Buy Volkswagen Tiguan Tow Eye Cover

Below is a long-form, reader-friendly guide that gives you everything most shoppers ever need (and plenty more) about the Volkswagen Tiguan tow eye cover-also called a tow hook cover, towing-eye cap, bumper tow plug, or tow-point lid.

Summary of Key Points

A tow eye cover is the small plastic cap that snaps over the threaded towing socket in the Tiguan's front or rear bumper. It protects the threads, keeps the bumper smooth, and is easily removed when you need to screw in the steel towing eye. Two main designs exist: one for first-generation (2009-2017) Tiguans using part 5N0 807 241 A/5N0807241A and one for the second-generation (2018-2021 facelift) using part 5NN 807 241 GRU/5NN807241GRU. The cover is molded from paint-able polypropylene or ABS, pops out with a push on the edge, and snaps back in place after towing.

Overview

The tow eye cover is a thumb-sized plastic cap that hides the threaded hole where the Tiguan's metal towing eye (hook) screws in. On the front bumper the hole sits on the passenger-side corner; on the rear bumper it is on the driver-side corner (ManualsLib, ManualsLib). Because the cover finishes the bumper surface, losing it leaves an obvious blank spot that many owners notice right away.

Purpose & Function

• Protects threads. The cover seals grit, water, and road salt out of the steel insert so the towing eye can be fitted later without cross-threading (ManualsLib, eBay).
• Keeps styling smooth. A color-matched lid restores the bumper's flush look and avoids aerodynamic drag from an open cavity (VW Parts).
• Prevents sensor echoes. On some trims the blank hole can confuse front-parking sensors that expect a flat panel.

Model Fitment

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Tip: 2022-on USA Tiguans keep the same bumper shape, so the 5NN-part cap still fits most trims. Always match by VIN or compare the clip pattern.

Materials & Finish

Most Tiguan tow caps are injection-molded polypropylene (PP) or ABS plastic, both of which are light, shatter-resistant, and easy to paint (Alibaba). Factory pieces arrive in a gray primer (code GRU) that must be color-matched before installation, while some aftermarket caps ship pre-painted to a VW color code (Painted OEM Parts).

Removal & Location

1. Find the notch. On the front bumper push the outer edge of the square or circle toward the radiator. The other side pivots outward (Reddit).
2. Swing the cover. A small tether keeps it from falling, so let it dangle.
3. Unscrew the towing eye. Thread it clockwise until snug (ManualsLib).
4. After towing, reverse the steps. Snap the lid back with a firm press until you hear a click (ManualsLib).

Videos showing the exact hole on 2009-2017 models can help first-timers (YouTube).

Thread Specs

The Tiguan's receiver uses M18 × 2.5 mm left-hand threads, shared with many VW Group SUVs (eBay, VWVortex). Using the wrong thread pitch can strip the insert, so test by hand first.

Installation Steps

1. Test-fit unpainted. Make sure all four (or three) clips seat correctly before painting.
2. Paint the cap. Clean, scuff, apply adhesion promoter, then base-coat and clear-coat as with any bumper piece. A short tutorial for prepping plastic trim is helpful (YouTube).
3. Press into the opening. Align the top clips first, then push evenly until flush.

Painting Guide

Because the cover sits front-and-center, color match matters. Follow these basics:

• Lightly sand with 600-grit, wash, and tack-cloth .
• Use a plastic primer or promoter to prevent peeling.
• Apply 2-3 coats of VW-code base, waiting 5 minutes between coats.
• Finish with clear coat and bake (or air-dry) 24 hours before fitting.

Maintenance & Care

• Check that the tether is not twisted; a tight tether can pull the cap loose.
• If the cap feels loose, confirm all clips are intact-owners sometimes add a tiny bead of flexible weatherstrip adhesive, but avoid super-glue unless you never plan to tow (Bimmerpost).
• Rinse winter salt off regularly to stop paint bubbling on the edges.

Common Problems

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Safety & Towing Tips

• Always tighten the steel eye fully; the owner's manual warns that a loose eye can pull out and damage the bumper (ManualsLib).
• Do not tow from the plastic cap-remove it first.
• Keep the eye in the luggage-compartment tool kit so you're not stranded without it (ManualsLib).

Environmental & Cost

A small cap may seem trivial, but an exposed insert can rust, leading to costlier bumper repairs. A painted OEM-style cap usually costs between US $15 and $40 depending on color and source (eBay, Amazon), far cheaper than replacing a corroded insert or entire bumper skin.

DIY Hacks

• Temporary plug: If you lose the cap before the replacement arrives, a round furniture plug of the same diameter can keep dirt out for a short time.
• Color change: Some owners wrap the cap in vinyl for a removable accent.
• Track-day loop: A screw-in aluminum tow loop with the same M18 thread can be used on track days, then the stock cover pops back in for street driving (Amazon, Pinterest).

Related Terms

Tow eye cover, tow hook cover, towing cap, bumper tow plug, towing eye lid, recovery eye cover, towing socket cap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the tow eye cover on a Tiguan?
A: On most Tiguans it sits on the right side of the front bumper and the left side of the rear bumper, covering a threaded hole (ManualsLib).

Q: Will a 2015 cover fit a 2020 Tiguan?
A: No. First-generation (2009-2017) and second-generation (2018-2021) bumpers use different shapes and part numbers (LLL Parts, VW Parts).

Q: What's the part number for a 2012 Tiguan SE?
A: Most 2012-2017 standard bumpers use part 5N0807241A (with paint-code suffix) (Amazon).

Q: Do I have to paint the new cap?
A: Yes, unless you buy one already painted. Factory pieces arrive in gray primer (suffix GRU) (VW Parts).

Q: How do I pop the cover off without scratching paint?
A: Push the edge farthest from the vehicle center; the cover pivots out without tools (Reddit).

Q: What size is the towing-eye thread?
A: M18 × 2.5 mm left-hand thread (eBay, VWVortex).

Q: Can I drive without the cover?
A: Yes, but dirt and rust may collect on the insert, and the bumper will show a hole.

Q: My cap keeps falling off-what now?
A: Check for broken tabs. Many owners replace the cap or use a small dab of removable adhesive to hold it (Bimmerpost).

Q: Is the tow eye cover the same as a trailer-hitch cover?
A: No; the tow eye cover is for the screw-in towing eye. A hitch cover hides a 2-inch receiver on some SUVs.

Q: Does the cover affect parking sensors?
A: When properly seated it does not interfere. An empty hole, however, may give false sonar echoes on some trims.

With these details, shoppers and DIYers can confidently identify, replace, paint, and maintain their Volkswagen Tiguan tow eye cover-and understand why this tiny part matters.