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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Verdict

46 Proceed with Caution

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has 274 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (99 complaints) and body (97 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 46/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Tiguan, consider the 2025 model year which has 86% fewer complaints.

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The 2025 has 86% fewer complaints

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46

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 9

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

17V662000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

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. ...

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 crash.

Remedy

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...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

18V467000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Risk

A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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. T...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

18V262000 SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

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...

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.

Remedy

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 custome...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

18V324000 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

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 ...

Risk

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.

Remedy

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. Owne...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

21V732000 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

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.

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 in the event of a crash.

Remedy

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. Volksw...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

20V724000 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

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.

Risk

A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

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...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

22V226000 STRUCTURE:BODY

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 ...

Risk

An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 t...

Reported Jun 4, 2022

18V159000 ENGINE

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.

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.

Remedy

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. V...

Reported Aug 3, 2018

18V375000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 unfol...

Risk

If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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-...

Reported Jun 6, 2018

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200922734949
201017630542
201114469684
201239737635
201324667393
201419447111
20151343492
201627348161
201716331194
20189717439918
20196121474212
2020551134283
202151216535
20227134211116
20232037243
202423111190
2025173783

By Category

Engine
99
Body
97
Electrical
43
Transmission
18
Brakes
17

By Severity

1
135
2
128
3
3
4
8

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 2

A few weeks ago i noticed that a car passed me and the little blind spot alert light didn't light up. when i arrived at my destination I did some scanning through the menus and i discovered that the blind spot (side assist) was not on, but when i attempted to turn it on, the car said "function not available". After some investigation (using a odbeleven scanner) i discovered that the blind spot assist functionality has a fault with "no communication". This system, upon failure, give NO indication anywhere, plus this also means my rear back up alert ( a kid running behind my car, for example, which would normally cause a huge alert, nothing happens). I also learned that there is a technical bulletin : [XXX] related to this. This should be a recall, its dangerous to have no indication that a safety feature system like this is completely nonfunctional (without an ODBeleven read). a light on the dash should alert me, or a message on the screen. this is just plain dangerous! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Engine 1

First purchased this car from a dealership in 2023, used at128,051 miles. Did not have any problems with it in the first year I would say. Then suddenly while driving down the road the epc light would come on limiting my speed to 4,000 rpm. It would come on and off also causing my check engine light to come on and off. It has now become more frequent, the epc and check engine lights will come on and off creating a major hazard while driving. Got it scanned while the check engine light was on and it ran a code for a cylinder 4 engine misfire from my fuel injector wiring rail harness. It looks to be a common problem with this model but it’s showing my vin is not attached to a recall.

2mo ago
Engine 1

2018 VW Tiguan. The fuel injector harness failed. There is a NHTSA letter stating 2018-2019 Tiguans had this issue and there’s an extended warranty up to 120,000 miles. My Tiguan is at 91,000 miles, but VW is saying the warranty isn’t assigned to my VIN. So there’s a warranty for this exact issue and year, but my vehicle isn’t covered. This warranty obviously needs to be extended by build date as it’s a pretty costly repair.

2mo ago
Body 1

Front coil spring fractured at 84,554 miles. I am the original owner with full dealer-maintained service history. VW issued Safety Recall 42J5 for premature rear coil spring fracture on 2018–2019 Tiguans due to material specification and manufacturing process defects at the spring supplier. The front springs on this vehicle came from the same supply chain and production window. VW dealer in [XXX] noted that spring failures are common in this area on these vehicles. VW Customer CARE declined goodwill assistance. Requesting investigation into expanding Recall 42J5 to include front axle coil springs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

3mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake independently activated, and the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the key failed to function as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The parking brake was not activated. Additionally, the front driver's side door latch failed to unlatch as needed. The contact stated that none of the electrical system features functioned as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed wiring harness and a failed front driver's side door harness. The contact was informed that the wiring harness and front driver's side door harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer reset the codes. The contact was informed that until the repair was performed, the failure would recur. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

3mo ago
Electrical 2

My 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a failure of the airbag control module caused by water intrusion through the HVAC access area and failed seam seal tape at the cowl support. The dealership confirmed that water leaked through a factory seam, accumulated at the airbag module, and caused the module to fail. The airbag warning light is illuminated, and the system is inoperable. This failure matches the same defect pattern covered under Volkswagen’s recall campaigns for the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport (water intrusion leading to airbag control module failure), but my VIN is not included. The root cause and safety implications are identical: water entering through a body seam/HVAC area and compromising the airbag system. This is a safety‑critical issue that disables the airbags and creates a risk of injury in a crash. I am requesting NHTSA review this defect for potential recall expansion. Dealership Findings: • Water present at airbag control module • Water leaking through HVAC access hole • Failed seam seal tape at cowl support • Water accumulation damaging the airbag module • Cowl trim cracked and repaired • Recommended replacement of airbag control module and seam sealing tape • Estimated repair cost: $1,377 + tax Safety Concern: Airbag system is disabled due to water intrusion from a factory seam. This creates a risk of injury or death in the event of a collision.

3mo ago
Body 1

I just bought this 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Ford, cylinder All wheel Drive in the Angel light came on and it says recalls will never fixed. I would like to know if you can help me and fix this problems. My name is [XXX] , Lodi New Jersey. My phone number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

4mo ago
Transmission 1

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook and decelerated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle should not be driven because the drive belt needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder with no ETA. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

5mo ago
Body 2

This vehicle experienced a rear shock spring failure identical to the symptoms noted in VW recall 42i7. We paid out of pocket for the springs to be repaired, and VW corporate along with the dealer reported this VIN does not qualify for the recall. They are unable to tell me why our particular VIN does not, other than it simply wasn't on the list. It seems unlikely the exact year/model/failure occurred on our vehicle as what was stated in the recall but somehow it didn't qualify I would expect VW to cover the spring replacement and required alignment

5mo ago
Engine 1

I own a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 70,000 miles. The vehicle requires a full cylinder head replacement due to faulty valve seals. I have been having to add engine oil frequently between oil changes. The repair has been confirmed by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. The required cylinder head part is currently on manufacturer backorder with no estimated time of arrival. Dealership told me to check in every 2-3 months, as no additional cylinder heads can be ordered due to excessive backorder. Dealership charges $6,000+ for this repair. Volkswagen has not provided a solution or timeline for repair with this ongoing issue. There were no warning lights prior to the issue, and the vehicle has been routinely maintained. A major engine component failure at this mileage raises concerns about a potential defect rather than normal wear. This situation creates a safety and reliability concern, with no reasonable repair timeframe due to parts unavailability as well as no communication from Volkswagen regarding this ongoing issue.

5mo ago
Body 2

On [XXX] I discovered water in my car. ~2.5 inch front passenger and back driver and passenger side. Condensation on the sunroof. My sunroof was not opened/completely shut. I called VW service was advised my car was not covered under the class action or warranty and advised to report to my insurance. I did not want to report and risk my insurance rate increasing. I have never filed a claim in the 20+ years of having the car. After researching and taking my call for repairs I discovered that my vehicle should be covered on the extended warranty IF the recall 60E5/60E2 was repaired. I am in Ohio where the damage was discovered my regular service dealer is in Illinois. 1)The service dealer in Illinois did complete the 60E5/60E2 recall. 2) the extend warranty % coverage should cover my car however I was told my VIN was not apart of the class action although the recall was performed an no record in the system with VW and if it were I would not be covered because I am 5 months out of the in service date. 3) the damage is ~ 3000.00 and increasing because now the sunroof switch doesn’t work and the screen is damaged from water. There is mold in my car which is a health hazard. I have exhausted trying to navigate through this issue! If my car was not apart of the class action it should have been. The insurance minus my deductible does not cover the cost of repairs. I have been without a call since this incident. This is a health hazard consumer driving hazard and should be investigated ASAP. I have attached the initial estimate which will be supplementally adjusted, the service 60E5 document . Please advise if this should be reported to the attorney general office and or what my next course of action should be. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

6mo ago
Engine 2

1)My sunroof/window is leaking. This has caused internal damage. My car had 2-2.5 inches of water that has damaged by carpeting and pads the 60E5 was performed. ~72,500 miles 2018 Tiguan. 2) dealer service has advised of service:REPLACE SET OF (4) FUEL INJECTOR O-RINGS DUE TO FUEL LEAK AT FUEL RAIL-INCLUDE INTAKE MANIFOLD GAKET AND THROTTLE BODY GASKET.

7mo ago
Electrical 1

One time the car Just Lost power on the freeway and the e-card engine light came on and the cat Ran rugh and stalled and jerked hard almost causing me to cause a serious accident...I took it to vw and explained the severity and they bypassed that And installed a new water pump..2months later the same thing happened exactly to where I was very lucky and very upset...and took it to them once again and explained more issues where I'm urging . As to the front warning light and motion has came into play a few times witch was shocking...also the car would be on slow mo mode....and constant warning lights would come on the dashboard as well as the car would feel so unstable and Feel as if it were On gear 1/L while in the drive position...also the Eco turn of feature would playout ..and stall from time to time..then the car would get stuck on speed when foot would come off the accelerator to brake before a stop sign or red light intersection witch just started to concern me and I again took these concerns to Rick case vw and They thought I was inventing this story..then the car leaked coolant..and it rusted out the whole bottom of my car ..hoses...and they replaced the thermostat this time around and now the car has misfired..could not start ..idle was ver rough and just vibrated dramatically and damaged coils and spakplugs and blew out fuel inject #2 and can't hold pressure past 30 ..changed out the spak plugs and coils and the car is just crippled and its a safety hazard and in many occasions has almost caused me to cause a serious accident...

7mo ago
Body 2

Please see attachment

8mo ago
Engine 2

While driving 70mph on the interstate in the middle lane with an 18-Wheeler next to me in the right lane, my can all of the sudden a warning for an over the 4000 max rpm and an EPC light, which caused my car to start loosing speeding no matter how much or hard I pressed the gas peddle, in a matter of a minute my car dropped from 70 mph to 40mph and had to hit my flashers.

8mo ago
Electrical 1

On September 19th 2025, while driving on the highway at normal speed, the instrument cluster fuel gauge misread the fuel level and indicated that the tank still had fuel. Without any warning light or low-fuel alert, the vehicle suddenly lost power because it was actually out of gas. I was traveling with my boyfriend and our three dogs. We became stranded on the shoulder of a busy highway as vehicles passed at 70–80 mph. The outside temperature was about 85-90 at the time. This created a serious safety hazard: The cluster’s inaccurate fuel reading prevented me from knowing we were nearly empty. The engine shut down unexpectedly, leaving limited steering and braking control as we coasted to the shoulder. We were exposed to high-speed traffic and extreme heat while waiting for assistance. Additional cluster/safety issues observed: No audible turn-signal “click” or indicator sound when using the blinker. No warning chime if the car is left running when the driver exits (for example, if the ignition is on but the door is opened or the key is removed). The vehicle is out of warranty, but the dealership diagnosed a failed instrument cluster and quoted about $2,500 for replacement. Why This Is a Safety Concern: The instrument cluster provides critical driver alerts. Inaccurate fuel readings, lack of turn-signal audio, and the absence of an engine-on warning chime all reduce driver awareness and can directly lead to dangerous situations on the road. Requested Action: I urge NHTSA to investigate whether the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan’s instrument cluster/fuel-level system and related warning features contain a design or manufacturing defect and to consider a recall or other remedy to prevent accidents or injuries.

9mo ago
Brakes 1

Activates while driving on a flat road at random

10mo ago
Engine 1

coolant burst and started leaking. Unable to drive car. radiator problem May be related to bad water pump. I see there was a recall.

12mo ago
Electrical 1

Airbag fault light is illuminated. drivers side, Fault Code: B101715 - crash sensor for side airbag, drivers side open circuit to B+ Intermittent occurred on 5/19/2025 at 56000 mile. Data from vehicle Software Number; 5Q0959655AG Software Version: 0336 Hardware Number: 5Q0959655AG Hardware Version: 004

13mo ago
Body 2

I originally started out at World Kia in Matteson, where I was approved for a newer vehicle. But then they suddenly changed their minds and tried to put me in an older car instead. That rubbed me the wrong way, so I went to their Joliet location hoping for better service. Boy, was I wrong. Even though they had already run my credit in Matteson, they reran it again in Joliet, which made no sense and damaged my credit even more. I really needed a car at the time, so I felt pressured and couldn’t walk away. After I bought the car, it broke down shortly after, and I was never given any paperwork about its condition or inspection. They sold it to me “as-is,” but I later found out that under Illinois law, used cars must be safe and reliable for at least 15 days or 500 miles, even when sold “as-is.” My car didn’t meet that standard at all. The car has suspension issues which is very dangerous. The mechanic stated to not drive the car at all it's a safety hazard and I could cause a major accident. There is no recall on my vin#, but several other owners have had the same issues based of the information on the website. I just want some kind of resolution. I'm still responsible for the car, which is so unfair. This has caused so much stress that I have no clue what to do. please help. Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

13mo ago

274 total

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