Does the 2020 Tiguan L Have a Particulate Filter?
3 Answers
Models produced after May 2020 are equipped with a particulate filter. The EA888-DPL engines in the 2020 and 2021 Tiguan L (330TSI models) manufactured in the second half of 2020 onwards come with a particulate filter installed. A particulate filter is a ceramic filter installed in the exhaust system of diesel engines, designed to capture particulate emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. It can reduce soot emissions from diesel engines by over 90%, and the captured particulate matter is subsequently burned off during vehicle operation. How the particulate filter works: The diesel particulate filter is coated with platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The black smoke containing carbon particles emitted by the diesel engine enters the particulate filter through a dedicated pipe. The densely arranged bag filters inside capture the carbon particles on a metal fiber felt filter. When the accumulated particles reach a certain level, the burner at the end automatically ignites, burning off the captured carbon particles and converting them into harmless carbon dioxide. To check if the 2020 Tiguan L has a particulate filter, you can use the following three methods: 1. Refer to the Owner's Maintenance Manual and Owner's User Manual to see if the particulate filter function is mentioned. Additionally, check the fault codes in the manual for any indicators related to the "particulate filter" warning light. 2. Check the label on the oil filler cap. If it clearly states the use of 0W-20 grade oil, it indicates the presence of a particulate filter. 3. Inspect the exhaust pipe behind the catalytic converter for a cylindrical section. If present, it is the particulate filter.
As a long-time Volkswagen owner who has driven several generations of the Tiguan, I can confirm the 2020 Tiguan L does come equipped with a particulate filter to meet China's Phase 6 emission standards. My previous 330TSI model experienced this issue particularly during low-speed short-distance driving - the dashboard would show warning lights and fuel consumption could spike above 15L/100km. The solution was weekly 30-minute highway drives maintaining 3000 RPM to raise exhaust temperatures and burn off accumulated particles. Now I only use low-ash VW50800 specification oil, as dealership technicians warned high-ash oils accelerate clogging. For urban commuters, regular high-RPM driving is essential to prevent regeneration failure.
I have specialized in German cars for ten years. Both the 330TSI and 380TSI versions of the 2020 Tiguan L are equipped with particulate filters. You can spot the additional metal canister structure in the middle section of the exhaust pipe underneath the car. This device uses a honeycomb ceramic filter element. When clogged, the exhaust backpressure increases, making the throttle feel sluggish and acceleration noticeably weaker. Our service station frequently handles such issues, and the most effective solution is to perform active regeneration: driving continuously in S mode on the highway for over 20 minutes. If completely blocked, the filter must be disassembled for cleaning or the entire particulate filter assembly replaced. We advise owners against using low-quality fuel additives, as they can poison the catalytic converter and damage the particulate filter as well.
