NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Ratings
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 129 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. Backed by a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and standard forward collision warning, it presents a solid safety profile, tempered by three recall campaigns that used-market shoppers should verify as resolved.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 63 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 129 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 63 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
A five-star side crash rating anchors the 2020 Tiguan's improved safety profile. This model year sees a notable rise in the NHTSA Safety Index, reaching 82/100, a five-point gain from the 2019 model's 77/100. This places the 2020 Tiguan firmly in the Strong safety band. Its crash protection sub-score, 61 out of 70, is a primary driver of this improved performance, supported by the vehicle's five-star overall NHTSA rating. Avoidance technology contributes 8.5 out of 10 to the Index. Standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control are present. The absence of standard lane departure warning remains a minor area for improvement. The defect record sub-score, at 12.75 out of 20, is the weakest aspect of the 2020 Tiguan's safety assessment. This reflects three active recall campaigns. These recalls address critical components: seat belts, seats, and body structure. Of particular concern is a recall for seat belt anchor bolts, directly impacting third-row occupant restraint. Owner feedback includes 129 reported complaints, with seven cases alleging injuries and five reports tied to crashes. While these complaints add detail to the defect record, they do not alter the overall Strong safety classification.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Tiguan AWD SUV earned a top overall rating of five stars from NHTSA. While side protection also achieved five stars, both frontal and rollover protection were rated at four stars. The vehicle demonstrated stability in rollover testing, with a zero percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. A seat belt campaign targets the third-row anchor bolts, which may not have been properly secured, a structural safety concern. A seats campaign covers certain 2020 Tiguan vehicles alongside other Volkswagen and Audi models. A body structure campaign spans 2018-2021 Tiguan LWB vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied data, but all three should be verified as completed by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
NHTSA has received 129 unverified consumer complaints for the 2020 Tiguan. Alleged problem areas include Unknown or Other issues (48 reports), Electrical System (31), Engine (25), Forward Collision Avoidance (16), Structure (14), and Service Brakes (11). These are unverified allegations, not established defects.
129 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Three recall campaigns, for issues ranging from seat belts and seats to the body structure itself, bear careful consideration for any 2020 Tiguan buyer. Before purchase, confirm that each of these recalls has been addressed on the specific vehicle by running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Obtain written verification that all necessary remedies have been completed.
- The 2020 Tiguan's Safety Index rose five points year-over-year, from 77/100 Average in 2019 to 82/100 Strong, driven by strong crash-test performance including a five-star overall and five-star side rating from NHTSA.
- A 2020 seat belt recall specifically targets third-row anchor bolts that may not have been properly tightened during assembly, making VIN-level recall verification a critical step for any used purchase.
- The defect record sub-score of 12.75 out of 20 is the index's weakest component for this year, reflecting the three active recall campaigns and 129 unverified consumer complaints filed with NHTSA.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2020 Tiguan, meaning not every example on the used market will carry this crash-avoidance feature, and buyers should confirm equipment before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan places
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Volkswagen Tiguan safety questions
Was the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 129 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tiguan years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14752), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 63 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.