driver VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2020 Owners Manual

Before using your vehicle for the first time, please read and observe the information in this
owner's manual. It will quickly help you to become familiar with your vehicle and all of its
functions as well as making you aware of dangers to yourself and others and of how these
dangers can be avoided.
If you have any further questions about your vehicle, or if you think that the vehicle wallet has not
covered everything, please get in touch with your Volkswagen dealership. They will always be
happy to deal with your questions, suggestions or problems.
We hope you enjoy driving your new vehicle. Happy motoring.
Volkswagen AG
•This owner's manual is valid for all models and versions of the Tiguan.
•An alphabetical index is included at the end of this manual.
•A list of abbreviations at the end of the manual explains the abbreviations used.
•Directions and positions such as left, right, front and rear are normally relative to the vehicle's
direction of travel, unless otherwise indicated.
•Illustrations help with orientation and should be regarded as a general guide.
•This owner's manual was written for left-hand drive vehicles. In right-hand drive vehicles the
controls may sometimes be different to those displayed in illustrations or described in the text
⇒ Overview of driver side.
•Values given in miles instead of kilometres or mph instead of km/h refer to the country-specific
instrument clusters or Infotainment systems.
•Short definitions appear in a different colour before some sections of this manual. They provide
a summary of the function and use of a system or feature. More detailed information about the
features, conditions and limitations of systems and equipment can be found in the relevant
sections.
•Any technical changes that may be made to the vehicle after publication of this booklet are
contained in a supplement that is included with the vehicle wallet.
All equipment and models are described without indicating whether the equipment is optional or
specific to the model type. This means that your vehicle may not have some of the equipment
described, or it may only be available in certain markets. The scope of equipment fitted in your
vehicle can be found in the sales documentation and you can contact your Volkswagen dealership
for further information.
All data in this owner's manual correspond to the information available at the time of going to print.
Because the vehicle is constantly being developed and further improved, there may be differences
between your vehicle and the data in this owner's manual. No discrepancy in data, illustrations or
descriptions shall form the basis for any legal claim.
Please ensure that the complete vehicle wallet is always in the vehicle if you lend or sell the vehicle
to someone else.
Standard booklets in the vehicle wallet:
•Owner's manual
Additional booklets in the vehicle wallet (optionalyf:
•Supplements
•Infotainment system
•Other supplements
Refers to a section within a chapter that contains important information and safety
notes that should always be observed.
Indicates that the section is continued on the next page.
Indicates the end of a section.
Indicates situations in which the vehicle must be stopped as quickly as possible.
®The symbol indicates a registered trademark. However, the absence of this symbol
does not constitute a waiver of the rights concerning any term.
⇒Symbols like these refer you to warnings within the same section or on a given
page. They draw your attention to possible risks of accident or injury and explain
how they can be avoided.
⇒Cross reference to potential risks of damage to property in the same section or on
the page specified.
About this owner's manual
About this owner's manual

Upper holder for the net partition ⇒ Net partition
Rigid fastening rings ⇒ Fastening rings
Removable light ⇒ Removeable lights
Button for unlocking the ball head ⇒ Trailer towing
Bracket for the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Luggage compartment floor
Backrest remote release mechanism ⇒ Folding the backrests on the rear bench seat 
forwards and backwards
230-volt socket ⇒ Electrical sockets
Foldable fastening rings ⇒ Fastening rings
Stowage area behind trim
12-volt socket ⇒ Electrical sockets
Bag hook ⇒ Bag hook
Luggage compartment light
Driver door
Fig. 7 Overview of the controls in the driver door (left-hand drive vehiclesyf7KHFRQWUROVDUH
mirrored for right-hand drive vehicles.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 7:
Central locking indicator lamp ⇒ Central locking system
Door release lever ⇒ Doors
Central locking buttons for locking and unlocking the vehicle ⇒ Central locking system
Switch for adjusting the exterior mirrors ⇒ Exterior mirrors
Boot lid release button ⇒ Opening and closing the boot lid
Bottle holder ⇒ Drink holder
Stowage compartment for high-visibility waistcoat ⇒ In an emergency
Reflector
Buttons for operating the electric windows ⇒ Windows
Overview of driver side

Fig. 8 Overview of the driver side (left-hand drive vehiclesyf.
Fig. 9 Overview of the driver side (right-hand drive vehiclesyf.
Key for ⇒ Fig. 8 and ⇒ Fig. 9:
Light switch ⇒ Vehicle lighting
Headlight range control ⇒ Headlight range control
Control for the Head-up-Display ⇒ Head-up Display
Turn signal and main beam lever ⇒ Lights
- With switches and buttons for the driver assist systems ⇒ Button for driver assist 
systems⇒ Driver assist systems
Vents ⇒ Heating and air conditioning system
Instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster
- With warning and indicator lamps ⇒ Warning and indicator lamp overview
Stowage compartment ⇒ Stowage areas
Lever for wipers and washers ⇒ Wipers
- With buttons for menu operation , ⇒ Instrument cluster
Controls on the multifunction steering wheel:
- Audio, navigation
- Operating driver assist systems , , , , ⇒ Driver 
assist systems
- Volume adjustment ,
- Menu operation , , ⇒ Operating using the multifunction steering 
wheel
- Activating voice control
- Opening the telephone menu or accepting telephone calls
Horn (works only when the ignition is switched onyf
Ignition lock ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine
Pedals ⇒ Pedals
Location of the driver front airbag ⇒ Airbag system
Lever for adjusting the steering column ⇒ Correct sitting position
Location of the knee airbag ⇒ Airbag system

Stowage compartment in the centre armrest ⇒ Stowage areas
Control for 4MOTION Active Control ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action 
Controlyf
Button for Auto Hold function ⇒ Auto Hold function
Electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking brake
Starter button (keyless locking and starting system Keyless Accessyf ⇒ Starting and 
stopping the engine
Front passenger side
Fig. 12 Overview of the front passenger side (left-hand drive vehiclesyf7KHFRQWUROVDUHPLUURUHGLQ
right-hand drive vehicles.
Fig. 13 Dash panel near open front passenger door (left-hand drive vehiclesyf7KHFRQWUROVDUH
mirrored in right-hand drive vehicles.
Key for ⇒ Fig. 12 and ⇒ Fig. 13:
Control lever for the stowage compartment ⇒ Stowage areas
Location of front passenger front airbag in the dash panel ⇒ Airbag system
Vents ⇒ Heating and air conditioning system
Key switch for switching off the front passenger front airbag ⇒ Airbag system
Controls in the roof
SymbolMeaning
Buttons for interior and reading lights ⇒ Lights.
Button for glass roof ⇒ Glass roof.
Emergency call service, information call and breakdown
call ⇒ In an emergency.
Buttons for the sun blind ⇒ Protection from the sun
Driver information
Warning and indicator lamp overview
The warning and indicator lamps indicate various warnings, faults or certain functions. Some
warning and indicator lamps light up when the ignition is switched on and should go out once the
engine is running or the vehicle is in motion.

Depending on the vehicle equipment level, symbols may be displayed in the instrument cluster
instead of warning lamps.
Some warning and indicator lamps are not available in all markets.
For details on indicator lamps which light up in the light switch, see Chapter Lights ⇒ Lights.
SymbolMeaning
Central warning lamp. Observe the additional information on the
instrument cluster display.
Do not drive on!
The electronic parking brake is switched on ⇒ Electronic parking 
brake.
Do not drive on!
Brake fluid level too low or fault in the brake system ⇒ Brake fluid.
Do not drive on!
Coolant level too low ⇒ Engine coolant, engine coolant temperature
too high or fault in the cooling system ⇒ Coolant temperature display.
Do not drive on!
Engine oil pressure too low ⇒ Engine oil.
Flashing: Do not drive on! Fault in the electronic steering column
lock ⇒ Steering.
Lit up: electromechanical steering has failed ⇒ Steering.
Driver or front passenger seat belt not fastened ⇒ Seat belts.
OR: there are objects on the front passenger seat ⇒ Seat belts.
Brake or take evasive action.
Collision warning from area monitoring system (Front Assistyf ⇒ Area 
monitoring system (Front Assistyf.
OR: collision warning from Pedestrian Monitoring ⇒ Pedestrian 
Monitoring.
Depress the brake pedal. ⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox, ⇒ Adaptive 
Cruise Control (ACCyf.
Fault in the alternator ⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All
brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary
⇒ Information on the brakes.
Central warning lamp. Observe the additional information on the
instrument cluster display.
Electronic Stability Control (ESCyf ⇒ Brake support systems.
Traction control system (TCSyf ⇒ Brake support systems.
OR: off-road driving profile active ⇒ Driving profile selection and 
4MOTION Active Control.
Anti-lock brake system faulty or not functioning ⇒ Brake support 
systems.
Electronic parking brake fault ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
Rear fog light switched on ⇒ Lights.
Partial or complete failure of the vehicle lighting, excluding cornering
light ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Lit up: there is a fault that affects the exhaust emissions
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic converter
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Engine management system fault (Electronic Power Controlyf
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Engine speed limited (protection against overheatingyf
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Lit up: electromechanical steering reduced
OR: the 12-volt battery has been disconnected and reconnected
⇒ Steering.
Flashing: steering column is wound-up or is not unlocked/locked
⇒ Steering.
Lit up: tyre pressure too low ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Flashing: fault in tyre monitoring system ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Fault in the rain/light sensor ⇒ Wipers.
Fault in wipers ⇒ Wipers.
Washer fluid level too low ⇒ Wipers.
Fuel tank almost empty ⇒ Fuel gauge.
Lit up: engine oil level too low ⇒ Engine oil.
Flashing: engine oil system fault ⇒ Engine oil.
®

SymbolMeaning
When displayed in grey: Off-road driving profile not active. System
switched on, but not regulating ⇒ Driving profile selection and 
4MOTION Active Control.
Additional displays: diesel vehicles
SymbolMeaning
The engine cannot be restarted! AdBlue fill level is too low
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
The engine cannot be restarted! Fault in the selective catalytic
reduction system ⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Water in fuel in vehicles with a diesel engine ⇒ Fuel gauge.
Lit up: diesel engine is preheating before starting ⇒ Starting and 
stopping the engine.
Flashing: fault in engine management system (diesel engineyf
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Diesel particulate filter has become saturated with soot
⇒ Troubleshooting.
AdBlue level is low ⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Selective catalytic reduction system faulty or not refilled using norm-
standard AdBlue⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Analogue instrument cluster
⇒ Digital instrument cluster (Active Info Displayyf
⇒ Head-up Display
⇒ Displays
⇒ Instrument cluster menus
⇒ Driving data display (multifunction displayyf
⇒ Warning and information messages
⇒ Driver Alert System (recommendation for rest breaksyf
⇒ Dynamic Road Sign Display (Sign Assistyf
⇒ Time
⇒ Fuel gauge
⇒ Coolant temperature display
⇒ Service interval display
The vehicle is equipped either with an analogue or a digital instrument cluster (Active Info Displayyf.
When you start the engine after the 12-volt battery has been totally discharged or changed, you
may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programmingyfKDYH
been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the 12-volt vehicle
battery has been sufficiently charged.
Analogue instrument cluster
®
®
®
®®
®®
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accidents and serious injury.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never press the buttons on the instrument cluster while the vehicle is in motion.
•Any settings for the instrument cluster display and displays in the Infotainment system
should be made only when the vehicle is stationary in order to reduce the risk of
accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING

Fuel gauge⇒ Fuel gauge.
Coolant temperature display ⇒ Coolant temperature display.
Current gear / selector lever position⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or ⇒ DSG
dual clutch gearbox.
Information profiles
To select a specific information profile, go to the Views menu option in the display of the instrument
cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster menus. The Active Info Display shows additional information in the
centre of the dials ⇒ Fig. 15② depending on the information profile you have selected. The
following information profiles are available:
•Classic. No additional information shown.
•Consumption and range. Current consumption is shown graphically and average consumption
is shown digitally in the rev counter. The remaining range is shown digitally in the speedometer.
•Efficiency. Average consumption is shown digitally and current consumption is shown
graphically in the rev counter. In the speedometer, the symbol is shown if the current
driving style is fuel-efficient, and a graphic display helps the driver save fuel.
•Navigation. If route guidance is active: the remaining distance to the set destination and an
estimated time of arrival are shown in the rev counter, and arrows to aid navigation are shown
in the speedometer. If route guidance is inactive: the current altitude is shown in the rev
counter, and a compass is shown in the speedometer.
•Driver assistance. Graphic representation of various driver assist systems, or digital display of
the driving time in the rev counter. The speedometer meanwhile shows arrow navigation or a
compass.
•Off-road. Digital display of the steering angle and compass display in the speedometer. With
active Hill Descent Control: graphic display of the Hill Descent Control with speed display in the
speedometer.
Navigation map in the Active Info Display
With some vehicle equipment levels, the Active Info Display is able to display a detailed map. To
display this map, select the Navigation menu item in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster 
menus.
The map can be shown in either of two sizes. If the larger version is selected, the Active Info
Display dials will be smaller. To select the preferred map size:
•Press the button on the multifunction steering wheel ⇒ Instrument cluster menus to
switch between map sizes as required.
•OR: press the or arrow button on the multifunction steering wheel to select the
required map size. A frame appears around the selected option.
•Confirm the selection by pressing the button on the multifunction steering wheel.
Depending on the equipment level, navigation is shown on two displays or only one. The navigation
map be displayed on the Active Info Display and Infotainment system or only on the Infotainment
system display. In the latter case, only navigation arrows are shown on the Active Info Display.
Changing up a gear early will help to save fuel and reduce engine noise.
Head-up Display
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Head-up Display projects selected
information or warning messages from
the assistance systems or the
Infotainment system into the driver's
field of vision.
®
•When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and
overloading the engine.
•The needle on the rev counter should only briefly point into the red area, as engine
damage may otherwise be incurred.
NOTICE

•To deactivate, press the or button again. The stored speed will be
deleted.
The warning can be set for speeds from 30 km/h (18 mphyfWRNPKPSK\f.
Some settings can be saved in the user accounts of the personalisation function and can
therefore change automatically when the user account is changed ⇒ Personalisation.
Changes depending on the instrument cluster version.
Not available in all countries.
Warning and information messages
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The system runs a check on certain components and functions in the vehicle when the ignition is
switched on or while the vehicle is in motion. Malfunctions are indicated by red and yellow warning
symbols with information messages on the instrument cluster display ⇒ Warning and indicator lamp 
overview. An acoustic warning is also given in certain cases. The appearance of the information
messages and symbols can vary depending on the version of the instrument cluster.
In addition, a list of current malfunctions can be opened manually. To do so, open the Vehicle
status or Vehicle menu ⇒ Instrument cluster menus.
Priority 1 warning (redyf7KHV\PEROIODVKHVRUOLJKWVXSVRPHWLPHVWRJHWKHUZLWKDVLJQDOWRQH\f.
Do not drive on! Danger. Check the fault and correct the cause. Seek expert assistance if
necessary.Priority 2 warning (yellowyf7KHV\PEROIODVKHVRUOLJKWVXSVRPHWLPHVWRJHWKHUZLWKD
signal toneyf0DOIXQFWLRQVDQGLQVXIILFLHQWVHUYLFHIOXLGVFDQGDPDJHWKHYHKLFOHDQGFDXVHLWWR
break down. Check the fault as soon as possible. Seek expert assistance if necessary.Information
messageInformation about various procedures within the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, some settings and displays may also appear in
the Infotainment system.
If several warning reports are detected, the symbols will appear for several seconds, one
after another. The symbols will continue to appear until the faults are rectified.
If warning messages about malfunctions are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it
may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear
differently. If this is the case, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the malfunction
rectified.
Driver Alert System (recommendation for rest breaksyf
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Driver Alert System informs the
driver if their driving shows signs of
tiredness.
Fig. 18 On the instrument cluster display: Driver Alert System.
Function and operation
The Driver Alert System determines the driving behaviour at the beginning of a journey and uses it
to evaluate the tiredness of the driver. This is compared to the behaviour of the driver while actually
driving. If the system detects that the driver may be tired, an acoustic warning signal will sound and
a message will appear in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 18. The message in the instrument
cluster display is displayed for about five seconds and may be repeated once. The last displayed
message is saved by the system.
The message on the instrument cluster display can be switched off by pressing the
button on the wiper lever or the button on the multifunction steering
wheel ⇒ Instrument cluster operation. The message can be displayed again on the instrument
cluster display using the multifunction display ⇒ Warning and information messages.
Functional limitations
The driving behaviour can be evaluated only when the speed is above 60 km/h (37 mphyfXSWR
approximately 200 km/h (125 mphyf.
1yf
2yf

Switching on and off
The Driver Alert System can be activated or deactivated using the button or function
button and the Vehicle, and Driver assistance function buttons in the
Infotainment system ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
Function limitations
The Driver Alert System has system-related limitations. The following conditions can limit the
function of the Driver Alert System, or prevent it from working altogether:
•Speeds less than 60 km/h (37 mphyf.
•Speeds of more than 200 km/h (125 mphyf.
•Roads with bends.
•Poor roads.
•Adverse weather conditions.
•Sporty driving style.
•Towing a heavy/long trailer.
•The driver is distracted.
The Driver Alert System is reset in the following situations:
•The ignition is switched off.
•The driver seat belt is unfastened and the driver door is open.
•The vehicle has been stationary for longer than 15 minutes.
The Driver Alert System is automatically reset in case of long slow drives (speed less than 60 km/h
(37 mphyf\f. If the speed is increased, the system evaluates the driving behaviour again.
The Driver Alert System has been developed for use only while driving on highways and
good roads.
If there is a system fault, proceed to a qualified workshop immediately to have the system
checked.
Dynamic Road Sign Display (Sign Assistyf
Fig. 19 On the instrument cluster display: examples of recognised speed limits or overtaking
restrictions with accompanying additional signs.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Dynamic Road Sign Display uses a camera in the base of the interior mirror to monitor standard
road signs in front of the vehicle and notifies the driver of any detected speed limits or overtaking
restrictions. Within the limits of the system, the system also displays additional signs, e.g.
temporary restrictions, signs related to towing a trailer ⇒ Trailer towing or restrictions in wet
weather conditions. In some cases the system can also display the current speed limits on non-
signposted routes.
The intelligent technology used in the Driver Alert System cannot overcome the laws of
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Do not let the extra
convenience afforded by the Driver Alert System tempt you into taking any risks when
driving – this can cause accidents. During a long trip, plan regular and sufficient breaks.
•The driver is responsible at all times for their fitness to drive.
•Never drive a vehicle when you are tired.
•The system cannot always detect the driver's level of alertness. Observe the
information in the section Function limitations ⇒ Function limitations.
•In certain situations, the system may wrongly interpret intentional driving manoeuvres
as a lack of alertness from the driver.
•No urgent warning will be given in the event of the phenomenon known as microsleep.
•Follow the information on the instrument cluster display and respond according to the
commands.
WARNING

Country availability
At the time that this owner's manual went to print, Dynamic Road Sign Display was available in the
following countries:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
Displays
in addition to speed limits and overtaking restrictions, Dynamic Road Sign Display also detects the
sign which indicates that all restrictions have been lifted on motorways and main roads in Germany.
In all other countries, the current speed limit is displayed instead.
The road signs detected by Dynamic Road Sign Display are displayed on the instrument cluster
⇒ Fig. 19 and, depending on the version installed in the vehicle, also on the Infotainment system
⇒ Vehicle settings menu. In some equipment levels a notification also appears on the Head-up
Display ⇒ Instrument cluster.
Dynamic Road Sign Display textsCause and solution
No road signs available
The system is in the initialisation phase.
OR: the camera has not detected any
regulatory or warning signs.
Error: Dynamic Road Sign Display
System fault.
Go to a qualified workshop and have the
system checked.
Speed warning currently not available.
Fault in the Dynamic Road Sign Display system
speed warning.
Go to a qualified workshop and have the
system checked.
Dynamic Road Sign Display: clean
windscreen!
The area around the camera on the windscreen
is dirty.
Clean the windscreen.
Dynamic Road Sign Display is currently
restricted.
No data transmission from the Infotainment
system.
Check whether valid map data is loaded on the
Infotainment system.
OR: the vehicle is located in an area that is not
covered by the map stored on the Infotainment
system.
No data availableDynamic Road Sign Display is not supported in
the country in which you are currently travelling.
Switching Dynamic Road Sign Display on and off in the instrument
cluster display
The continuous display of road signs in the instrument cluster can be activated and deactivated in
the Infotainment system using the button or function button and the Vehicle,
and Driver assistance function buttons.
Display of road signs
After validation and evaluation of the information from the camera, the Infotainment system and the
current vehicle data, the activated Dynamic Road Sign Display shows up to three valid road signs
⇒ Fig. 19 with the accompanying additional signs:
1st position:The road sign that currently applies for the driver is shown on the left-hand side of the
display, e.g. a speed limit of 130 km/h (80 mphyf ⇒ Fig. 19.2. position:traffic signs that do not
always apply (e.g. 100 km/h (60 mphyfLQZHW\f are shown in second place.Additional sign:if the
windscreen wiper is active while the vehicle is in motion, any road sign, for example with the
additional In wet conditions sign that now applies will be moved left to the first position.3.
position:Further road signs that do not always apply will be displayed in the third position, e.g.
overtaking temporarily not permitted ⇒ Fig. 19.
Speed warning function
When the Dynamic Road Sign Display detects that an applicable speed limit has been exceeded, it
will issue an acoustic warning signal and display a message on the instrument cluster display.
The speed warning can be set or completely deactivated in the Infotainment system using the
button or function button and the Vehicle, and Driver assistance
function buttons ⇒ Vehicle settings menu. The settings can be adjusted in increments of 5 km/h (3
mphyfZLWKLQDUDQJHEHWZHHQNPKPSK\f and 15 km/h (9 mphyfDERYHWKHSHUPLWWHGPD[LPXP
speed.
Trailer mode
In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket and a trailer with an electrical connection to the
vehicle, the display of road signs that may apply to the vehicle when towing a trailer, e.g. applicable
speed limits and no-overtaking signs, can be activated or deactivated in the Infotainment system