Complaint volume
132 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints
132 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, grouped by component category.
132 Total complaints
5 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
5 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are unknown or other, engine, electrical system,unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 5 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 5 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 23 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 26,734 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to unknown or other, engine, electrical system,unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan complaints?
5 Crash
0 Fire
5 Injury
0 Fatality
3 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan complaint categories?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 27
ENGINE 12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8
STRUCTURE 8
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 6
SERVICE BRAKES 6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER 2
132 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The roof console (the console that controls the sunroof) detached overnight and was dangling at eye level by a couple wires. It cracked right at the screws. My guess is it has to do with heat resistance and thin plastic. If this had happened while driving, it would have been an immediate and serious safety hazard as it would have blocked my line of sight through the windshield. A quick Google search reveals what seems to be a common issue that's occurred in nearly identical manners: https://www.volkswagenownersclub.com/threads/2020-tiguan-overhead-console-detached.130458/ | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While I was driving the overhead center console that houses the driver and passenger interior lights, sunroof control, and mobile device microphone fell out of the ceiling. This was due to heat melting the plastic. The screws used to hold the console are metal and the summer heat melted the plastic causing the console to fall. This happened once in 2021 and was replaced with the same console. In 2022 the same issue happened. The dealer inspected it but does not have the parts to repair it. The item has been on back order for a year with no resolve. This item falling out of the ceiling while driving was a major safety issue and could have caused an incident. I had to try and hold it up while getting safely to my destination. The dealer said this has been a common issue with my VW vehicles and I was out on a waitlist for repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There is a malfunction with the emergency SOS system. I have an error message. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Puts key in ignition stays on and suddenly shuts off and says check starter system | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | There is a major lag in acceleration. It happens randomly so taking to a dealership won’t help because they will only try one time then say they can’t reproduce the problem. From a stop or turning into a lane I can have the pedal to the floor and the car just stalls and doesn’t go. After a few seconds the car finally gets a boost then goes. Well personally those seconds could lead to a car hitting me. I have asked my local dealership many times about it and they don’t seem to care or want to look into a problem. The idea of a car is hit pedal and it goes but not the Tiguan. There is a known problem and this should be fixed. This has been going on since I purchased car. Just getting tired of this situation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The auto break feature will illuminate on the dashboard and then send my car to a screeching halt. It takes me on average 5 seconds to regain control of my brakes. It has happened exiting businesses (small curbs) but also on the main streets with no one else around going upwards of 45 mph. The infotainment system that houses the parking and rear view safety features as well as navigation also does not work when the car is left outside in weather above 80 degrees. The AC is also unable to cool when the weather is above 80 degrees all of these ‘safety features’ make the car dangerous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On the panoramic sunroof, the back portion (moonroof) exploded on its own. Car was parked outside in parking lot and when came back to car after couple of hours, the whole back panel had been cracked and entire moonroof shattered (with glass fragments also inside car). The break was caving out (glass curved upwards) as if broken from inside. Unknown how this happened but temperature wasn’t too hot either to cause explosion from extreme heat. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | Just took my 2020 VW Tiguan in for routine maintenance and was told that my rear brake pads and rotors were down to 3&4 millimeters and had to be replaced. The front brakes were both at 8 millimeters and are fine. This appears to be a very strange wear pattern in that front brakes should take the most pressure. If the rear brakes brake harder than the front it could cause loss of control and “fishtailing “. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | While just start the car and drive it for 2 or 3 minutes a loud alarm sound and my dash lit up in red saying "BRAKE BOOSTER FAULTY" the car brakes feel week and two minutes later it disappear and the brake returns to normal. my mechanic said that it is something that only the dealership can fix because it looks like a problem that must to be recalled. it is a safety issue that can lead to an accident on the freeway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and Schumacher Volkswagen of West Palm Beach (3001 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409) and the contact was informed that the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| May 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | The overhead console broke and fell, dangling by wires only. It became a hazard inside the vehicle as it blocked visibility and swung inside with the possibility of hurting someone. I called VW customer care and they refused to acknowledge this issue and stated since the vehicle was 1000 miles over warranty limit (though still based on age, as < 3 years) there was nothing they could do. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ENGINE | The vehicle burns oil. When the dealer was confronted they said it was “normal” for the car to burn half a quart of oil every 2000 miles. No oil stains on the ground. The engine is burning the oil. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I noticed a stinky smell in my car a few months ago but didn't think anything of it, I thought maybe one of my sons left gym shoes way in back and it left a stench. My husband was cleaning my car out and noticed that there was white stuff on the floor behind the driver side. He instantly takes the car to get detailed but the smell still lingered. Two months later the white stuff is on the carpet again he removed the matts and knew it was the exact same problem that it was growing mold! Disgusting! He tried keeping the car clean, the carpet clean and fresh but the smell isn't going away. We eventually took the car to a VW dealership near us where they said they couldn't find a leak or anything that would cause this issue. They didn't clean the floor or even try to resolve the issue, so we then reached out to the VW dealership where we purchased the car. We took the car in only for them to tell us they couldn't find a problem, therefore they can't honor our warranty. After searching through the internet to my surprise this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle and it's obvious that VW would know about this problem after so many complaints. I'm furious and frustrated with this issue because mold is extremely serious and I ride in this vehicle every day and no telling what health issues could come from this. Instead of VW pretending there isn't a problem they can just fix the issue and replace the carpet, however they want to be difficult. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | POWER TRAIN,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Transmission shifts hard while going up and down. The traffic back assist will alert when not moving and when in a parking space and when nothing is around | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | ERC code popped up on Dashboard while driving in 2021 and the vehicle wouldn't go over 30 mph. Took it to the Volkswagen dealership in November 2021. Between November and February of 2022, I took the vehicle back, after having it for less than 2 hours, with the same ongoing issue. Started having the same issues after the final pick up. Fast forward to November of 2022, in addition to the ERC, my vehicle battery drained and I am unable to start the car unless I jump start it. Replaced the battery and still the same issue. The battery does not stay charged and it is a brand new battery. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact turned on the windshield washer fluid to clean the front and rear windshield and the windshield washer fluid leaked into the vehicle onto the brake and accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the windshield washer fluid level was low. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that there was no recall for the failure and that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer filed a case. The failure mileage was 60,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 60,000 |
| Jan 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER | The overhead console in the vehicle detached on its own in October 2022 and will not stay secured. This has prevented my ability to see out of the front windshield and therefore hindered my safe operation of the vehicle. The dealer confirmed the issue but would not cover it under warranty, claiming that it was my fault for installing a dash camera. However, no wires are near the roof liner and the installation of my dash camera has nothing to do with the overhead console. The dealership then charged me $155 plus tax for this "assessment". Please see the attached files showing this is a known issue with the vehicle that Volkswagen will not properly address and cover. I have contacted VW Customer Service multiple times by US Mail and have still not received any type of response. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | This car burns oil. I am adding at 1-2 quarts of oil every 2-3 months and I only have 24k miles on this car. I've had an oil consumption test completed and they said that its falling just with in normal limits. It's unacceptable. Additionally, the emergency braking system is faulty, it will register shadows or on a slightly winding road will register on coming traffic and slam on brakes. I have had cars blowing their horns and swerving from behind me in order to avoid a collision. I had that check as well and their advise was to disable it. WHAT?!? So either I disable a safety system or I get rear-ended. This is a joke and completely unacceptable. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | The contact rented a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated driving 60 MPH, the vehicle independently pulled across the lanes of the highway with the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact was not able to control the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the highway and was able to get the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed back to the car rental office. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 70,000 |
| Dec 2022 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | I've been having backup camera problems since I purchased this vehicle in June 2020. It only works 20% of the time. There have been times were I don't see people or vehicles as I back up. I've only been seen for service twice. I don't have the time to take it in once a week for them to do to a hard reset or replace the J949 Module. I've attached a service receipt. Usually just have a black screen. Below is the address to a consumer report page detailing the issues. Unfortunately, my vehicle is not in the recall list. https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/volkswagen-recalls-cars-and-suvs-for-backup-camera-problems-a1136236169/ | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES | Uneven and excessive pad wear that was reported to be "normal" by the dealer. Photo of pads from passenger side of vehicle attached. One is almost unworn and the other is down to metal. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the upper overhead console had detached from the headliner. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on all three occasions and had the part replaced under warranty. Recently, the contact stated that the failure returned where the console was hanging from the headliner three wires. The contact stated that the console obstructed her vision of the rearview mirror and side mirrors. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 4,000 |
| Aug 2022 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE | The car was parked outside during the summer. Opened the car door and noticed the entire overhead console above the driver had detached, and was broken, hanging head high by the wire connections. The plastic is broken around the screws that usually hold it into place, so it cannot be reattached without getting a replacement part installed. Driving is dangerous when this occurs as the entire console sways back and forth in front of the driver, hitting them, which in turn obstructs visibility through front windshield, internal and exterior rearview mirrors and is an overall distraction/hazard to the driver. Also cannot utilize overhead lights and other functionality while the overhead console is detached. No warnings or way of predicting this from occurring. This is the second time this has occurred in the span of 1 year to this vehicle. Had dealership install new overhead console after this happened the first time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that the sunroof console detached and blocked the rear-view mirror and side view mirror. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the replacement part was on back order. The contact stated that he was told to use duct tape until the replacement part arrived. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 26,000 |
| Aug 2022 | STRUCTURE | The contact leased a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while his wife was entering the vehicle, she noticed that the overhead console was not properly secured. While his wife was driving at unknown speeds in high temperatures, the overhead console detached from the roof. The contact was unable to utilize the lights, blue tooth, sunroof, and other features on the console. Additionally, the wires were exposed. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the contact was informed that the parts were backordered; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Covina Volkswagen (528 S Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723) where the console was disconnected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 34,799. | Crash: No Fire: No | 34,799 |