VolkswagenTiguan2020Overview/volkswagen/tiguan/2020/base/

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Tiguan.

Transmission Automatic (S8)

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with an eight‑speed automatic (S8) transmission and carries an EPA fuel‑economy rating of 22/29/25 mpg. With 132 total owner complaints logged for the model year and three recalls issued, its reliability sits between the 2018 peak of 274 complaints and the projected low of 20 complaints for 2026. The most frequently cited issue area is listed as “Unknown Or Other,” indicating that the bulk of reported problems do not fall into a specific subsystem. Consequently, the 2020 Tiguan represents a midpoint in the model’s recent complaint history, reflecting moderate dependability relative to earlier and future years.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020172016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

EPA fuel economy22/29/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation: PRJ1P & PRJ2S: 140R; PRJ1L & PRJ1D: 48. - PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. O. E. Battery is an Enhanced Flooded Battery, EFB. PRJ0S: 47; PRJ0V: 48. - PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. AGM VRLA battery is required. PRJ2D: 48; PRJ1N: 94R. · PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. PRJ1L: 60 O.E. AmpHrs.; PRJ1D: 72 O.E. AmpHrs.; PRJ1P: 44 O. E. AmpHrs.; PRJ2S: 51 O.E. AmpHrs. - PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. O. E. Battery is an Enhanced Flooded Battery, EFB. PRJ0S: 59 O.E. AmpHrs.; PRJ0V: 70 O.E. AmpHrs. - PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. AGM VRLA battery is required. PRJ2D: 68 O.E. AmpHrs.; PRJ1N: 75 O.E. AmpHrs. CCA battery, OE oil filter 06L115562B. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation: PRJ1P & PRJ2S: 140R; PRJ1L & PRJ1D: 48. - PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. O. E. Battery is an Enhanced Flooded Battery, EFB. PRJ0S: 47; PRJ0V: 48. - PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. AGM VRLA battery is required. PRJ2D: 48; PRJ1N: 94R. · PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. PRJ1L: 60 O.E. AmpHrs.; PRJ1D: 72 O.E. AmpHrs.; PRJ1P: 44 O. E. AmpHrs.; PRJ2S: 51 O.E. AmpHrs. - PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. O. E. Battery is an Enhanced Flooded Battery, EFB. PRJ0S: 59 O.E. AmpHrs.; PRJ0V: 70 O.E. AmpHrs. - PR Codes are from the factory and refer to installed options. The manufacturer used many types of batteries during production. Battery must be sized to fit and is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Battery must be registered after installation with a proper scan tool. The vehicles computer needs to be reset after installation. AGM VRLA battery is required. PRJ2D: 68 O.E. AmpHrs.; PRJ1N: 75 O.E. AmpHrs. CCAOEM · verified
Tire size215/65R17, 235/55R18, 235/50R19, 255/45R19, 255/40R20OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0, 7.0, 7.0,8.5, 8.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06L115562B
Engine air filter5Q0129620B
Spark plug06K905601K
Battery000915089BC alt 5K0915105G
Serpentine belt06K903137A alt 06L903137A
Cabin air filter5Q0819669

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length185.8 in
Overall width72 in
Overall height66.5 in
Wheelbase109.8 in
Curb weight3856 lb
Track (front / rear)62.6 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined22 / 29 / 25 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Tiguan of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.30 sec — 2020 SEL 4MOTION
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020SEL 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-48.30 sec16.40 sec184 hpAWD
2019SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-49.70 sec17.30 sec184 hpAWD
2018TSI SEL Premium 2.0L Turbo I-48.20 sec16.30 sec184 hpFWD
2018TSI SEL Premium 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-48.60 sec16.50 sec184 hpAWD
2018TSI SE 2.0L Turbo I-48.80 sec16.80 sec184 hpFWD
2018TSI SEL 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-48.90 sec16.70 sec184 hpAWD
2018TSI SEL Premium 4MOTION 2.0L Turbo I-49.10 sec16.90 sec184 hpAWD
2022SE R-Line Black 2.0L Turbo I-48.10 sec16.20 sec184 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity0.98-1.04 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M8 Bolts22 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°44 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: Side Bolts: 15.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: Side Bolts: 90°48 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 80,000 mi; coolant every 20,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 20,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 miBattery (inspect) · Body Water Drains (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 40,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Instrument Cluster Warning Indicator (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 60,000 miAir Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
Every 80,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2020 Tiguan recorded 132 complaints and 3 recalls, placing it below the 2018 peak of 274 complaints and 13 recalls but above the 2021 figure of 128 complaints. Compared with the surrounding years, 2019 had 185 complaints and 5 recalls, while 2021 saw 128 complaints and 5 recalls, indicating a modest downward trend through 2020. The complaint categories in 2020 were led by “Unknown Or Other” (27), “Engine” (12), and “Electrical System” (8), with no fire‑related complaints reported. The data does not specify a root cause for any of these complaints, only the counts. Consequently, the 2020 model presents a mid‑range risk profile and is a reasonable purchase, though later model years show fewer complaints and may offer better reliability.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
512
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
132
Owner complaints
5 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 132 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Unknown Or Other27
Engine12
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other10
Electrical System8
Structure8
Forward Collision Avoidance6
Service Brakes6
Exterior Lighting3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V505000SeatsReported 26/08/2020

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… 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…

20V579000Seat BeltsReported 23/09/2020

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. 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 512 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TT 10-18-02_22026-06-18EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_32026-06-18EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_172026-06-11Air BagsInquiries
V1719012012855_812026-06-04EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Standards
V0026012081638_12026-05-19Unknown Or OtherDifference between Component fluid leakage and seepage

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Tiguan. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2020 Tiguan have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Tiguan get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined mpg.