra quarts between oil changes, sometimes within 1,200 miles of a fresh change. Forward collision avoidance complaints round out the top three reported systems, though the representative narratives provided don't detail specific symptoms for that category. A single report mentions the upper center console trim separating from the headliner.
124
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the front seat frame and third-row seatbelts, either of which can fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
The front seat backrest adjuster may have inadequate welds, and in a rear-end collision the backrest can break and reduce how well the seat holds an occupant in place. On the third row, this recall only affects long wheelbase models: the seatbelt anchor bolts may not have been tightened to the correct tension, which can allow the belt to pull free in a crash rather than hold the passenger back. There is also a structural concern: an accessory rear hatch spoiler may not be properly secured and can detach while driving, becoming a hazard for other vehicles on the road.
At a glance
What can fail
The accessory rear hatch spoiler may not be securely attached to the vehicle due to incorrect installation instructions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the spoiler at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts that attach the third row seat belt anchors may not be tightened to the correct specification, affecting seat belt function.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front seat frame and backrest adjuster welds may be incomplete, potentially causing structural failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect front seats and replace seatback frames as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
