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
284 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Feb 2, 2018
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO MY EARLIER REPORT, COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11065547. THE LOW BEAM PERFORMANCE IS WORSE THAN I ORIGINALLY REPORTED. TONIGHT (FEB 2 2018) I TOOK TIME TO LOOK AT THE RANGE OF VISION OF THE LOW BEAMS. I ESTIMATE IT AT 50 FEET. I LIVE ON A CURVED STREET AND AS I DROVE DOWN IT, I OBSERVED THAT WHEN THE TIGUAN WAS POINTED AT A HOUSE, IT DIDN'T GET ILLUMINATED UNTIL I WAS ON THE PROPERTY EDGE. THE HOUSE HAS A 35 FOOT SETBACK FROM THE STREET AND SLIGHTLY UPHILL FROM THE FRONT OF MY TIGUAN. NONE OF THE HOUSE WAS WITHIN THE RANGE OF THE HEADLIGHTS. I DISCUSSED ADJUSTING THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS WITH MY DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW IF THEY WERE ADJUSTABLE. I CONSIDER THIS A SIGNIFICANT AND DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED.
Structure, Feb 1, 2018
ANNOYING DRIVER-SIDE B-PILLAR RATTLE AT SPEEDS UP TO ABOUT 50. DOESN'T HAPPEN AS MUCH WHEN VERY COLD (BELOW 35 OR SO) OR -- ODDLY -- WHEN RAINING. DEALER SAYS THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE. WEB SEARCH SHOWS IT TO BE FAIRLY WIDESPREAD. SUPPOSEDLY WELDING-RELATED.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2018
INTERMITTENT ONGOING RATTLE IN THE B PILLARS BEHIND SEAT BELTS..
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jan 28, 2018
1) LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE A VERY SHORT RANGE, PERHAPS AS LITTLE AS 100 FEET WITH A VERY SHARP CUT-OFF. ALMOST HIT A DEER BECAUSE ALTHOUGH I WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, I COULD BARELY SEE THE DEER AS IT CROSSED THE ROAD. THIS WAS EVIDENT ON A STRAIGHT COUNTRY ROAD WITH NO STREET LIGHTS WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION DRIVING STRAIGHT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT'S DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON LOW LIT OR UNLIT ROADS AT NIGHT. THE FIX WOULD BE A REDESIGNED HEADLAMPS (BOTH SIDES) OR A BRIGHTER BULBS. NHTSA SAFETY RATING SITE SHOWS THE PROBLEM CLEARLY. IT'S DANGEROUS. 2) WINDSHIELD WIPERS CONTINUE TO STREAK ALTHOUGH THEY WERE REPLACED BY THE VW DEALER, ELGIN VW, WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE STREAKING CREATES A BLIND SPOT ON THE RIGHT PART OF THE WINDSHIELD. UNABLE TO SEE TO THE RIGHT FRONT AT INTERSECTIONS.
Seat belts, Jan 25, 2018
THE DRIVER SIDER SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT. FOR EXAMPLE, IF I LOOK OVER MY SHOULDER TO CHECK DIVERS IN OTHER LANES MY SEAT BELT WILL LOOSEN AND WHEN I TURN BACK AROUND TO FACE FORWARD THE BELT DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY TIGHTEN. I WORRY THIS BELT IS DEFECTIVE AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS IN ANOTHER CAR. I ROUTINELY NEED TO TIGHTEN MY SEATBELT WHILE DRIVING. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF I WERE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE THE SEATBELT WILL NOT KEEP ME SAFE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MID-DECEMBER 2017.
Seats, Dec 20, 2017
THE THIRD ROW OF THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO TRANSPORT PASSENGERS TALLER THAN 5'3' ACCORDING TO A WARNING ON PG.95 OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE IN ANY OF THE OTHER LITERATURE ABOUT THE VEHICLE.
Exterior lighting, Nov 20, 2017
VERY DIM-INVISIBLE HEAD LIGHT-LIGHTENING DURING HEAVY RAINS OR DARK STREET RIDES. FELT SCARY WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST THOUGHT THAT THERE WERE NO HEAD LIGHTS ON THE CAR. FROM THAT POINT I WAS REALLY NOTICING AND THIS IS THE RATING I GIVE FOR THE LIGHTING THE ROAD AT NIGHT DURING MOTION -> 2/10 STATIONARY ->6/10 CITY STREET ->6/10 PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND FOR SURE YOU'LL FIND THIS "DEFECT" IN THE BRIGHTNESS OF HEADLIGHTS.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Oct 31, 2017
PURCHASED THE 2018 TIGUAN ON SEPTEMBER 16TH, ENTERED SERVICE ON OCTOBER 10TH WITH TWO B PILLAR RATTLES, EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE FROM DRIVERS DOOR AND A SCREEN FLICKER WITH THE BACK-UP CAMERA. CAR HAS REMAINED IN SERVICE FOR 21 DAYS AND NO RESOLUTION FROM VOLKSWAGEN.
Structure, Oct 4, 2017
THE DRIVERS SIDE B PILLAR CONSISTANTLY MAKES AGRESSIVE AND LOUD CRACKING NOISES WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE INITIATED A LEMON LAW SUIT WITH VOLKSWAGEN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THE CONCERN HAS NOT YET BEEN RECTIFIED. ADDITIONALLY THE DRIVERS SIDE B PILLER FLEXES AND CRACKS WHEN THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS OPENED (THE DOOR IS ATTACHED TO THIS PILLAR). THE SECOND DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE NOISE WAS WAS VERY CONCERNED. THE SERVICE DIRECTOR TOLD ME THAT PREVIOUS TIGUAN MODELS HAD CONCERNS WITH INSUFFICIENT WELDING WHICH HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED ON SAFERCAR.GOV. IT IS ALSO DOCUMENTED IN MULTIPLE FORUMS. THE SERVICE TICKET INDICATES THAT EXCESS WELDING SLAG WAS DISCOVERED BEHIND THE HEADLINER AND CURTAIN AIRBAG. THE DEALER SAID THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE HERE. I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELDING INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR MAKES VIOLENT CRACKING NOISES DURING ANY BODY FLEX. I'M EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE AND MY OVERALL WELL BEING. IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT OR GENERAL IMPACT DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE CAR WILL ADEQUATELY PROTECT ME AND I COULD BE SUBJECT TO SERIOUS BODILY HARM. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO RESPOND OR ASSIST ME IN ANY WAY. THE COMPANY IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CONSUMERS AS CLEARLY EVIDENT IN THEIR MOST RECENT SCANDAL IN WHICH THEY DEFRAUDED THE GOVERNMENT AND CONSUMER WITH FALSE EPA RATINGS WHICH THEY KNOWINGLY CONCEALED. IN INTEREST OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC'S SAFETY PLEASE LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION IN TO THIS VEHICLE SO THAT LIVES CAN BE SAVED.