Last updated: 2026-03-04

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 118 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).

Recalls

3

Complaints

118

Complaint Rate

10.7

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$730

Above avg

Major Repair Risk

12%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
66/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
60/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
75/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
85/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (29)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)ENGINE (12)

3 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2021.
  • 2nd generation Tiguan (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

Second generation (AD/BW; 2016)

2018redesign
2019
2020selected
2021refresh
2022
2023

Should You Buy the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 69/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (AD/BW; 2016).

With 118 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (29). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • Low major repair risk (12%)
  • Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Frequent unscheduled repairs
  • Moderate recall count

Compare 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (29)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)
  • ENGINE (12)
  • STRUCTURE (9)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (8)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)
  • POWER TRAIN (5)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
  • SEAT BELTS (3)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
  • WHEELS (2)
  • AIR BAGS (1)
  • VISIBILITY (1)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
  • STEERING (1)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

10.7

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 18.2

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

5

Fires

0

Injuries

6

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V2260002022-04-06

STRUCTURE

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.

Consequence

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.

20V5790002020-09-23

SEAT BELTS

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.

Consequence

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.

20V5050002020-08-26

SEATS

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.

Consequence

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.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Volkswagen Tiguan Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$730

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.9

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Tiguan
$730
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect for excessive engine oil consumption by checking oil levels frequently
  • Check if the overhead console is securely attached and not hanging by wires
  • Test the ignition system for unexpected shutdowns or electrical failures
  • Verify the windshield wipers do not activate unexpectedly with turn signals
  • Ensure the emergency call function works and does not display errors
  • Test for throttle response delay during acceleration

Check Any 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Tiguan in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Volkswagen Tiguan with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Common Problems by Component

118 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

29
27
12
20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (29)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27)ENGINE (12)STRUCTURE (9)SERVICE BRAKES (8)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)POWER TRAIN (5)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)Other (20)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

29 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the overhead console detaching and hanging by wires, often attributed to heat or weak plastic brackets. This problem is noted as obstructing the rearview mirror and posing a potential safety hazard if it falls while driving. Complaints typically mention this occurring around three years after purchase and sometimes after warranty coverage has expired, making repairs costly. Additionally, some owners describe problems with mold due to condensation from air vents, and issues with the Car-Net emergency service module failing. Safety concerns are highlighted, particularly regarding the overhead console's potential to block visibility and distract drivers.

29 complaints total1 crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

27 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly with the emergency contact and ignition systems. Common symptoms include the overhead console detaching, ignition system warnings resulting in sudden loss of electrical power, and malfunctioning emergency call functions. These problems often occur after the vehicle has been exposed to heat or around the 16,000-mile mark, as noted by some owners. Safety implications are significant, with reports of electrical failures leading to loss of essential functions like lights and speedometer, and one injury reported due to a falling overhead console. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential issues, especially regarding the vehicle's electrical reliability.

27 complaints total1 injury

ENGINE

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report excessive engine oil consumption, with some describing the need to add oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Typical symptoms include oil warning lights, white smoke from the exhaust, and repeated visits to dealerships for oil-related issues. Complaints often emerge around or before 50,000 miles, with some owners experiencing engine stalling and complete stoppage while driving. Safety concerns are highlighted by one report of a crash involving injuries, where a distracted driver ran a red light following a throttle control warning. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly the recurring oil consumption and potential for engine-related safety risks.

12 complaints total1 crash2 injuries
STRUCTURE (9 complaints)

STRUCTURE

9 complaints

Owners report that the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently experiences issues with the overhead console detaching from the vehicle's interior roof. Complaints commonly describe the console hanging by its wires, obstructing the rearview and side mirrors, and creating a distraction while driving. This issue is noted at various mileages, with reports ranging from approximately 4,000 to 91,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted as the loose console can impede vision and may require drivers to hold it in place while driving, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, multiple owners mention that replacement parts are on backorder, leaving the issue unresolved for extended periods.

9 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

8 complaints

Owners report several issues with the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's brakes, primarily involving brake booster faults and uneven brake pad wear. Complaints frequently mention that the brake booster fault alert triggers while driving, causing the brakes to feel weak or hard to push, with some owners unable to replicate the issue consistently. Symptoms often occur shortly after starting the vehicle, with mileage varying widely. Additionally, multiple owners describe uneven wear on brake pads, with some experiencing excessive wear on rear brakes compared to the front, contrary to typical wear patterns. Automatic emergency brakes engaging unexpectedly on slopes and brake squealing are also noted. These issues have safety implications, including potential loss of control and unexpected braking, which could be critical for prospective buyers to consider.

8 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

5 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly the Automatic Emergency Braking feature activating unexpectedly. Complaints often describe the vehicle braking suddenly without any apparent obstacles, with incidents occurring at various speeds, such as 40 to 45 MPH. These unexpected stops have been noted multiple times by different owners, with some reporting the issue as early as 7,722 miles and others around 17,000 miles. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the sudden braking poses potential safety risks, especially in traffic. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues and may want to ensure the system is inspected and functioning correctly before purchase.

5 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan frequently report issues with the power train, specifically involving transmission and acceleration. Common symptoms include jerking and hesitation during acceleration, with some owners noting a significant lag when pressing the accelerator pedal, which can lead to potential safety risks such as near rear-end collisions. Complaints also describe hard shifting of the transmission and the appearance of an ERC code on the dashboard, which limits vehicle speed to 30 mph. These issues often occur at various mileages, with some reports noting problems as early as 40,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with instances of the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate, posing a risk in traffic situations.

5 complaints total
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

Owners report issues with both aftermarket headlights and the overhead console in the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. One complaint details aftermarket headlights from AKD Aokeding failing shortly after installation, noting unsafe construction and potential safety compliance issues. Additionally, multiple owners describe the overhead console detaching from the ceiling, obstructing driver visibility and presenting a hazard by swinging into the driver and passenger space. This issue has occurred without warning and has been noted as a recurring problem by a dealership. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are mentioned, but the safety implications include potential distraction and visibility obstruction while driving.

3 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan report issues with vehicle speed control, specifically describing a delay in throttle response when accelerating, particularly noticeable during maneuvers such as merging or turning. This hesitation is said to last approximately 2-3 seconds, creating potential safety risks in traffic situations. Additionally, one owner experienced unintended acceleration while parking, resulting in a crash and minor injuries, with the vehicle accelerating independently into two other vehicles. These complaints are noted at low mileage, around 1,700 miles, with no warning lights or fault codes detected. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, as they involve significant safety implications.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury
WHEELS (2 complaints)

WHEELS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan report issues related to wheel and tire performance, with one complaint involving a crash due to a tire blowout while driving on a highway. This incident resulted in a loss of vehicle control and collision with a guardrail, with the owner noting the tire was severely damaged and not typical of usual tire failures. Another complaint highlights discrepancies in vehicle documentation, specifically mentioning that both the left and right wheels were noted as removed during an inspection. These reports suggest potential concerns with tire integrity and wheel handling, which may have safety implications, particularly in the event of a blowout. The issues appear to arise within the first six months of vehicle ownership, indicating potential early-life component concerns.

2 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

2,600–68,000 milesEngine oil consumption
4,000–91,000 milesOverhead console detachment
16,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Volkswagen Tiguan Years

Best Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Buy

The best Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2024 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (73/100) and 2023 (73/100).

Volkswagen Tiguan Years to Avoid

The worst Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2018 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to power train (47) issues.

See full Volkswagen Tiguan years-to-avoid analysis →

Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Score Trend

Volkswagen Tiguan reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 71/100 compared to 65/100 for older years.

avg 68
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Volkswagen Tiguan reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201857/100Mixed
201965/100Good
202069/100Good
202167/100Good
202261/100Good
202373/100Good
202475/100Good
202573/100Good

Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202674/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202573/100-2Good218
202475/100+2Good138
202373/100+12Good149
202261/100-6Good5199
202167/100-2Good5106
2020(selected)69/100+4Good3118
201965/100+8Good5165
201857/100Mixed13275

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 69/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 118 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (29 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27 complaints), ENGINE (12 complaints), STRUCTURE (9 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has estimated annual repair costs of $730/year, which is $209 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 69/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue