2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 284 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 17 Tiguan model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 5 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 11 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SteeringSep 11, 2026
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V590000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyApr 6, 2022
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.
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V226000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsSep 23, 2021
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 21V732000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, webbingNov 20, 2020
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.
A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 20V724000 on NHTSA.gov
Other or unspecifiedSep 25, 2019
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.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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.
Campaign 19V679000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, springs, coil springsMar 6, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V188000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelNov 26, 2018
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 18V824000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyJul 13, 2018
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.
A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V467000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 6, 2018
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.
If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 18V375000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower ball jointDo not drive until repairedMay 16, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V324000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, shock absorberApr 25, 2018
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
If the lower loop of the rear shock absorber detaches, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V262000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineMar 8, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalFeb 9, 2018
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."
In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 18V102000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, tail lightsOct 18, 2017
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 17V662000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
81 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 23, 2026
We have to add 1-2 quarts of oil every 600 miles. Our check engine light came on 02/2026 for carbon buildup. We had it cleaned, had timing chain replaced, piston rings, oil valves, manifold. Cost us $5300. The car ran fine before the light came on and all of a sudden it started making grinding noises and idling rough. We change the oil every 3,000 miles and the car burns through oil constantly. Our car stalled 4 times on the highway since then almost causing wrecks, it runs rough and now our check engine light is back on for the same issue. It’s causing emotional and financial distress. There are multiple lawsuits pending for this but something needs done. This is exhausting.
Engine, Aug 30, 2026
This vehicle goes through oil at a rapid rate. I am adding oil to my car every week. I have had to add at least 2 quarts between oil changes for the duration of owning the vehicle.
Engine, Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was an engine failure, and internal parts fell apart and started grinding into the oil pan. The message "LIMP Mode” and the vehicle failed to exceed 4,000 RPM. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be disassembled to be fully diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Engine, Aug 4, 2026
Our 2018 Volkswagen had a light that came on so we took to dealership. The part that needs replaced is the cylinder head assembly which will be over $6000 plus $3k for timing. It will take over 28 weeks to get the part. So the car is not able to be driven. After looking into this, this is a known issue and there is a class action lawsuits going on right now. There are 4,600 back order parts nationwide. This is a defective part that the company has not recalled. The dealership is aware also that this is a known issue. There was not an injury but they say it is unsafe to drive. Volkswagen has no resolution for problem for a known defect part.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 22, 2026
First purchased this car from a dealership in 2023, used at128,051 miles. Did not have any problems with it in the first year I would say. Then suddenly while driving down the road the epc light would come on limiting my speed to 4,000 rpm. It would come on and off also causing my check engine light to come on and off. It has now become more frequent, the epc and check engine lights will come on and off creating a major hazard while driving. Got it scanned while the check engine light was on and it ran a code for a cylinder 4 engine misfire from my fuel injector wiring rail harness. It looks to be a common problem with this model but it’s showing my vin is not attached to a recall.
Engine, Feb 4, 2026
I own a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 70,000 miles. The vehicle requires a full cylinder head replacement due to faulty valve seals. I have been having to add engine oil frequently between oil changes. The repair has been confirmed by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. The required cylinder head part is currently on manufacturer backorder with no estimated time of arrival. Dealership told me to check in every 2-3 months, as no additional cylinder heads can be ordered due to excessive backorder. Dealership charges $6,000+ for this repair. Volkswagen has not provided a solution or timeline for repair with this ongoing issue. There were no warning lights prior to the issue, and the vehicle has been routinely maintained. A major engine component failure at this mileage raises concerns about a potential defect rather than normal wear. This situation creates a safety and reliability concern, with no reasonable repair timeframe due to parts unavailability as well as no communication from Volkswagen regarding this ongoing issue.
Engine, Oct 30, 2025
While driving 70mph on the interstate in the middle lane with an 18-Wheeler next to me in the right lane, my can all of the sudden a warning for an over the 4000 max rpm and an EPC light, which caused my car to start loosing speeding no matter how much or hard I pressed the gas peddle, in a matter of a minute my car dropped from 70 mph to 40mph and had to hit my flashers.
Engine, Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact drove back to the residence, shifted into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact not driven the vehicle since parking the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 15, 2024
On multiple occasions, while driving on the highway, subject vehicle displayed check engine light and EPC light at random intervals and an alarm saying exceeded 4000 came on. RPM's were not over 4000. Speed and acceleration severely limited making it dangerous to pull over on the highway in traffic. Had to pull car over and restart engine. This has happened numerous times. Also experienced shaking and skipping or missing of transmission. The car has also had the engine stall or stop when at red light or stopped forcing restart of engine.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2023
Received Max RPM 4,000 warning while on long drive. Happened and had to restart car several times. Lost ability to accelerate. Also, when car was on cruise, started shaking
Engine, Aug 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 22, 2023
EPC electronic power control light is on and indicates speed of 40 mph, transmission light on, car aggressively vibrating.
Power train, Engine, Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that the EPC warning light illuminated, and a message was displayed on the instrument panel “Engine Speed - Max 4,000 RPM”. The contact stated that when the message was displayed on the instrument panel, the vehicle would decelerate to 15 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that she was informed by the dealer that the failure was a known issue and was due to a faulty transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000
Steering, Power train, Engine, Dec 29, 2022
When I first purchased my vehicle the epc came on multiple times and I had to take it back to the dealership. Fast forward last week when I was going home on the eway same issues car wouldn’t accelerate the car was idled at the speed of 40mph it wouldn’t go any faster for a few minutes then it took off out of no where. Also when I was taking my kids to school I was making a left turn and lost control of my vehicle because it was idled and took off out of no where. That’s not safe for me my kids or any passengers traveling with me. It’s also not safe for other drivers or pedestrians. Very scary moment took my vehicle in that same day to be told it was battery issues. They claimed because the epc light wasn’t on it’s harder to diagnose to get another battery and to keep the car overnight to see if that works if not further diagnose the car. I picked my vehicle up had my battery inspected by a different service provider and was told the battery was just fine. I keep reaching out to the location I got the vehicle from their not correcting the issue and corporate just told me to go to another dealership and gave a im sorry about your frustration comment. Clearly the car has a defect always had one since day one when it was supposed to be a cpo vehicle in the first place. And I had issues the same week I purchased the vehicle. Also haven’t had my car a year and I’m having all kind of issues
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 7, 2022
I was travelling on highway, 55 miles speed , all of sudden voice came from engine and car lost power and came to 10 miles and accelerator was not working it gave me message on dash bord that RPM High. i moved the car towards edge of the road and shut it. after 5 minutes i started again and went to work. However its gave me same problem while i was coming home .my car has only 20000. miles and no other issue. its dangerous when car is moving with the flow of traffic and loose power and does not move.
Engine, Nov 17, 2022
Engine failure at 72,614 miles. Volkswagen refusing to assist.
Engine, Aug 30, 2022
I took the vehicle in to the local dealership for an oil change and after the oil change was completed, I drove about 10 miles before the engine seemed to lose power an misfile. The "Check Engine" light started flashing before it turned solid. I called the dealership and they asked me to bring the vehicle back. After scanning the vehicle OBD information, per the dealership invoice, it returned the following codes: 1. P0343001 (Camshaft Pos. Sensor Circ. High Input) 2. P0300001 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected) Eventually, they contacted VW and were asked to drain the oil, in which they found metal particles. VW then requested them to tear down the engine at which they noticed "excessive amounts of metal on bottom of oil pan". Upon reporting back to VW, dealership was asked to replace "long block with turbo assembly due to metal contamination". My understanding is that the entire engine has been replaced along with the turbocharger. Car was at dealership for 59 days total.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 1, 2022
While driving down the highway, my car completely shut off and shut down while going 45mph. Due to everything shutting off, there were no brake lights, hazards, blinkers, etc that I was able to use to warn other drivers of what was happening, therefore I was almost hit multiple times. It turned back on, then back off while driving, 4 more times until the final time when it would not turn back on or turn over at all, I had to pull off the road and it wouldn’t turn back on again. At this time I got the battery tested and it was bad. I bought the new battery and the new battery didn’t change anything. It still was doing the same thing, not turning on at all. Not even trying to turn over to turn on. I had my vehicle towed to the Volkswagen dealership in Ocala on college road. While at this shop, they have told me that the NEW battery is what has cause the issues, which is incorrect as the issues began BEFORE I got a new battery. They are also saying that because I got a new battery that they will not cover the repairs under my warranty. I had to get in a new battery for my safety after almost being hit on the highway due to the electronics or other issues being faulty in the car.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 5, 2022
The first time this problem occurred was in April right after a routine maintenance check. The car was idling in a parking lot when the engine started to vibrate and a warning was displayed that said "Max Engine Speed 4000 RPM". The car was turned off and then back on. The warning did show up on the display, but the "check engine" light was lit. The car was driven back home, and after that drive the check engine light was not lit anymore. To be safe the car was taken to the dealer. The dealer was not able to replicate the issue. Later, in July, the max engine speed and EPC warnings were displayed on the screen in the middle of a trip. At this time there was also a loss of acceleration power. The driver pulled over, stopped the car, and then restarted it. When the car restarted the warning lights were no longer on so the driver completed the trip. In the manual it says that the car can still be operated if the EPC warning light is on, but that it should be taken to a dealer. This led the driver to believe that it was safe to complete the trip and take the car to their home dealership after the holiday. The following day, the EPC warning light and the max engine speed warning both appeared in the middle of a drive. The driver was driving up a hill on a backroad with no possible pull off. The driver had to stop the car in the middle of a road directly after a blind turn. The driver restarted the car and was able to drive about 10 yards before the warning came on again and the engine cut out. The driver repeated turning the car off and then back on multiple times to be able to safely get the car up the hill and to an area where a pull-off was available. Luckily, no other cars were coming at the time the car was stalled. It was a very unsafe location! The car is currently in the process of being towed to the dealer to be worked on. This seems like a very serious safety concern that is affecting other Tiguan owners too.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 28, 2022
Car has multiple malfunctions. Has had noisy valvetrain, lack of power upon acceleration, has sputtered with a load on engine especially uphill. Car shut off completely while at 60 mph and nearly caused a catastrophic collision with my whole family in the car. Car presents substantial safety risk. Multiple codes/warnings have flashed up on the display screen(Evap,Trans,fuel inj,etc). Transmission went into "emergency mode" after being started up today, then went away after restarted. Car has been to dealership but issues were not properly addressed/ignored. VW of America is well aware of issues with these cars but ignores the consumers needs and puts consumers at great safety risk by doing so. This vehicle has both engine and transmission issues as well as odd electrical anomalies.
Power train, Engine, Feb 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the EPC warning light illuminated, causing the vehicle to go into limp mode. The vehicle decelerated to approximately 20 MPH. The contact pulled over and assessed the vehicle; however, did not physically see any issues with the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and she proceeded to drive however, the vehicle failed to exceed 27 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2021
This vehicle has significant, but intermittent issues with acceleration; it seems mostly when the AC is on or it is cold out (below 40). Vehicle will hesitate, or entirely not respond, to the gas pedal. When this occurs, acceleration is even less predictable (and slower) than a diesel truck. When it does not occur, the acceleration was zippy and fast. Unfortunately, this erratic lag is extremely dangerous - especially when attempting to merge on the highway. I can step on the gas repeatedly and nothing happens, but then the car will accelerate in a manner which feels out of control. Driving in "sport" mode seems to prevent this, so I am inclined to think there is an issue with how the vehicle has been programmed - versus a mechanical issue with the engine. I know some "Eco" modes tend to make cars less responsive to acceleration (in order to save fuel) but this is extreme.
Engine, Oct 27, 2021
During the life of a 48 month lease, the EPC and emissions control module failed four times, placing the vehicle out of service for at least 40-days total. When these components failed, a message popped up stating there was a 4000 RPM max. The ability to accelerate was immediately lost, and actually the vehicle not let me exceed 2000 RPMs. I had to pull over and restart the engine in order to continue my journey. This was extremely hazardous.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 12, 2021
Like many other people who have complained, the same EPC engine light turning on after the engine stalls while driving. This has happened multiple times while driving on the highway while going 65mph+. The max speed 4000 rpm message comes on the dashboard. The car does not accelerate and pulling over is necessary in order to shut off the car and restart the engine. This is incredibly dangerous and the car’s speed cannot be controlled.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2021
Epc light came on and engine started to stall