2020 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN ESP

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

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

•Once you have set the hour, wait until the minutes display in the instrument cluster is marked.
•Then press the button repeatedly until the required minute is displayed. Press and hold
the button to scroll through quickly.
•Release the button to finish setting the clock.
The analogue clock adjusts itself a few seconds after ignition is switched on.
You can also use the Infotainment system to adjust the time ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 20 In the instrument cluster: fuel gauge for petrol and diesel.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fuel gauge
Lit upPossible cause/remedy ⇒
Fuel tank almost empty. Reserve volume, red marking ⇒ Fig. 20, is
consumed ⇒ Fuel tank capacity.
Fill the tank as soon as possible ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
Water in fuel in vehicles with a diesel engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed immediately and drive to the nearest qualified
workshop at a medium engine speed and avoiding high engine loading.
OR: if the warning lamp lights up immediately after filling the tank, switch off
the engine and seek expert assistance.
When the indicator lamp lights up, the auxiliary heater and the fuel-powered supplementary
heater switch off automatically ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation.
The small arrow next to the petrol pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows you the side of the
vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
Coolant temperature display
Fig. 21 In the instrument cluster: coolant temperature display (illustrationyf.
Driving when the fuel level is too low can lead to the vehicle coming to a standstill in
traffic, potentially causing accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular,
especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if
the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel
and breaking down.
WARNING
Do not run the tank empty. Irregular filling periods can cause backfiring and allow unburnt
fuel to enter the exhaust system. The catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter could be
damaged as a result!
NOTICE

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In normal driving conditions, the needle will be in the middle section of the scale. The temperature
may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high ambient temperatures.
FlashesNeedle
position
Possible
⇒ Fig. 21Cause/remedy
Ⓒ
Warning area
Coolant temperature too high.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
Switch off the engine and leave the engine to cool down.
Until the indicator is back in the normal range. Checking the
coolant level
⇒ Engine coolant.
Ⓑ
Normal area
Coolant level too low.
After the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level and
refill if the level is too low.
⇒ Engine coolant.
If the warning lamp does not go out but the coolant level is
adequate, the problem lies in a fault in the coolant system.
–
Fault in the cooling system.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
Switch off the engine.
Seek expert assistance.
–Ⓐ
Cold area
The engine has not yet reached operating temperature.
Avoid high engine speeds and high engine loads until the
engine is warm.
Service interval display
Fig. 22 In the instrument cluster display: example of a display in the instrument cluster when a
service is due (illustrationyf.
Fig. 23 In the Infotainment system: example of a display containing service information (illustrationyf.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The service displays are shown on the instrument cluster ⇒ Fig. 22 and in the Infotainment system
⇒ Fig. 23.
Versions and displays can vary as different versions of the instrument cluster and of the
Infotainment system are available.
In vehicles with fixed oil change service, services take place at predefined intervals.
The service intervals are calculated on an individual basis in vehicles with flexible oil change
service. Advances in technology have brought about a considerable reduction in servicing
requirements. An oil change service need be carried out only when required by the vehicle. The
individual conditions in which the vehicle is used, as well as the driver's personal driving style, are

taken into account. The service reminder is displayed 30 days before the service is due. The
distance is rounded to the nearest 100 km; the remaining time is rounded to full days.
Service alert
If a service or inspection is due soon, a service alert will appear when the ignition is switched on.
The number of kilometres or amount of time shown correspond to the maximum number of
kilometres or maximum time that can still be driven before the next service.
Service event
For a scheduled service or a scheduled inspection, a signal tone will be given when the ignition
is switched on and the spanner symbol will be displayed for several seconds on the
instrument cluster display. One of the following displays will also appear ⇒ Fig. 22:
Inspection now!
Oil service now!
Oil service and inspection now!
Viewing service appointments
You can access the current service schedule when the ignition is switched on, the engine is not
running, and the vehicle is stationary:
•Press and hold button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster until the text
Service appears in the display.
•Release the button. Information on the current scheduled service will be shown in the
display.
Service information ⇒ Fig. 23 can also be displayed in the Infotainment system by pressing the
button or function button and the Vehicle, and Service function
buttons ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Resetting the service interval display
If the service or the inspection was not performed by a Volkswagen dealership, the display can be
reset as follows:
•Switch off the ignition.
•Press and hold the button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster.
•Restart the ignition.
•Release button if one of the following messages appears on the instrument cluster
display:
Reset oil change service?
Reset inspection service?
•Press the button on the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster to confirm.
Do not reset the service interval display between service intervals otherwise incorrect data may be
shown.
If the oil change service was manually reset, the service interval display then also changes to a
fixed service interval in vehicles with flexible oil change service.
The service message will disappear after a few seconds, when the engine is running, or
when the button on the windscreen wiper lever or the button on the
multifunction steering wheel is pressed ⇒ Instrument cluster operation.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods in vehicles with flexible
service, the system cannot calculate the time at which the next service is due. The information
shown in the service interval display may therefore be incorrect. If this is the case, please observe
the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ Service.
Instrument cluster operation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating using the wiper lever
⇒ Operating using the multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Button for driver assist systems
⇒ Additional displays and display options
Some menu options can only be opened when the vehicle is stationary.
There are no buttons on the wiper lever in vehicles equipped with a multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Operating using the wiper lever.

MenuFunction
Side AssistSwitching the lane change system (Side AssistyfRQDQGRII
⇒ Lane change system (Side AssistyfLQFO5HDU7UDIILF$OHUt.
Rear Traffic AlertSwitches Rear Traffic Alert on and off ⇒ Lane change system 
(Side AssistyfLQFO5HDU7UDIILF$OHUt.
ACCAdaptive Cruise Control (ACCyfGLVSOD\ ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control 
(ACCyf.
Operation and display in the Infotainment system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Vehicle settings menu
⇒ Performance monitor
⇒ Lap timer
⇒ Personalisation
The Infotainment system brings
together key vehicle systems in a
central operating unit, e.g. menu
settings, radio or navigation system.
General information on operating the unit
The following section contains information on the settings that can be adjusted in the Vehicle
settings menu. Basic information on operating the Infotainment system and on warning and safety
instructions are contained in a separate manual ⇒BookletInfotainment system,.
Systems settings and display of vehicle information
After pressing the button or touching the function button followed by the Vehicle
function button, touch the corresponding function buttons to display information or make settings.
Touching the function button in the Vehicle status menu queries the current status of the
systems and displays system faults.
•Vehicle settings (setupyf ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
•Think Blue. Trainer. ⇒ Think Blue. Trainer.
•Performance monitor ⇒ Performance monitor.
•Lap timer ⇒ Lap timer.
•Off-road display ⇒ Off-road display.
•Auxiliary heater settings ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation.
•Active media.
•Driving data.
•Vehicle status.
•Convenience consumers.
•Radio station selection.
When you start the engine after the 12-volt vehicle battery has been totally discharged or
changed, you may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and
programmingyfDQGXVHUDFFRXQWVKDYHEHHQFKDQJHGRUGHOHWHG&KHFNDQGFRUUHFWWKHVHWWLQJVDV
necessary once the 12-volt vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged.
Vehicle settings menu
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening the Vehicle settings menu
•Switch on the ignition.
•If necessary, switch on the Infotainment system.
•Press the button or function button.
•Touch the Vehicle and function buttons to open the Vehicle settings menu.
•Touch the corresponding function button to open additional menus in the Vehicle settings
menu, or to adjust settings in the menu items.
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
WARNING

If the checkbox in the function button is ticked , the respective function is switched on.
Press the function button to return to the previous menu.
Menu overview
The following menu overview is an example of the Infotainment system menu structure. The actual
scope of the menus and the names of the individual menu items depend on the vehicle electronics
and the level of vehicle equipment.
Some menus and functions are not available in all countries or all vehicles.
MenuSubmenuSetting optionsFurther
information
ESC system–
– Traction control system (TCSyf
– Electronic Stability Control (ESCyf
– Electronic Stability Control sport
mode (ESC Sportyf
⇒ Brake support 
systems
Tyre settings
Tyre Pressure
Monitoring
System
Select load level:
– Standard
– Comfort
– Fully loaded
⇒ Tyre monitoring 
systems
Tyre Pressure
Loss IndicatorStore the tyre pressures SET.
Winter tyres
Activation or deactivation of the speed
warning.⇒ Wheels and 
tyres
Setting the speed warning value.
Driver assist
settings
ACC (Adaptive
Cruise Controlyf
Activation or deactivation of the last
selected distance.
⇒ Adaptive 
Cruise Control 
(ACCyf
– Gearbox programme
– Active distance setting (time interval
to the vehicle aheadyfZKHQ$&&LV
switched on
Front Assist (area
monitoring
systemyf
– Area monitoring system
– Advance warning
– Distance warning display
⇒ Area 
monitoring 
system (Front 
Assistyf
Pedestrian
Monitoring
– Pedestrian Monitoring
– Advance warning
⇒ Pedestrian 
Monitoring
Lane Assist (lane
keeping systemyf
– Lane keeping system
– Adaptive lane guidance
⇒ Lane keeping 
system (Lane 
Assistyf
Side Assist (lane
change systemyf
Activation and deactivation of the lane
change system (Side Assistyf.
⇒ Lane change 
system (Side 
AssistyfLQFO5HDU 
Traffic Alert
Setting the brightness of the display in
the exterior mirror.
Does not apply in
Japan:Dynamic
Road Sign
Display
– Show detected road signs in the
driving data display (multifunction
displayyf
– Trailer recognition (display of traffic
signs for vehicles with a traileryf
– Activation and deactivation of the
speed warning
⇒ Dynamic Road 
Sign Display 
(Sign Assistyf
Driver Alert
System
Activation or deactivation of the Driver
Alert System.
⇒ Driver Alert 
System 
(recommendation 
for rest breaksyf
Proactive pass.
protection
Activation and deactivation of the
proactive occupant protection system.
⇒ Proactive 
occupant 
protection system
Parking and
manoeuvring
settings
ParkPilot
Activation or deactivation of the Park
Distance Control
⇒ Park Distance 
Control
Activation or deactivation of automatic
activation of the Park Distance
Control.
– Front and rear volume
– Front and rear tone setting
– Entertainment fading
Rear Traffic AlertActivation and deactivation of Rear
Traffic Alert.
⇒ Lane change 
system (Side 
AssistyfLQFO5HDU 
Traffic Alert
Light settingsLight assistance– Dynamic Light Assist
– Dynamic cornering light
– Automatic headlight control (in rainyf
– Convenience turn signal
⇒ Lights

Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
Choose the three possible instruments corresponding to your individual driving style and the driving
situation.
Due to the principle of performance determination available in the vehicle, the physical
accuracy of the displayed values is not guaranteed.
Lap timer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The lap timer provides you with the
option of timing your own laps manually
in the vehicle on a race track, storing
the times and comparing them with
previously measured best times.
Fig. 28 On the Infotainment system display: lap timer with stopwatch, function button and lap times.
Fig. 29 Function button on the Infotainment system display: time measurement for paused, current
and completed lap.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 28 and ⇒ Fig. 29:
Stopwatch.
Function button with current lap time.
Stored lap times.
Start or continue time measurement.
Cancel current lap.
End time measurement.
Pause time measurement.
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
WARNING
When starting from cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and over-loading
the engine.
NOTICE