2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and body and structure. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 275
- Recalls
- 13
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 5
- 11 injuries
One recall on this model year told owners to stop driving until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Tiguan is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 23–24 mpg |
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Tiguan that averages well under the EPA 23 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Premature brake pad, rotor wear
19,000–46,700 miles
Max RPM limp mode
34,000–83,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission47No crashes
Sudden power loss at highway speed is the most common report. The EPC and check engine lights come on, a "Max 4,000 RPM" warning appears, and the car will not accelerate until it is shut off and restarted. Other owners describe hesitation pulling away from a stop, rough shifts in the lower gears, and the transmission hunting for gears. Several cases start under 10,000 miles. Some owners also report adding oil between changes and stalling at lights with auto start/stop. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault.
Electrical341 crash
Automatic emergency braking slams on the brakes with nothing ahead. Owners report whiplash, and one crash with injuries is on file. Two fire reports appear, and one owner had received the sunroof ambient lighting recall, which covers a humid LED module that can short circuit. The recall fix disconnects the light bar. Leaking sunroof drains set off parking brake, ABS/ESC, and airbag faults after heavy rain. Other reports cover a frozen center screen, false "exit in P" alarms, a fuel gauge reading wrong, and limp-mode power loss.
Body and structure29No crashes
A ticking or creaking rattle from the B-pillars, on one side or both, dominates these reports. It often starts within the first few thousand miles, sometimes within days of purchase, and can change with temperature. Dealer repairs mean stripping the interior and redoing welds near the roof. Cars sit at the shop for weeks, and the noise sometimes comes back. Owners cite a service bulletin that covers a narrow VIN range. Panoramic sunroof leaks soak carpets and cause mold. One sunroof shattered while the car was moving.
Engine27No crashes
Loss of power on the highway, with the EPC light and a maximum RPM warning, is the main pattern. Speed falls off no matter how hard the pedal is pressed. Oil consumption is the second theme. Owners top up oil between changes, and one dealer called for cylinder head replacement over valve seals near 70,000 miles, with the part on backorder. Early misfires, a timing chain replacement, and full engine replacement also appear. Hesitation from a stop followed by a sudden lurch is common. One report describes a burning odor after parking.
Brakes14No crashes
Front Assist triggers hard braking with no car or obstacle ahead. It happens at walking pace and at highway speed, and some owners report whiplash. One injury is on file. A second pattern is early and uneven pad and rotor wear, sometimes blamed on sticking rear calipers, with one case as early as 6,900 miles. Less common failures include an ABS control module that applied the brakes erratically, with replacement parts backordered, and a rear brake line that snapped and drained the brake fluid.
Exterior lights14No crashes
Low beams that light only a short stretch of road are the main complaint. Owners call night and rain driving unsafe and lean on the high beams. Automatic headlights switch on and off under bridges and trees, which other drivers can mistake for braking. On other cars, the auto headlights stay on in full sun. Backup lights are described as very dim. Several reports cover the sunroof ambient light bar recall, which disconnects the feature, and owners say they have waited months for it to be restored.
Steering121 crash
Cars refuse to start and show a "Steering Lock Fault" message when the steering column fails. Some fail under 10,000 miles, some fail again after a new column goes in, and some wait at the dealer for parts. Lane assist steers toward adjacent lanes or locks the wheel, causing near misses. Other reports describe a power steering pump failure with full loss of assist and a fractured bolt inside the rack and pinion near 65,000 miles. One crash report involves the car stalling at a light and refusing to move.
Seat belts12No crashes
Driver belts that will not retract or stay snug are the main true belt failure, along with seatbelt chimes set off by a phone on the passenger seat. Many other filings here describe the B-pillar rattle near the belt retractor rather than a belt fault. Sunroof leaks soak the belts and can freeze them in place in cold weather. One owner received the seat belt recall, campaign 20V724000, but the repair part was unavailable.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Tiguan owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Vehicle sending transmission alarms and also exit vehicle in P mode only alarm. First had issue around 25,000 miles and gear shift assembly was replaced under warranty for what I was told was a faulty sensor. Same issue returned at 100,000 miles and Volkswagon is replacing the gear shift assembly again at customers expense. I was told by Volkswagon that the car is safe to drive.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
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
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
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.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
Driving down the Highway with my kids in the car and the sunroof shattered. No was around driving near me, nothing was hit, no other damage on my vehicle. the sunroof just exploded with my 4 children in the car. Now Im 1,000 miles away from home.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2021
During the life of a 48 month lease, the EPC and emissions control module failed four times, placing the vehicle out of service for at least 40-days total. When these components failed, a message popped up stating there was a 4000 RPM max. The ability to accelerate was immediately lost, and actually the vehicle not let me exceed 2000 RPMs. I had to pull over and restart the engine in order to continue my journey. This was extremely hazardous.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2021
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.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
How the 2018 compares with other Tiguan years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Tiguan years we cover, about 2.8 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission4710
- Electrical3420
- Body and structure293
- Engine2715
- Brakes144
- Exterior lights141
Where the 2018 fits in the Tiguan's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the tenth model year of the Tiguan's first generation (2009–2018).
It includes the 2012 update.
What changed for 2012
- Bold angular headlights
- Updated interior with new trim and steering wheel
- Incorporation of horizontal grille bars
Recalls to confirm (13)
Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
18V324000SuspensionDo not driveMay 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
22V226000Body and structureApr 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.
Risk: An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V732000Body and structureSep 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
20V724000Seat beltsNov 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.
Risk: A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
19V679000OtherSep 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.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: 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.
19V188000SuspensionMar 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
18V824000ElectricalNov 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.".
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.
Fix: 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.
18V467000Wipers and visibilityJul 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.
Risk: A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
18V375000AirbagsJun 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.
Risk: If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
18V262000SuspensionApr 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
18V159000EngineMar 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
18V102000AirbagsFeb 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.".
Risk: In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
17V662000Exterior lightsOct 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.".
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.
Fix: 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.
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