no report yet
Steering
NewRisk. A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Volkswagen TiguanProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 289 owner complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, most often about the engine. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-679 the manufacturer reports only 18% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has problems
289 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
82Engine3 crash/fire/injury
49Power train
46Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
41Fuel/propulsion system
39Structure
21Vehicle speed control
19Service brakes
17Exterior lighting
16Steering
8316 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 82 | 3 |
| Power train | 49 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 46 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 41 | 0 |
| Structure | 39 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 21 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 19 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 17 | 0 |
| Steering | 16 | 1 |
| 16 other systems | 83 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Structure: body
Risk. An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2023 Q1
Front: webbing
Risk. A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Show 10 more recalls
repaired · 2021 Q1
Unknown or other
Risk. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Springs: coil springs
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Control arm: lower ball joint
Do not driveRisk. 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,…
repaired · 2019 Q3
Rear: shock absorber
Risk. If the lower loop of the rear shock absorber detaches, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Engine
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Exterior lighting: tail lights
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
8kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 50 engine complaints. 98% were reported before 100,000 miles.
43under 30k miles49under 100k miles1100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Tiguan year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tiguan median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan safety ratings
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, and the recalls they led to.
- Seat Belt Webbing FailureLed to recall 20V-724
- Seat Belt Webbing FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Tiguan owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Within 6 months of purchasing car CPO from dealer, car went into limp mode. Was less than 35k miles, still having same issues at 85k miles. Took to dealer, they said nothing was wrong with car. Car began to have ECU light come on frequently in the middle of driving, took back to dealer. They…
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…
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.
Own a 2018 Tiguan?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.