2020 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and problems

3 recalls and 141 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.

3
recalls
141
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls

Structure: body

NHTSA campaign 22V226000 · reported April 6, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 6,553 vehicles potentially affected

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

Seat belts: rear/other · Seat belts

NHTSA campaign 20V579000 · reported September 23, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 6 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Seats

NHTSA campaign 20V505000 · reported August 26, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 5,376 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 6, 2026 · 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 severe, immediate…

Sep 15, 2026 · Electrical system

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.

Aug 28, 2026 · 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

Aug 19, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 63,000 miles

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…

Aug 11, 2026 · Interior lighting · 76,000 miles

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…

Tiguan model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2017 47660
2018 1428853
2019 519561
2020 314150
2021 514420
2022 527331
2023 17010

Across all years, the 2018 Tiguan has the most complaints (288). All Volkswagen Tiguan years →

Questions

Does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, the most recent reported on April 6, 2022 (Structure: body). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Owners have filed 141 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (52 complaints), followed by electrical system (34).
How many 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 141 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 6, 2026.