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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2018 Tiguan has 292 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and 14 recalls[2], more of both than any other Tiguan model year. If you are shopping for one, check every recall on the exact car before you buy.
Reported problems
NHTSA lists 292 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Five mention a crash, 3 a fire, and the complaints report 12 injuries in total[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine[5] | 84 |
| Unknown or other[6] | 54 |
| Power train[7] | 51 |
| Electrical system[8] | 48 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[9] | 42 |
| Structure[10] | 39 |
| Speed control[11] | 21 |
| Brakes[12] | 21 |
We read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. The themes below are what owners describe in that sample, not a measure of how often a problem happens.
- Fuel/propulsion. In a sample of 12 complaints, 11 describe a delay or hesitation when pulling away from a stop[9]. Two mention a fuel smell inside the cabin[9].
- Power train. In a sample of 12 complaints, 8 describe hesitation or no response when pressing the pedal[7]. Four describe jerky or harsh shifting, and 3 describe unusual noises[7].
- Engine. In a sample of 12 complaints, 7 describe slow response, lag or a loss of power[5]. Three complain about the automatic start/stop feature[5].
- Electrical. In a sample of 13 complaints, 5 describe power loss, stalling or hesitation[8]. Three describe the collision warning or automatic braking reacting when nothing was ahead, and 2 describe the infotainment screen freezing[8].
The electrical group has the most injuries (6) and fires (2) of any group[8]. Median mileage at failure was 12,000 miles for that group[8]. The engine group has 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury[5].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for this model year[2]. Some cover other models or versions too. Ask a dealer to run the VIN to see which apply to a specific car. Newest first.
- Steering rack bolt (26V590). Announced September 11, 2026[13]. A bolt holding the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. That can break the steering rack housing and cause a loss of steering control. The planned fix is a new right-side mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026[13]. (Verdict: 'Owner letters for the steering bolt recall 26V590 are not expected until November 10, 2026[13].') It covers 208,724 vehicles across several models[13].
- Rear spoiler (22V226). An accessory rear hatch spoiler may be attached poorly because of wrong instructions. It could come off and become a road hazard. Dealers replace the spoiler free of charge[14].
- Roof reinforcement (21V732). After roof damage repairs, a wrong roof reinforcement may have been installed. That could weaken the roof or affect the side curtain air bags. Only 2 vehicles are affected[15]. Dealers replace the part free of charge[15].
- Front seat belts (20V724). On certain long wheelbase vehicles, the front belt webbing may tear in a crash. Dealers inspect the belts and replace them if needed, free of charge[16].
- Regulatory compliance (19V679). Modifications made during an internal evaluation period may leave affected vehicles out of compliance with regulations. The remedy is a repurchase by Volkswagen[17].
- Rear coil springs (19V188). The rear coil springs may break. A broken spring can damage a rear tire and cause a loss of control. Dealers replace the springs free of charge[18].
- Key warning chime (18V824). On vehicles without keyless entry, the instrument cluster may not sound a warning when the key is left in the ignition and the door is open. Dealers reprogram the cluster free of charge[19].
- Sunroof light (18V467). The LED module for the panoramic sunroof light bar may short circuit, which raises fire risk. The remedy disconnects the module's power until a future service action can safely turn the feature back on. Until then, the sunroof light does not work[20].
- Passenger air bag (18V375). The passenger front air bag may tear or not unfold properly. Dealers replace it free of charge[21].
- Front ball joint nut (18V324). The nut holding each lower front ball joint may be loose. The ball joint could separate and cause steering or stability problems. The recall notes that owners are advised not to drive the vehicle until the repair is done. Dealers replace the nut free of charge[22].
- Rear shock absorber (18V262). On certain long wheelbase vehicles, the lower loop of a rear shock may separate because of a welding problem. Dealers inspect the shocks and replace them if needed, free of charge[23].
- Engine support bolts (18V159). The engine support bolts on certain long wheel base vehicles may not be tightened enough. That could cause an engine breakdown or loss of power. Only 4 vehicles are affected[24]. Dealers replace the bolts free of charge[24].
- Driver air bag (18V102). On certain Tiguan Limited vehicles, the driver air bag may not be meant for the US market. Dealers replace the steering wheel and air bag module free of charge[25].
- Back-up lights (17V662). On certain long wheel base vehicles, the back-up lights may be too dim. Dealers replace the inner taillight assemblies free of charge[26].
Fuel economy
The EPA lists four versions, all with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and an automatic transmission[3][27][28][29]. Annual fuel cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Fuel | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan, front-wheel drive, Automatic (S8)[3] | 22 / 27 / 24 | Regular | $2,800 |
| Tiguan 4motion, all-wheel drive, Automatic (S8)[27] | 21 / 27 / 23 | Regular | $2,900 |
| Tiguan Limited, front-wheel drive, Automatic (S6)[28] | 20 / 26 / 23 | Premium | $3,550 |
| Tiguan Limited 4motion, all-wheel drive, Automatic (S6)[29] | 19 / 25 / 22 | Premium | $3,750 |
The Tiguan Limited versions use premium fuel and cost more per year to fuel in the EPA's estimate.
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists four rating entries for the all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive SUV. Overall ratings are 4 stars in two entries and 5 stars in the other two[30][4][31][32]. Frontal is 4 stars and side is 5 stars in every entry[30][4][31][32]. Rollover is 4 stars in every entry[30][4][31][32].
The rollover risk is 15.6% for all-wheel drive[30][4] and 16.8% for front-wheel drive[31][32].
Engine and size
The EPA test list shows the 2.0L 4-cylinder rated at 186 to 197 hp, depending on the version[33]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
| 4motion | Front-wheel drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 186 in | 186 in |
| Width | 72 in | 72 in |
| Height | 67 in | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | 110 in | 110 in |
| Curb weight | 3,856 lb | 3,777 lb |
How 2018 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 168 | 3 |
| 2010 | 110 | 2 |
| 2011 | 162 | 3 |
| 2012 | 153 | 3 |
| 2013 | 140 | 3 |
| 2014 | 84 | 3 |
| 2015 | 62 | 4 |
| 2016 | 97 | 2 |
| 2017 | 76 | 4 |
| 2018 | 292 | 14 |
| 2019 | 193 | 5 |
| 2020 | 141 | 3 |
| 2021 | 143 | 5 |
| 2022 | 272 | 5 |
| 2023 | 70 | 1 |
| 2024 | 76 | 2 |
| 2025 | 53 | 3 |
| 2026 | 37 | 0 |
NHTSA's list for the Tiguan runs from 2009 to 2027[2]. Across all those years, 2018 has the highest complaint count at 292[2]. The next highest is 2022 with 272, then 2019 with 193[2]. It also has the highest recall count at 14[2]. The years 2019, 2021 and 2022 follow with 5 each[2].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a year with more sales can show more complaints. Still, 2018 stands out on both measures when compared with other Tiguan years.
Should you buy a used 2018 Tiguan?
The 2018 Tiguan has more complaints and recalls on file than any other Tiguan year[2]. Owner letters for the steering bolt recall 26V590 are not expected until November 10, 2026, so that repair is not yet available[13]. The sunroof light recall 18V467 only disconnects the light for now[20]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe hesitation when pulling away from a stop[7][9]. Merge or drop sentences, for example drop 'Expect a car that you check closely before paying.' and join the test drive and VIN check sentences.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- NHTSA has 292 complaints, with the largest groups being engine (84) and unknown or other (54)[1][5][6]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe hesitation when accelerating from a stop[7][9].
- How many recalls does the 2018 Tiguan have?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for this model year[2]. The newest, 26V590, concerns a steering rack bolt that may corrode and break, and owner letters are expected November 10, 2026[13].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Tiguan?
- The EPA combined ratings are 24 MPG for front-wheel drive Tiguan and 23 MPG for Tiguan 4motion[3][27]. The two Tiguan Limited versions are rated 23 and 22 combined[28][29].
- Is the 2018 Tiguan the worst Tiguan year?
- It has the highest complaint count (292) and recall count (14) of the years listed, though counts are not adjusted for sales[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 292 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan (5 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Tiguan model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Tiguan, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 84 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,245). NHTSA vehicle records
- 54 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 51 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 48 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 42 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,233). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,997). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,150). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V590, filed September 11, 2026: Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V226, filed April 6, 2022: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V732, filed September 23, 2021: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V724, filed November 20, 2020: Seat Belts › Front › Webbing. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V679, filed September 25, 2019: Unknown Or Other. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V188, filed March 6, 2019: Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V824, filed November 26, 2018: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V467, filed July 13, 2018: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V375, filed June 6, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V324, filed May 16, 2018: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V262, filed April 25, 2018: Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V159, filed March 8, 2018: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V102, filed February 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V662, filed October 18, 2017: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Tiguan 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tiguan Limited, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tiguan Limited 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 186 to 197 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TIGUAN 4DR SUV 4MOTION: length 186 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,856 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TIGUAN 4DR SUV FWD: length 186 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,777 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov