2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems and Top Complaints – Is your car a lemon?

Updated on May 2nd, 2023 Author: Brian Jones

As far as VW SUVs go, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan seems to be a popular option. The automaker claims it brings “attention to every detail,” but the manufacturer must have overlooked the basic systems such as the seat belts, electrical system and engine.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018    2019    2021    2022

NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Problems with the Seat Belts

To stay safe on the road, it’s vital that the seat belts work as intended. This basic system has been around for decades and shouldn’t cause trouble, but they do in the Tiguan.

Here is one NHTSA complaint. “Seatbelts are wet and moisture is building up in the car after heavy rain while sunroof and all doors closed and car is parked. Possibly a sunroof draining issue. Seat belts mainly affected are in the rear, particularly near rear-passenger, but front belts affected also. Water also observed in rear door wells and on front driver’s window post (left of windshield). Seat belts smell damp and are so wet that they are uncomfortable to wear and would leave water on clothes.”

While no one wants to deal with wet seatbelts after every storm, there are some larger problems to consider. First, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V579000 states that the third row seat belt anchor bolts were not properly torqued, thereby increasing the chance of an injury during an accident. Furthermore, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V505000 states that the backrest adjuster and front seat frame might not have been welded correctly. This could break during an accident, causing even more injuries. But that’s not all! When the NHTSA was doing safety testing it found a major problem. In fact, there is an alert stating that the left driver door can unlatch and open during a crash. This increases the chance of occupant ejection during an accident. Where was all the “attention to every detail” when it came to the seat belts and safety systems? It must have been inspected during a lunch break at the factory.

Problems with the Electrical System

There are just as many issues with the electrical system in the Tiguan – ranging from inconveniences to safety worries.

Here is one Edmunds review. “I have had my 2020 Tiguan SEL in the platinum Gray with the black leather, after just 3 months and 3900 miles on it, and needless to say I’m a more then a bit unhappy. The car has been in the shop 3 times already, the first time was a simple fix, after using the Apple Carplay the clock on the dash would reset, come to find out it was just set in the wrong time zone on the car’s settings, the next two times it’s been in the shop is what really bothers me, the emergency braking just randomly goes off with NO car anywhere near me.”

Despite the mounting customer complaints, VW has nothing of value to say in the manufacturer communications. It’s almost as if the company is trying to remain completely quiet in order not to draw more attention to the defects in the Tiguan. Yet, customers don’t need to be a rocket scientist to determine that this SUV is a lemon.

Problems with the Engine

A potent engine is what every driver wants to experience, but that’s not what is found with the Tiguan.

Here is one more Edmunds review. “Where to begin… Tranny fluid and oil leak after only 3 weeks of ownership! 3 seals replaced, rubber boot on axle defective and replaced. Right now, it’s back in for service as it’s still leaking oil. Driver seat chime won’t go off. I’ve owned 2 Tiguan’s prior to this one and the last one didn’t even need brake pads until 60K, the brakes are already squealing on this one! And it’s slow and jerky. VW really messed this car up. I can’t say a good thing about this car.”

The engine problems go even deeper. Service Bulletin #VIN4APIN20200514 talks about several diagnostic codes, oil leaking from the engine and stalling. It also claims some of the mounting bolts might be loose or completely broken. Is this the kind of SUV anyone wants to load the family in? Probably not! At this point, the only thing it is good for is sitting in the driveway.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes VW pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

See more posts from Brian Jones