2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Common Problems
Ranked from 74 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
16 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Overhead Console Detachment
31complaintsHigh severityOtherThe overhead console detaches from the roof, posing a risk of injury and obstructing the driver's view.
- 2
Ignition System Malfunction
18complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe ignition system malfunctions, leading to the car shutting down unexpectedly and losing all electrical functions.
- 3
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
14complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine consumes an excessive amount of oil, often requiring frequent refills or repairs.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Electrical System Failure in Warm Weather
9complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe car experiences electrical system failures such as loss of dashboard lights and other functions when the temperature is warm.
- 5
Driver Door Control Switch Error
8complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe driver door control switch triggers unexpected emergency braking, causing sudden stops and potential accidents.
- 7
Fuel Nozzle Premature Shutdown
7complaintsMedium severityOtherThe fuel nozzle shuts off prematurely during refueling, requiring multiple attempts to fill the tank completely.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Emergency SOS System Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe emergency SOS system malfunctions, preventing calls to emergency services and requiring expensive repairs.
- 9
Automatic Emergency Braking Malfunction
4complaintsSafety riskOtherThe automatic emergency braking system engages unexpectedly, causing sudden stops and potential accidents.
- 10
Stalling and Check Starter System Warning
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe car intermittently stalls and displays a 'check starter system' warning, potentially leading to accidents.
$300–$800est. starter replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Transmission and Acceleration Issues
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts poorly and the car experiences random lags in acceleration, affecting performance and safety.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Brake Booster Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe brake booster malfunctions, causing the brake pedal to go to the floor and requiring towing for repairs.
$500–$1,300est. brake booster replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls while idling in traffic due to a malfunctioning stop-start system, requiring frequent restarts.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Steering Power Loss
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering unit loses power intermittently, requiring the driver to restart the car for it to work again.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Sunroof/Moonroof Failure
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof or moonroof breaks unexpectedly, posing a safety hazard and causing significant damage to the interior.
- 16
Visibility Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherWater intrusion and windshield washer fluid leakage impair visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.