2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Owner complaints
141 complaints5 involved a crash7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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…
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 the failed engine, the authorized manufacturer dealership discovered heavy metal shavings in the engine oil, indicating severe and premature internal mechanical destruction of critical engine components. The vehicle has been diagnosed as requiring a complete engine replacement costing $9,000. A catastrophic mechanical failure of this nature at exceptionally low mileage, despite regular annual maintenance, points to a significant manufacturing or material defect.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
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
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
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…
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. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
- Interior lighting
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 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 limitation. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
- Structure › Interior panels › Ceiling
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with two toddlers inside the vehicle, the ceiling of the vehicle detached and caused a bump on the head. A dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that it was a known issue with similar vehicles. The…
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with two toddlers inside the vehicle, the ceiling of the vehicle detached and caused a bump on the head. A dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that it was a known issue with similar vehicles. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a recall associated with the failure but had expired. No assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact about an extended warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 110,738.
- Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
The overhead console by the rear view mirror suddenly detached - only hanging by cords. It will not go back on. Duct tape will not even hold it. It is a safety hazard to drive it, and it impairs visibility. The dealership I took it to says this is a problem with 2020 tiguans, but I will have to pay for the repair.
- Carry handle, shell, base · Other/i am not sure
This appears to be a design defect in the interaction between the lock-off bar and the seat belt during removal. Beyond the property damage, this creates a safety risk: a caregiver who cannot remove or reinstall the seat may drive with an improperly secured car seat, and a damaged or cut vehicle…
This appears to be a design defect in the interaction between the lock-off bar and the seat belt during removal. Beyond the property damage, this creates a safety risk: a caregiver who cannot remove or reinstall the seat may drive with an improperly secured car seat, and a damaged or cut vehicle belt in that seating position is unusable until repaired. I reported this to Evenflo’s ParentLink support on 7/19/2026 (ref:!00Df402dTF0.!500Uy0uvwTd:ref). Evenflo responded that the tangling meant I “incorrectly followed” a step, without asking any diagnostic questions, and denied reimbursement. My requests for escalation on 7/21 and 7/23 have gone unanswered. Photos of the seat, the belt path, and the cut belt are available on request.
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light on an extremely hot day, the message that the starter was hot was displayed and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. On another occasion, while making a turn, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The…
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light on an extremely hot day, the message that the starter was hot was displayed and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. On another occasion, while making a turn, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The contact was able to safely coast over to the emergency lane. After waiting for the engine to cool down, the vehicle was restarted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
-After turning the car on and driving a short distance, the driver dashboard made a warning sound and flashed a warning about my 'ignition system' turning itself off. After that, the entire dash (the speedometer, gas gauge, the infotainment system, the internal climate controls, etc.) went blank.…
-After turning the car on and driving a short distance, the driver dashboard made a warning sound and flashed a warning about my 'ignition system' turning itself off. After that, the entire dash (the speedometer, gas gauge, the infotainment system, the internal climate controls, etc.) went blank. The warning told me to immediately pull the car over and turn it off. Because of this, the car's external brake lights and turn signal indicators also do not work. -Because this error is happening while the vehicle is moving and is on the roadway, I am driving blind in traffic without a way to signal lane changes or when I am coming to a stop. -The car has been worked on three separate times (the alternator was replaced twice and the battery once) for this issue, but the issue is still happening. It only happens when the weather gets to be above 80 degrees. -The vehicle was taken to AutoNation Volkswagen on July 6, 2026, and the service worker who I talked to said he's seen similar issues with Volkswagens in his two and a half years that he's worked in the service department (which lines up with the VW recall for other vehicles) after I described the issue to him. He confirmed those cases also happened when the outside temperatures were high. -No, no warning messages were displayed prior to the issue spontaneously happening back in May 2026. The first warning message I got was accompanied by the dashboard going completely black. -There is a VW Safety Recall (VW Campaign 28H7) and a NHTSA Recall (23V604) for the following VW models produced between 2019 - 2020: Golf, Golf AllTrack, Golf GTI, Golf Sportswagen, and the Jetta in the United States. -VW Customer care (called on July 6, 2026) declined to take down my complaint and said they could not enter my VIN to track the error for future recalls because I quote "didn't have a VW Customer Account." They provided me with a case number (#07599604) but I'm not sure anything was logged, and I didn't qualify for 'goodwill'.
- Electrical system
Component(s) Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH, EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL Summary: When the interior cabin or ambient temperature becomes hot, a critical ignition/electrical failure occurs. The dashboard displays error: "Ignition has switched…
Component(s) Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH, EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL Summary: When the interior cabin or ambient temperature becomes hot, a critical ignition/electrical failure occurs. The dashboard displays error: "Ignition has switched, please safely stop the vehicle." Immediately following, a total electrical shutdown occurs: the instrument cluster goes black, and all external signaling—including the brake lights and turn signals—stops operating. While mechanical engine propulsion is maintained, the driver is left with zero visibility of vehicle metrics and zero exterior signaling to warn trailing traffic. When restarting, the vehicle fails to crank on the first attempt and displays: "Check the starter system." The vehicle functions normally once the cabin cools down or during cold weather. Safety Risk & Consequences: This defect poses an immediate and severe crash hazard. Operating a moving vehicle without functioning brake lights or turn signals deprives surrounding motorists of critical indicators, drastically increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. Additionally, a complete loss of the instrument cluster impairs the driver’s awareness of vehicle speed and critical safety alerts. Diagnostic & Context: An independent certified mechanic diagnosed the issue as a failure of the ignition switch electrical component (not the mechanical tumbler). Thermal expansion causes the electrical contacts to fail, triggering the systemic shutdown. The mechanic noted this part is on a severe nationwide backorder, indicating widespread failure. A known safety recall exists for the VW Jetta for an identical thermal ignition switch failure; however, the VW Tiguan—which utilizes the exact same turn-key ignition switch part—is not included. Multiple online automotive forums document identical hot-weather electrical failures among other Tiguan owners, proving this is a systemic hazard that warrants a safety recall.
- Structure › Interior panels › Center console
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the overhead console detached, nearly striking the contact on the head. The contact stated that the console wiring was hanging loose with the mount cracked and the screw casing disintegrating.…
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the overhead console detached, nearly striking the contact on the head. The contact stated that the console wiring was hanging loose with the mount cracked and the screw casing disintegrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
- Unknown or other
Started to smell a musty odor in my 2020 Tiguan. Had no idea where it was coming from. Repeatedly wiped down and vacuumed the car; but the smell would not leave. Eventually my husband realized that the carpet in the back seat area under the floor mats was wet and smelled very bad. We used a wet/dry…
Started to smell a musty odor in my 2020 Tiguan. Had no idea where it was coming from. Repeatedly wiped down and vacuumed the car; but the smell would not leave. Eventually my husband realized that the carpet in the back seat area under the floor mats was wet and smelled very bad. We used a wet/dry vac to pull the water out. But it only returned. Mold has now started to develop and grow on the carpet on both sides of the car in the back. This is very bad as I don't want me and my family breathing in mold. Also, I purchased the car in late March of 2024 and have only had it for just a little over two years. Since I've had the car we have gotten all routine maintenances completed including the 80K mile service. After reading online I see that this is a COMMON problem with VW Tiguan's where either the Sunroof leaks into the car or the A/C drain causes issue; in both cases it causes water leaks and mold. Tried calling VW and Audi of America to explain and see if they would buy the car back, but was advised due to the year and mileage they could not. This is sad to me because this is dealing with MOLD. VW is aware of these issues and seems to not care if people are left finishing out financing on a loan with a car that leaks and causes mold. I'm even seeing that on the NHTSA website complaints section for Tiguans, that multiple people have registered complaints about the same issue. Attaching picture of mold that is growing in back area.
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
I was driving and a vehicle was making a left hand turn, in the middle lane and they were in their lane and I was in mine, but the vehicle decided to use the automatic breaking which then cause me to have whiplash and it took a few seconds for the car to move and I had other cars behind me. Also…
I was driving and a vehicle was making a left hand turn, in the middle lane and they were in their lane and I was in mine, but the vehicle decided to use the automatic breaking which then cause me to have whiplash and it took a few seconds for the car to move and I had other cars behind me. Also, because this happened so quickly with no warning I first had to think did I hit the car, because I would have had no knowledge because the automatic stoping made noise and jolted me. So this is dangerous is all sorts of levels. If the other vehicle didn’t move and appeared to be fine and I had no damage to my car I would have not known.
- Unknown or other
Sunglass holder latch is broken on the 2020 Tiguan, it obstructs the rear view mirror completely. Volkswagen is charging to have it repaired although there are multiple complaints online about this issue. We have to use tape to keep it shut but the heat melts the adhesive and it falls constantly while driving.
- Electrical system
center roof console fell out while driving VW states it out of extended warranty charging $200 for repair I find this very dangerous
- Unknown or other
While driving on freeway, the overhead console in my 2020 VW Tiguan suddenly fell down. At highway speeds , I thought I had been hit or something. It immediately obstructed the view through my wind shield and rear view. I had to rapidly pull over, narrowly averting a collision. Very dangerous. I…
While driving on freeway, the overhead console in my 2020 VW Tiguan suddenly fell down. At highway speeds , I thought I had been hit or something. It immediately obstructed the view through my wind shield and rear view. I had to rapidly pull over, narrowly averting a collision. Very dangerous. I see that this is a common problem in this model of car supposedly caused by the factory over torquing the screws that secure it.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
When I am driving my vehicle, I get an alert that the "Ignition switched off, please safely stop the video". All electrical power to the vehicle subsequently drops off. This is the same issue that the 2018-2019 VW Jetta's were recalled for in 2023.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
When the weather is warm or hot the car will drive less than a mile then cuts off but still drives. No air conditioning no radio or camera works how car shuts off but can still drive.
- Unknown or other
upper center console has completely come down,
- Exterior lighting
While driving the car looses all dashboard lights, brake lights, blinkers. The motor stays running and it has a check starter system message. Has done it several times in the 2 weeks we have owned it. Seems to only occur when it is hot outside. It is very unsafe to loose break lights…
While driving the car looses all dashboard lights, brake lights, blinkers. The motor stays running and it has a check starter system message. Has done it several times in the 2 weeks we have owned it. Seems to only occur when it is hot outside. It is very unsafe to loose break lights, blinkers, and all info on dash while driving with no warning. It gives a pull over immediately message right after it does it. Taking it to auto repair shop this week to see what they say, but not very optimistic since I have been reading it happens a lot with this vehicle and rarely they figure out the problem.
- Engine
Car has been consuming excessive oil in a short amount of time, Volkswagen claims it’s in “normal” specs but car consumes all the oil after oil change within 1200 miles. Between 0-5,000 miles 2 extra quarts will be added to engine. First time I noticed it was a month after purchasing the car when my oil/engine light came on. Recently oil cap blew off
- Electrical system
SOS button is not working. Console fell out of roof of car earlier this summer (a national recall) and now the SOS error J949 is not working, and because the SOS button isnt working neither is the bluetooth. This is absolutely due to the faulty console that had to be rewired and clipped back into…
SOS button is not working. Console fell out of roof of car earlier this summer (a national recall) and now the SOS error J949 is not working, and because the SOS button isnt working neither is the bluetooth. This is absolutely due to the faulty console that had to be rewired and clipped back into the roof of the vehicle. Currently not being covered by dealerships, it is absolutely a volkswagen fault in their upper electrical console issue.
- Back over prevention · Engine · Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated due to an emissions issue. The message to check the oil level was displayed. The contact pulled over to check the oil and added a quart of oil. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount…
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated due to an emissions issue. The message to check the oil level was displayed. The contact pulled over to check the oil and added a quart of oil. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact was informed that the cylinder head valve seals had failed and caused oil to seep through the exhaust ports and was burning oil on the second head emissions system and the port was clogged. Additionally, the back over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact determined that the top half of the engine needed to be replaced. The cylinder head was on backorder. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Car beeped and displayed warning stating that Ignition will turn off and Check Starter System on four separate occasions, resulting in loss of all electrical power including but not limited to headlights, brake lights, console display, speedometer, dashboard lights, turn signals, hazard lights a/c…
Car beeped and displayed warning stating that Ignition will turn off and Check Starter System on four separate occasions, resulting in loss of all electrical power including but not limited to headlights, brake lights, console display, speedometer, dashboard lights, turn signals, hazard lights a/c, etc. The center console felt very warm. The car needed to be pulled over and ignition turned off for a prolonged period of time before restarting or else the issue would continue. The car does not always start right back up upon first try. It is unsafe to drive a car without any working electronics, especially at night. It is difficult and unsafe to pull over to a safe space without any working electronics, especially at night. Brought car to Vw dealer and they removed and replaced the ignition switch actuator.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011380Volkswagen Warranty has extended the coverage for the overhead console on 2019-2022 Tiguan Vehicles for 2 years 24,000 from the expiration of NVLW
- 11011379This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the keyless start system. 00B7 - Interface for Access/Start: U101300: Control module not coded & Software Configuration incorrect coding hotfix
- 11011374HVAC duct cleaning and deodorizing
- 11010028This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during ECM Component Adaptation Test after component replacement.
- 11010025Green Light Does Not Illuminate
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008866Inspecting sensors for damage
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008860Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11008845This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007396Car-net 2.0 may not fully complete the initial Register and Pairing process (R&P) after removal of
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005826Car-net 2.0 may not fully complete the initial Register and Pairing process (R&P) after removal of
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11002874Remnants of the valve stem seal on the valve guide can interfere with the installation of new valve stem seals
- 11001522These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 11001503Forigen objects inside seat belt buckle
- 11001494These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10251674Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the R1234yf Refrigerant Circuit (U.S. Only) updated to adjust Flush machine filter pricing.
- 10250803Bevel box leaking, update to Arteon labor operation numbers.
- 10250798VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10250766Engine Crank, No Start or No -J623- ECM Communication with DTC U0100 Stored in ECM Fault Memory
- 10250541Remote Key testing & replacement.
- 10249418VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10249417MIB2 MQB Composition & Discover Media Infotainment System Malfunctions
Every Volkswagen Tiguan model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.