2020 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and problems

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 safety recalls and 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
141
Crashes / fires
5 / 0
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls

Recall 22V-226: Structure

Reported Apr 6, 2022 · 6,553 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-579: Seat Belts

Reported Sep 23, 2020 · 6 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-505: Seats

Reported Aug 26, 2020 · 5,376 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other52
Electrical System34
Engine26
Forward Collision Avoidance22
Structure16
Service Brakes10
Visibility/Wiper10
Exterior Lighting8
Power Train5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Back Over Prevention4
Engine and Engine Cooling4

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 14
  • Structure › Body — 8
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 6
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Ceiling — 4
  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 34,799 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported 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…
Electrical System · reported 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.
Unknown or Other · reported 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
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 63,000 miles · reported 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.…
Interior Lighting · at 76,000 miles · reported 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…

Other Volkswagen Tiguan years

Compare all Volkswagen Tiguan years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: 22V-226 (structure), 20V-579 (seat belts), 20V-505 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (52 reports), followed by electrical system (34). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 34,799 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.