Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
274Complaints
13Recalls
5Crashes
3Fires
11Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (28.1% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 2.2× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
77 · 28.1%
Recalled
Recall 18V159000
Power Train
48 · 17.5%
No official action
—
Electrical System
42 · 15.3%
Recalled
Recall 18V824000
Structure:body
38 · 13.9%
Recalled
Recall 21V732000 · Recall 22V226000
Fuel/propulsion System
38 · 13.9%
No official action
—
Vehicle Speed Control
21 · 7.7%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 274 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the lower loop of the rear shock absorber detaches, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
What owners report
“THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS! I HAD VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS AND HAVE ONLY DRIVEN 411 MILES CAR HAS STARTED TO HESITATE WHEN PULLING OUT INTO…”NHTSA complaint 11151863 — filed 11/15/2018 · ENGINE
“CAR MAKES NOISE THAT IS AUDIBLE WITHIN THE CAR AND IS PARTICULARLY LOUD BY THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE.”NHTSA complaint 11145168 — filed 11/03/2018 · ENGINE
“EVERYTIME I DRIVE WHEN ENGINE IS COLD, IT FEELS LIKE ENGINE IS GOING TO DIE. I CAN FEEL SMALL JERKING, LIKE CAR IS RUNNING OUT…”NHTSA complaint 11139961 — filed 10/12/2018 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 77 of 274 NHTSA complaints (28.1%), followed by unspecified/other issues (50), power train (48), electrical system (42). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
274 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 5 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 11 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes — 13 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V724000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan's reported problems?
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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