Recalls
14campaigns
3 suspension · 2 structure · 2 air bag
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
284filed
Owner reports, 2014–2023 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
5★overall
★★★★★ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
24mpg combined
$2,721/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 8-speed automatic
4 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (14)
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Loss of Steering Control from Bolt Failure
Steering
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported208,724 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V590000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Insufficiently Attached Spoiler May Separate
Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
78.5% repairedof 6,553 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V226000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Roof Reinforcement May Impair Side Air Bags
Structure · body · roof and pillars
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
50% repairedof 2 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V732000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Front Seat Belt Webbing May Tear in a Crash
Seat belts · front · webbing
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
88.5% repairedof 10,835 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V724000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Modifications to Vehicles Made Them Noncompliant
Unknown or other
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
17.7% repairedof 113 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V679000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Rear Coil Springs May Fracture
Suspension · rear · springs · coil springs
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
90.1% repairedof 56,173 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V188000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
No Warning When Key is Left in Ignition/FMVSS 114
Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
89.1% repairedof 73,549 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V824000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Sunroof Light Bar May Short Circuit
Visibility · sun/moon roof assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
92% repairedof 45,457 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V467000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag may Deploy Improperly
Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
89.5% repairedof 821 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V375000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
NHTSA: Do not drive. NHTSA says owners should not drive these vehicles until the recall repair is done. What a Do Not Drive recall means
Lower Ball Joint Separation
Suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
99.7% repairedof 2,473 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V324000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Rear Shocks may have Poor Welds
Suspension · rear · shock absorber
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
95.8% repairedof 7,430 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V262000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Improperly Torqued Engine Support Bolts
Engine
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
100% repairedof 4 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V159000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Incorrect Driver Air Bag Installed/FMVSS 208
Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
87.6% repairedof 3,768 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V102000
Listed for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not checked against your VIN.
Back-Up Lights may not be Bright Enough/FMVSS 108
Exterior lighting · tail lights
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
94.6% repairedof 5,509 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V662000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (284)
284 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
5involved a crash
3involved a fire
11injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 284 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 81 | 28.5% |
| Unknown or other | 53 | 18.7% |
| Power train | 49 | 17.3% |
| Electrical system | 44 | 15.5% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 40 | 14.1% |
| Structure | 39 | 13.7% |
| Vehicle speed control | 21 | 7.4% |
| Service brakes | 20 | 7% |
| Exterior lighting | 16 | 5.6% |
| Seat belts | 16 | 5.6% |
How 2018 compares with other Tiguan years
Best and worst Tiguan years →201484
201562
201696
201775
2018284
2019192
2020140
2021142
2022269
202368
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 84 | 3 |
| 2015 | 62 | 4 |
| 2016 | 96 | 2 |
| 2017 | 75 | 4 |
| 2018 | 284 | 14 |
| 2019 | 192 | 5 |
| 2020 | 140 | 3 |
| 2021 | 142 | 5 |
| 2022 | 269 | 5 |
| 2023 | 68 | 1 |
This year (2018)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 5 stars overall
Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 16.8%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 24 mpg combined
24
mpg combined
22
city
27
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,800
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 368 g/mi
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle
What it costs you to run
$2,721per year
$227per month
625gallons a year
Miles ÷ 24 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | $2,800 | 368 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 | 382 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | $3,550 | 391 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | $3,750 | 407 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2018 Tiguan for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan FAQ
How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns: 26V590000 (steering), 22V226000 (structure), 21V732000 (structure), 20V724000 (seat belt), 19V679000 (unknown or other), 19V188000 (suspension), 18V824000 (electrical), 18V467000 (visibility), 18V375000 (air bag), 18V324000 (suspension), 18V262000 (suspension), 18V159000 (engine), 18V102000 (air bag), 17V662000 (lighting). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
Owners filed 284 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (81), Unknown or other (53), Power train (49) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 22 city, 27 highway and 24 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
NHTSA rated the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan suv fwd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (16.8% rollover risk).
How does the 2018 Tiguan compare with other years?
Among the 2014–2021 Volkswagen Tiguan model years at least five years old, the 2015 drew the fewest complaints (62) and the 2018 the most (284). The 2018 drew 284. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
Was this report useful?Report a data error