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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 14safety recalls
- 287owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 12%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Volkswagen Tiguan year on file: 287 complaints, against an average of 114 for the other 14 model years.
Every Volkswagen Tiguan model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The components named most often in the 287 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 287 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan idle rough, misfire or hesitate?41 owners · 14.3%
- Why does my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?33 owners · 11.5%
- Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?11 owners · 3.8%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?10 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan been recalled?
14 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Steering Volkswagen 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.
Risk: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unknown Or Other 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.
Suspension: Rear: Springs: Coil Springs 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.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Suspension: Front: Control Arm: Lower Ball JointDo not drive 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Air Bags: Frontal 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.
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. 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.
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASteering rack bolt replacement
Risk: On vehicles of a limited production period corrosion can cause a tear of a bolt head on the steering rack. This can result in a loss of steering functionality.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the affected bolted connection of the steering rack is replaced on the right-hand side of the subframe.
UK DVSACurtain airbag
Risk: On Tiguan Allspace vehicles of a limited production period there is a possibility that one or several faulty curtain airbags may have been fitted in the vehicle.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the left and/or right curtain airbag must be replaced.
UK DVSACurtain Airbag
Risk: In Tiguan Allspace vehicles within a specified range of VINs curtain airbags with a defective gas generator may have been installed due to a manufacturing error. A defective gas generator may cause the airbag not to work correctly and therefore not provide the required level of protection. In the event of an accident where the curtain airbag is deployed components from the gas generator may become detached and injure vehicle passengers
Fix: Replace curtain airbag
UK DVSATakata Front airbag
Risk: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
UK DVSAA tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted
Risk: A tow bar with a possibly defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module has been fitted.
Fix: The tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
UK DVSAThe roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle
Risk: The roof spoiler can partially or completely detach from the vehicle.
Fix: The roof spoiler is additionally fixed in position with bolts on the rear lid.
UK DVSAToo little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds
Risk: Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the software of the engine control unit must be updated.
UK DVSAA wrong multiple fuse was installed in the electronics box
Risk: An incorrect multiple fuse was installed in the electronics box.
Fix: The incorrect multiple fuse in the electronics box has to be replaced
UK DVSATow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism may have been fitted
Risk: A tow bar with a possible defective locking mechanism in the swivelling module.
Fix: The affected tow bar has to be checked and if necessary the swivelling module of the tow bar replaced.
UK DVSAA short circuit in the led module of the panorama sun roof can occur
Risk: Possible short circuit in LED lighting module of the panoramic roof.
Fix: Modify wiring with integrated fuse adapter cables.
UK DVSAAirbag may have been incorrectly folded when passenger airbag module was produced
Risk: On Tiguan Allspace vehicles of a limited production period faulty passenger airbags may have been fitted. When the passenger airbag module was produced the airbag may have been incorrectly folded. As a result there is risk that in case of deployment the airbag may not open up correctly and would therefore be ineffective leading to injury of vehicle occupants.
Fix: On all affected vehicles the passenger airbag unit has to be replaced.
UK DVSAFront swivel joint nut incorrectly secured on wheel bearing housing (left and right)
Risk: On affected vehicles the nut of the bolted connections of the front (left and right) swivel joints on the wheel bearing housing may not have been tightened to the correct torque. in case of unusual mechanical noises the vehicle has to be stopped straight away and the workshop contacted control of the vehicle may be lost.
Fix: The nut of the bolted connection for the swivel joint on the front right and left wheel bearing housing has to be replaced.
UK DVSAFront brake discs may not be correct thickness
Risk: The front brake discs may not meet the required thickness dimension. Under extreme loads this could cause cracking which may lead to fractures.
Fix: The front discs on affected vehicles will be checked for conformity and where necessary they will be replaced.
EU Safety GateMoisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering…Moisture ingress could lead to corrosion of a steering rack bolt, which may result in a fracture of the bolt and a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/10/2026
EU Safety GateParts of the inflator may detach when the airbag is deployed, which can lead to injuries for vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateParts of the inflator may become detached when the head airbag is deployed, which could cause injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDefective material may be used in the rear suspension helical springs.As a result, the springs could break, impairing the driving stability and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/05/2019
EU Safety GateThe towbar swivel mechanism may have a defective locking pin.As a result, the pin could break while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to to errors in the adhesive bonding process, the upper rear (roof) spoiler may be insufficiently affixed.As a result, it can become detached from the vehicle and fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe roof-edge spoiler may not be secured enough due to an incorrect adhesive bond.As a result, the spoiler may become detached in motion, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a defective main fuse, in the event of an accident involving airbag deployment, the fuel pump is not switched off as intended.As a result, the fuel pump could continue conveying fuel, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe locking mechanism in the articulated trailer hitch may be defective.Consequently, the trailer hitch might not be correctly locked and could swing out, causing the trailer to drop while the vehicle is in motion.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe material used for the rear coil springs may be inadequate.There is a possibility that a coil spring may fracture and damage the rear tyres. This may affect driving stability and increase the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateMoisture can reach the LED module of the sunroof's ambient lighting which may cause a short-circuit and a build-up of heat.If this happens, there is a risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe lower securing eye of the rear gas-filled shock absorbers may be incorrectly welded.As a consequence, the shock absorber attachment on the rear axle may come loose and affect vehicle handling.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe passenger airbag modules may have been fitted with incorrectly packed airbags.Consequently, the airbags might not operate as intended if released.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fixing nut on the right and/or left front axle ball joint may not have been tightened with the correct torque.The fixing nut may consequently become detached from the ball joint, resulting in loss of forward propulsion and loss of driving stability.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fixing nut on the right and left front axle ball joint may not have been tightened with the correct torque.The fixing nut may consequently become detached from the ball joint, resulting in loss of forward propulsion and loss of driving stability.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan owners report?
12 of the 287 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Within 6 months of purchasing car CPO from dealer, car went into limp mode. Was less than 35k miles, still having same issues at 85k miles. Took to dealer, they said nothing was wrong with car. Car began to have ECU light come on frequently in the middle of driving, took back to dealer. They replaced the fuel injector harness under warranty. Began to have issues with fuel injector misfires, car stalling and lagging at stop signs, sputtering when given gas. When driven for long periods at a time, would intermittently not start. Took back to dealer within a year, spent 1800 on maybe fixes…
Suspected Electrical Defect and Potential Fire Hazard – 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL I am reporting a suspected electrical safety defect involving the sunroof wiring harness in my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL. While my vehicle was parked, an attempt was made to replace a blown F23 fuse. Smoke began coming from the sunroof area and filled the cabin. Afterward, multiple warning lights illuminated, the vehicle displayed a “turn car off” warning, the door locks repeatedly cycled, the climate control stopped working, and the infotainment/navigation screen shut off and restarted. A mechanic subsequently…
While opening the sunroof, the front end of the sunroof began to billow smoke. The cabin filled with smoke. The car was immediately turned off and the fuse was removed. While attempting to drive the vehicle closer to the dealership, the car experienced a total electrical failure and stalled on the side of the road. The car will require a tow. There is a known recall on this matter, however, my VIN does not fall under this recall. The recall explains the exact issue we experienced with the smoking sunroof motor from the faulty lighting causing a serious fire risk.
We have to add 1-2 quarts of oil every 600 miles. Our check engine light came on 02/2026 for carbon buildup. We had it cleaned, had timing chain replaced, piston rings, oil valves, manifold. Cost us $5300. The car ran fine before the light came on and all of a sudden it started making grinding noises and idling rough. We change the oil every 3,000 miles and the car burns through oil constantly. Our car stalled 4 times on the highway since then almost causing wrecks, it runs rough and now our check engine light is back on for the same issue. It’s causing emotional and financial distress. There…
The car went into limp mode on an Interstate Highway. It was taken to a VW dealer in Mooresville, NC after two other private garages could not diagnose the problem. Their is a current Factory Warranty Extension for 2017, 2018, 2019 VW Tiguan's. The dealer in Mooresville kept the car for two weeks. Drove it for over 100 miles. They claim They can see the code in the computer but it is not active so VW will not pay for the known problem. I feel this is a safety issue as the car will not only possibly go into limp mode at any time but when stepping on the accelerator when not in limp mode the…
I began intermittently noticing a gasoline/fuel odor shortly after taking possession of the vehicle in June 2026. The odor became significantly worse, and I formally reported it to the selling dealership on July 9, 2026. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for evaluation. A repair order dated July 23, 2026 documents: “Customer states that the vehicle smells of fuel. Could not duplicate customer concern.” Before the evaluation, I explained that the odor becomes most noticeable after the vehicle has been driven for an extended period, particularly in extreme…
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…
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.
Activates while driving on a flat road at random
On multiple occasions, while driving on the highway, subject vehicle displayed check engine light and EPC light at random intervals and an alarm saying exceeded 4000 came on. RPM's were not over 4000. Speed and acceleration severely limited making it dangerous to pull over on the highway in traffic. Had to pull car over and restart engine. This has happened numerous times. Also experienced shaking and skipping or missing of transmission. The car has also had the engine stall or stop when at red light or stopped forcing restart of engine.
Received Max RPM 4,000 warning while on long drive. Happened and had to restart car several times. Lost ability to accelerate. Also, when car was on cruise, started shaking
Low beam on Both headlights failed without any explanation. Everything was checked. The bulbs, the fuses, the relay, and the cause of the issue is still not known.
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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 287 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most common categories were engine (82, 28.6%), power train (49, 17.1%), electrical system (46, 16%). There are 14 safety recalls. 5 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 11 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Across 287 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (28.6% of complaints), power train (17.1% of complaints), electrical system (16% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (14.3% of complaints), structure (13.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan; the most recent (campaign 26V590000, 2026-09-11) concerns Steering. 1 recall carries a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
41 of the 287 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan (14.3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11733032, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
33 of the 287 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan (11.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "While opening the sunroof, the front end of the sunroof began to billow smoke. The cabin filled with smoke. The car was immediately turned off and the fuse was removed." (NHTSA complaint 11767358, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
11 of the 287 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.8%) describe problems with the automatic start-stop system. One owner wrote: "While slow8ng to a stop the emergency brake is activating. Auto start stop malfunction warning appears on dash. Takes a minute to get the emergency brake to release. Happened several times in 2 days." (NHTSA complaint 11572522, February 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
10 of the 287 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan (3.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "We have to add 1-2 quarts of oil every 600 miles. Our check engine light came on 02/2026 for carbon buildup. We had it cleaned, had timing chain replaced, piston rings, oil valves, manifold. Cost us $5300." (NHTSA complaint 11766282, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Tiguan
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for TIGUAN and TIGUAN LTD.