Owners have reported 5 crashes and 6 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints12
ENGINE
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.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints9
STRUCTURE
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.
Owner complaints8
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Owner complaints5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
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.
Owner complaints5
POWER TRAIN
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.
Owner complaints3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
WHEELS
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.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
