2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: 3 recalls, 141 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #20V505000 · 2020 · 5,376 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V579000 · 2020 · 6 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #22V226000 · 2022 · 6,553 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (52): the most common themes are electrical failure (10), stalls / loses power (6).
- Electrical (34): the most common themes are electrical failure (13), warning light on (7), stalls / loses power (5).
- Engine (26): the most common themes are warning light on (10), excess oil use (7), stalls / loses power (6).
- Body & structure (16): the most common themes are door / lock issues (3).
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has 141 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 18 Tiguan model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 128). Complaints peaked in 2024 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 30,399 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (192 complaints, 5 recalls), 2021 (142 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
Owners have filed 141 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (52), electrical (34), engine (26).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.