VehicleVerdict

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 446 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Tiguan year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 18 Tiguan years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (77), other (50), and transmission (49), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

446

NHTSA complaints

13

Recalls

2

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

18

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Tiguan years?

See all Tiguan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7717%
Other5011%
Transmission4911%
Electrical System4510%
Body & Structure399%
Fuel System389%
Driver Assistance266%
Brakes215%
Speed Control215%
Lighting174%
Seat Belts164%
Airbags153%
Steering133%
Suspension92%
Visibility & Wipers72%
Tires & Wheels20%
Seats10%

Does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have recalls?

13 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V226000Body & StructureApril 6, 2022 · 6,553 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.

Consequence

An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.

21V732000Body & StructureSeptember 23, 2021 · 2 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan vehicles. During the repair of roof damage, an incorrect roof reinforcement assembly may have been installed.

Consequence

The incorrect roof reinforcement may decrease the roof's structural integrity or impact deployment of the side curtain air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will be replace the roof reinforcement, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51H5.

20V724000Seat BeltsNovember 20, 2020 · 10,835 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan LWB vehicles. In the event of a crash, one or both of the front seat belt's webbing may tear.

Consequence

A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belts and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BH.

19V679000OtherSeptember 25, 2019 · 113 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

19V188000SuspensionMarch 6, 2019 · 56,173 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.

Consequence

If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.

18V824000Electrical SystemNovember 26, 2018 · 73,549 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequence

If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.

18V467000Visibility & WipersJuly 13, 2018 · 45,457 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. The LED module for the panoramic sunroof ambient light bar may short circuit.

Consequence

A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the power supply for the panoramic sunroof LED module, free of charge, until a future service action can safely reactivate the feature. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall 60D1.

18V375000AirbagsJune 6, 2018 · 821 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan vehicles. In the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment.

Consequence

If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69W8, and 69W9.

18V324000SuspensionMay 16, 2018 · 2,473 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The nut that holds the lower ball joint of the front wheel on each side of the vehicle may be loose or improperly tightened.

Consequence

A loose or improperly tightened ball joint nut can result in the separation of the lower ball joint causing steering, traction or other stability issues, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the nut on the lower ball joint and, as necessary, clean the thread in the ball joint, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40N4. Note: owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair has been performed.

18V262000SuspensionApril 25, 2018 · 7,430 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheelbase (LWB) vehicles. A lower loop of a rear shock absorber may separate from its base due to an incorrect welding process

Consequence

If the lower loop of the rear shock absorber detaches, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear shock absorbers, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42i7.

18V159000EngineMarch 8, 2018 · 4 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The engine support bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence

If the engine support bolts were not properly tightened, an unexpected engine breakdown or loss of engine power may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace engine support bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F7.

18V102000AirbagsFebruary 9, 2018 · 3,768 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel and front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69V2.

17V662000LightingOctober 18, 2017 · 5,509 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The back-up lights in the taillight assemblies may not be bright enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the back-up lights are not bright enough, other drivers may not see the vehicle reversing, or the driver may back into an obstacle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected inner taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94J9.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TODAY, THE CAR STALLED WHILE I WAS STATION/STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT AND GOT DRAGGED BY THE TRUCK WHICH ALMOST RAN OVER MY CAR. MY CAR'S SENSOR SWITCHED TO EMERGENCY MODE AND WOULD NOT LET ME DRIVE. I WANTED TO DRIVE MY CAR AWAY WHEN I SAW THE DANGER. HOWEVER, L COULD NOT AND ALMOST GOT KILLED AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 13, 2018 · crash

I just bought this 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Ford, cylinder All wheel Drive in the Angel light came on and it says recalls will never fixed. I would like to know if you can help me and fix this problems. My name is [XXX] , Lodi New Jersey. My phone number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 26, 2026

PURCHASED A 2018 VW TIGUAN SEL IN FEBUARY 2018. BROUGHT TO DEALER TWICE (SO FAR) AND BRINGING IT BACKI TOMORROW. HAS STAYED IN SHOP FOR 5 WEEKS SINCE PURCHASE. SERIOUS HESITATION WHEN ACCERLATING. MY WIFE REFUSES TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN FEAR OF HER LIFE !! (AND SO AM I) THESE CARS MUST BE STOPPED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 1, 2018

Engine keeps failing and dings while driving non-stop. Causes the vehicle to think there is another vehicle near me and activates the emergency braking in the middle of the highway almost causing me to crash. I have taken the vehicle to dealer and told it is fixed about 8 times now

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 25, 2022 · crash

1)My sunroof/window is leaking. This has caused internal damage. My car had 2-2.5 inches of water that has damaged by carpeting and pads the 60E5 was performed. ~72,500 miles 2018 Tiguan. 2) dealer service has advised of service:REPLACE SET OF (4) FUEL INJECTOR O-RINGS DUE TO FUEL LEAK AT FUEL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 25, 2025

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan — common questions

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 446 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 18 Tiguan years. It is one of the Tiguan years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Tiguan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (77 complaints), other (50 complaints), transmission (49 complaints).

Does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volkswagen Tiguan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tiguan years to avoid are 2018, 2022, 2019, 2011, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2016, 2014. The cleanest record among Tiguan years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.