Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 28 | 20% |
| Engine | 12 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 10 | 7% |
| Structure | 9 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 6% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 2% |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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 di
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
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 th
NHTSA complaint: Interior lighting
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with two toddlers inside the vehicle, the ceiling of the vehicle detached and caused a bump on the head. A dealer was contacted, and
NHTSA complaint: Structure
This appears to be a design defect in the interaction between the lock-off bar and the seat belt during removal. Beyond the property damage, this creates a safety risk: a caregiver who cannot remove or reinstall the seat
NHTSA complaint: Carry handle
The overhead console by the rear view mirror suddenly detached - only hanging by cords. It will not go back on. Duct tape will not even hold it. It is a safety hazard to drive it, and it impairs visibility. The dealershi
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light on an extremely hot day, the message that the starter was hot was displayed and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. On an
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
-After turning the car on and driving a short distance, the driver dashboard made a warning sound and flashed a warning about my 'ignition system' turning itself off. After that, the entire dash (the speedometer, gas gau
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
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.
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 co
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.
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.
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 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.
Risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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
| Reliability raw | 83 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 66 | good |
| Depreciation | 69 | good |
| Performance | 52 | average |
| Efficiency | 45 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and unknown or other is the most reported area with 28 of them (20%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 83/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2020 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 71/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.