Volkswagen Tiguan 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls issued for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2018 and 287 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Volkswagen Tiguan between 2016 and 2025.
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Volkswagen Tiguan 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2018
Steering
NHTSA campaign 26V590000 · 2026-09-11
What happens
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.
Consequence
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Structure and body
NHTSA campaign 22V226000 · 2022-04-06
What happens
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.
Consequence
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 this recall is 66N5.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Structure and body
NHTSA campaign 21V732000 · 2021-09-23
What happens
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.
Consequence
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51H5.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Seat belts
NHTSA campaign 20V724000 · 2020-11-20
What happens
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.
Consequence
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 service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BH.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Other
NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 2019-09-25
What happens
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.
Consequence
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 19V188000 · 2019-03-06
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V824000 · 2018-11-26
What happens
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."
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Visibility (glass and mirrors)
NHTSA campaign 18V467000 · 2018-07-13
What happens
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.
Consequence
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. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall 60D1.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 18V375000 · 2018-06-06
What happens
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.
Consequence
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 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69W8, and 69W9.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 18V324000 · 2018-05-16 !
NHTSA and the manufacturer advise NOT to drive this vehicle until it is repaired.
What happens
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.
Consequence
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. 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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 18V262000 · 2018-04-25
What happens
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
Consequence
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 customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42i7.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Engine
NHTSA campaign 18V159000 · 2018-03-08
What happens
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.
Consequence
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F7.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 18V102000 · 2018-02-09
What happens
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."
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA campaign 17V662000 · 2017-10-18
What happens
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."
Consequence
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 at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94J9.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
287 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
5 with a crash · 3 with a fire · 11 injuries
Most reported problems on the Volkswagen Tiguan 2018
- Engine: 82 (29% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 48 (17% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 41 (14% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 40 (14% of complaints)
- Structure and body: 39 (14% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Volkswagen Tiguan 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Check for loss of power, stalling or uneven acceleration on the test drive.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Volkswagen Tiguan recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 97 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 76 complaints
- 2018 : 14 recalls · 287 complaints
- 2019 : 5 recalls · 194 complaints
- 2020 : 3 recalls · 141 complaints
- 2021 : 5 recalls · 144 complaints
- 2022 : 5 recalls · 272 complaints
- 2023 : 1 recall · 70 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 76 complaints
- 2025 : 3 recalls · 53 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Tiguan 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls issued for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Volkswagen Tiguan 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (82 of 287 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 23, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).