The Lemon Index2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is better than average by owner complaints: 62 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 66, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 23 to 25 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 141 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Tiguan year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 66K miles on the car (28 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- body structure 2022
Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
- seat belts 2020
The third row seat belt anchor bolts may not have been properly torqued.
- seats 2020
Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 521 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No Crank/No Start with P06EF and/or P06E9 Customer states MIL-on with P0463 Customer states…
- Customer states MIL-on with P0133 No Crank/No Start with P06EF and/or P06E9 Customer states…
- Customer states MIL-on with P0496 Customer states MIL-on with P2440 Customer states MIL-on…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The vehicle burns oil. When the dealer was confronted they said it was ânormalâ 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.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan owner · NHTSA complaint 11522838
More owner reports
My tiguan is having the same issue at the vw Atlas. Emergency Braking system applying the parking break. Errors with the door sensor, start-stop, hill assist, and parking break.
NHTSA complaint 11460281
Low Engine Oil. Car is burning oil. Having to put engine oil every 3 months.
NHTSA complaint 11473112
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 66; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Tiguan year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (26%), engine (23%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
3 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
23 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,200 and 66,000 miles. The middle report was at 30,400 miles, from 28 complaints.
Does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Tiguan year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2015 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works