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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Tiguan years.
One of the Volkswagen Tiguan years to avoid. All Tiguan years
544 owner complaints, most about engine. 14 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Tiguan?The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has 544 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tiguan years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Tiguan?
Across the 18 Tiguan model years we track, complaint volume runs from 62 (2015) to 544 (2018). With 544 complaints, the 2018 Tiguan sits above the model's median of 139.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Tiguan
seat belts:front:webbing
Campaign 20V724000Volkswagen 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.
structure:body:roof and pillars
Campaign 21V732000Volkswagen 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.
suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Campaign 18V324000Volkswagen 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.
unknown or other
Campaign 19V679000Volkswagen 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.
Show 10 more recalls
suspension:rear:shock absorber
Campaign 18V262000Volkswagen 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
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 18V375000Volkswagen 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.
visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Campaign 18V467000Volkswagen 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.
electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Campaign 18V824000Volkswagen 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."
suspension:rear:springs:coil springs
Campaign 19V188000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:frontal
Campaign 18V102000Volkswagen 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."
engine
Campaign 18V159000Volkswagen 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.
exterior lighting:tail lights
Campaign 17V662000Volkswagen 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."
structure:body
Campaign 22V226000Volkswagen 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.
steering
Campaign 26V590000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Owners of newer models (approximately 2018+) frequently praise the vehicle for its spacious and comfortable interior, excellent highway manners, smooth ride, and competitive technology and safety features.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tiguan. See the full Tiguan owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Tiguan listings typically run $17,318–$28,298.
Other Tiguan model years
Compare every Tiguan year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tiguan against its rivals
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