NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV pitched squarely at families and urban commuters who want European refinement in a practical, five-or-seven-seat package. Competing against the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Tiguan has carved out a niche with its upscale cabin and composed road manners. Our focus here is strictly on what the federal safety data says about protecting the people inside it.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Tiguan for its refined, car-like driving feel, a well-appointed interior that punches above its price point, and flexible seating options. Critics tend to flag its turbocharged four-cylinder as adequate rather than energetic and note that cargo space can feel compromised compared to some rivals, particularly when the optional third row is fitted.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14752
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
STRUCTURE:BODY22V226000
Risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 recall is 66N5.
Reported 2022-04-06
SEAT BELTS20V579000
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.
Remedy: 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 customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen number for this recall is 69BA.
Reported 2020-09-23
SEATS20V505000
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.
Remedy: 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 contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
Reported 2020-08-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
129 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.