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.
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
Exterior lighting, Nov 15, 2023
Low beam on Both headlights failed without any explanation. Everything was checked. The bulbs, the fuses, the relay, and the cause of the issue is still not known.
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2023
The panoramic sunroof continually leaks into the rear c-pillar. Each time it rains the seat belts become saturated with rain water. I am of the opinion this will cause more rapid deterioration of the seat belts than usual. Additionally, water ponds in the rear floor boards and is a mold hazard. The last rain, the rear seat also became saturated and our baby's carseat got wet. VW claims there is no defect in the sunroof.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2023
The automatic door locks are malfunctioning (starting early September 2023). When the vehicle accelerates, the automatic door locks continuously engage, repeatedly, causing audible distractions while driving. This is a safety issue because with three kids in the rear, the doors are not locked while driving. Typically, once you accelerate from park above a certain speed, the door locks automatically engage. Now they go on/off continuously while at all speeds, including highway speed. Now the doors can be opened, and the noise itself is considerably distracting. It also allows for anyone, while parked at a stoplight or freeway exit, to open the doors. The dealership inspected it and quoted over $900 for the repairs, however I do not agree with this assessment. For a 2018 $30k+ vehicle, a basic function like this should not be malfunctioning. This is not normal wear and tear like brake pads. The cost to repair is unreasonable, and it is not covered under the warranty. There are no warning lights and indicators appearing on the vehicle noting the issue. The issue is ongoing every instance the vehicle is driven and we do not feel safe due to the distraction or the possibility of kids opening the doors while driving (or someone on the outside). The dealer also advised there's a possibility the locks will further malfunction and we could get locked inside or outside the vehicle. Again, neither of those scenarios are safe, especially living in a hot climate like Phoenix, AZ.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2023
This morning, while driving on the highway with my infant son in the car, my sunroof exploded on my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Visibility, Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, a loud explosion was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the sunroof glass had exploded. There was no impact to the sunroof that could have caused the sunroof glass to explode. The contact safely removed her child from the vehicle. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. 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 43,000.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 8, 2023
My vehicle has had repeated issues with passenger airbags, after last repair all of the safety sensors failed and received warning on dashboard (no collision protection, no Adaptive cruise control) after bringing back to dealer car was returned to me and told the parts are unavailable. Currently I have had a vehicle under warranty which has no collision protection features that came with the car. Car by dealer’s own statement it is unsafe to drive yet was returned to us. It has been nearly 3 months and are continually told that there is no fix in site.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2023
Hi DMV, (NHTSA.gov), The steering light issue, Dealer currently do not have an ETA, the car is at the dealership still waiting for parts. Is unsafe to drive with this issues because the Steering got stuck. Thank you for the opportunity to share this problem. Sincerely [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Aug 29, 2023
ABS Control Module failed resulted in Emergency Brakes to be applied and locking indiscriminately resulting in loss of control as well as safe use of the vehicle. Parts to replace ABS Control system are reportedly unavailable/backordered with no estimate of availability. VW of America refuses to provide any information how to proceed.
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.
Structure, Aug 17, 2023
There is an excessive amount of water leaking into the passenger compartment and also the cargo area The result is that considerable mold growing on the carpeting of the entire car The dealer has ordered repair parts but the parts are on back order leaving me to drive the vehicle while it has mold I have been advised if I remove the molded carpeting I will invalidate the warranty Very dangerous as occupying this vehicle results in inhaling mold
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
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Jul 11, 2023
Solo prendieron la luz
Electrical system, Jun 26, 2023
EPC electronic power control light is on and indicates speed of 40 mph
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 7, 2023, crash
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
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2023
fuel injector wire hardness failed , very costly to fix
Seat belts, Feb 23, 2023
Seatbelt is not functioning adequately. The seatbelt itself that’s contained in the column near the door is not retracting or staying taught when in use. It’s very loose and something inside is rattling when ejected, and it has to be manually assisted to retract.
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.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 20, 2022
The front passenger door locking system does not function properly. The door intermittently is unable to be unlocked or opened from the outside and must manually be opened from the inside. The door also intermittently doesn't lock. This is a safety concern for thieves. If in immediate danger, ie. accident, no one is able to open the passenger door to access the person. No indication lights appear on the vehicle.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 9, 2022
The dealership for my vehicle is over 70 miles away. My battery died and I went and replaced it. When I did all sorts of lights came on in my car, my power steering wouldn’t work, my cruise control wouldn’t work, and my AC wouldn’t work. I took it to the dealership to see what was going on with it. It turns out my battery was placed backwards in my car and when that happened it fried the fuse for my entire system, it broke my AC unit, it broke my alternator, and messed up my electrical system. Yes I do believe there is a risk to my safety with this issue. I could not turn my car when I drove it. I was told by service representative that this has been happening a lot more often with people who are just trying to change the battery. The only time the vehicle was inspected was by the service department at the dealership. No they’re weren’t any problems prior to failure and they appeared after the battery was placed.
Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2022
The light of the roof inside. Mainly problem of a lot of cars !
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.