CarModelProblems.com

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems & Recalls

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 categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine77 · 28.1%RecalledRecall 18V159000
Power Train48 · 17.5%No official action
Electrical System42 · 15.3%RecalledRecall 18V824000
Structure:body38 · 13.9%RecalledRecall 21V732000 · Recall 22V226000
Fuel/propulsion System38 · 13.9%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control21 · 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.

Complaints by component

ENGINE77 · 28.1%
Unspecified / other50 · 18.2%
POWER TRAIN48 · 17.5%
STRUCTURE:BODY38 · 13.9%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM38 · 13.9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL21 · 7.7%
SERVICE BRAKES19 · 6.9%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING16 · 5.8%
SEAT BELTS15 · 5.5%

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.

Recalls — 13 campaigns

Seat Belts:front:webbing

NHTSA campaign 20V724000 · 2020 · reported 11/20/2020

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

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

NHTSA campaign 21V732000 · 2021 · reported 09/23/2021

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

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

NHTSA campaign 18V324000 · 2018 · reported 05/16/2018

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.

Park it  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Unknown Or Other

NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 2019 · reported 09/25/2019

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

Suspension:rear:shock Absorber

NHTSA campaign 18V262000 · 2018 · reported 04/25/2018

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

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

NHTSA campaign 18V375000 · 2018 · reported 06/06/2018

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

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

NHTSA campaign 18V467000 · 2018 · reported 07/13/2018

A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

NHTSA campaign 18V824000 · 2018 · reported 11/26/2018

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

Suspension:rear:springs:coil Springs

NHTSA campaign 19V188000 · 2019 · reported 03/06/2019

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

Air Bags:frontal

NHTSA campaign 18V102000 · 2018 · reported 02/09/2018

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

Engine

NHTSA campaign 18V159000 · 2018 · reported 03/08/2018

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

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

NHTSA campaign 17V662000 · 2017 · reported 10/18/2017

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

Structure:body

NHTSA campaign 22V226000 · 2022 · reported 04/06/2022

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

520171512018902019422020302021372022292023172024272025182026

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.