2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited problems

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The Volkswagen Tiguan (German pronunciation: ) is a series of cars produced by German manufacturer Volkswagen since 2007, sitting between the smaller T-Roc and the larger Touareg in the company's crossover SUV range. The first generation was based on the PQ46 platform, while the second generation, released in 2016, utilizes the Volkswagen Group MQB A2 platform. It is generally considered to be a medium-sized SUV in Europe, while in North America it is considered to be a compact crossover.

The name Tiguan is a portmanteau of the German words Tiger ("tiger") and Leguan ("iguana") and won a naming contest by German car magazine publisher Auto Bild—from a field of names that also included Namib, Rockton, Samun and Nanuk.

As of the spring of 2020, six million units had been sold worldwide, with 910,926 units being manufactured in 2019 alone, making the Tiguan the best-selling car overall in the Volkswagen Group. It was also the best-selling SUV in Europe.

Its larger counterparts include the Tiguan Allspace, a long-wheelbase family-oriented version of the Tiguan with three-row seating, and the Tiguan X, a coupé SUV.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited

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Common 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited, several common problems have been reported:

  • Dead Batteries: Within the first 10,000 miles, some owners have experienced dead batteries due to the drain caused by various electrical accessories in the Tiguan. Leaving the key in the vehicle can also lead to battery drainage. Diagnosing the source of this issue can cost around $100, with repair costs ranging from $20 to $250.
  • Delayed Gear Changes: Some 2018 Tiguan models have shown delayed gear changes at around 1,000 miles. Software updates for the transmission control module can improve the speed and reliability of gear changes. While most dealerships offer this update for free, some may charge around $100 for labor.
  • Recalls: The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has been subject to 13 recalls, including issues like lower suspension ball joint separation, back-up lights, airbags, and rear coil springs. Volkswagen offers free repairs for these recall issues.

These problems highlight some of the key issues reported by owners of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited, ranging from oil consumption and dead batteries to delayed gear changes and various recalls. Owners should stay vigilant, perform regular maintenance, and address these issues promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited engine

What are the common faults of the VW Tiguan 2018?

Both diesel and unleaded-powered Tiguan models can experience fuel system-related issues, including fuel leaks, a faulty fuel pump and issues with the N80 purge valve. Fuel leaks can occur due to faulty fuel lines, while a faulty fuel pump can cause poor performance, higher fuel costs, leaks and stalling.

How reliable is a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?

How Reliable Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan? The Volkswagen Tiguan has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

How many miles will a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan last?

On average, a Tiguan can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, given proper care and maintenance. According to RepairPal, the compact SUV requires unscheduled garage visits about 0.92 times a year, with a 12% chance of encountering severe problems.

Is Tiguan high maintenance?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Volkswagen Tiguan is $730, compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.

What are the common faults of the VW Tiguan 2018?

Both diesel and unleaded-powered Tiguan models can experience fuel system-related issues, including fuel leaks, a faulty fuel pump and issues with the N80 purge valve. Fuel leaks can occur due to faulty fuel lines, while a faulty fuel pump can cause poor performance, higher fuel costs, leaks and stalling.

Is the 2018 Tiguan good or bad?

Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious problems reported on the 2018 Tiguan. Models from 2009–2013 are known to have engine problems, while 2014–2022 are more reliable. Performance 7/10 – Performance is average from the standard four-cylinder engine which is not as strong as some of the other small SUVs on the market.

Is Tiguan cheap to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Volkswagen Tiguan is $730, compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.

Which year Tiguan is most reliable?

The reliability for 2012-2017 Tiguans is better than the 2014-2017 Subaru Foresters. So it's true while VW reliability has been spotty in the past I would recommend getting a 2014 or newer Tiguan over most other competitive brands.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Tiguan limited problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Engine problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited.

2023-12-20

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
  • VIN: WVGAV7AX6JK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Was traveling at 70 mph and applied the break and engine rpm went up to 3500-4000 and I was in D. The dealership couldn’t replicate the issue and claims nothing is wrong. Also when you put the ac or heater on floor the air still blows out the top vents.
2023-12-20

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
  • VIN: WVGAV7AX6JK
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, upon attempting to slow the vehicle, the RPM's increased rapidly up to 3,000 RPM; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The failure prompted the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After resuming driving, the RPM's increased rapidly, but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.
2023-02-27

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-25
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: WVGBV7AX7JK
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 1. The lower corner of each front door (both driver's and passenger's) has cut my leg, each side, right and left. The edge is sharp. It has cut my skin through jeans both times, requiring bandage, leaving scars. 2. The sharp metal cuts skin. 3. The issue has not been reproduced or confirmed yet by our VW dealer, though we will report it the next time we are there for service. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance. 5. There were not warning lamps, lights or messages associated with these events.
2022-05-02

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-01-21
  • VIN: WVGBV7AXXJK
  • Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The clock spring on my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited unexpectedly failed @ 20,000 miles/3.5 years of ownership while gradually turning my wheel to pull into a parking space. The failure was indicated by the sound of plastic cracking and the airbag warning light appeared on my dashboard. The clock spring had been recalled on older VW's and was obviously never fully corrected. I then had to drive my car with a dysfunctional driver side airbag to the dealership, putting my life in danger en route where they confirmed the failed clock spring. The part is currently on a national back order with no ETA and my car has been sitting at the dealership for over 3 months (since January 21, 2022). VW has made no public statement on the clock spring failure despite having thousands of customers on a waiting list for a replacement part. VW continues to provide no information on the part ETA. Their lack of urgency on a safety critical part is deeply concerning. Prior to this incident, I had been keeping up with all regular services recommended by the manufacturer. Being a new infrequently driven vehicle, my car had no issues or equipment failures before the clock spring broke.
2021-08-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-08-22
  • VIN: WVGBV7AXXJK
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: When placing car in reverse camera does not always turn on. Sometime camera does not turn off when then driving forward for a few miles. Sometimes when driving, screen will go black and radio stops working for approx. a minute. Accident or injury could occur when backing up .Concerned that other systems could also fail if info system goes black. Took to Herzog Motors in Beaverton, Oregon. Service department only said, "Yes that happens". Did not say that fix or review further. No warning lamps. First occurred about six months ago.
2020-12-15

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-11-05
  • VIN: WVGAV7AXXJK
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE VIEW MIRROR EXPLODES AS IF IT WAS A BOMB. IT IS SO LOW AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT STARTLES EVERYONE IN THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE. I WENT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY CHOOSE TO BLAME ME AS IF I AM A LIAR TO THEM. I EXPLAIN THAT NOTHING HIT IT BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE IN BOTH CASES IT WAS IN MOTION. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN IN LANDOVER IN SPRING HILL FL.. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPEN IN OAKHILL ROAD IN WEEKI WACHEE FL

Negative 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited car reviews

  1. Ferne Willms 2024-03-16

    I purchased a 2017 VW Tiquan two years ago with 27000 miles. Before purchasing the vehicle, the instrument cluster, intake manifold gasket, and AC compressor had been replaced, all before 27000 miles. Unfortunately, within 2 years of owning the VW Tiquan, I had to replace all wheel sensors, the start/stop button, the radio entertainment system, the battery, and the AC compressor broke again. This would be the third AC system placed in the vehicle. Despite my frustration, I understand that these things can happen with any car. However, I was disappointed with the lack of support from the dealer and VW corporate. As a result, I have decided not to purchase another VW. Prior to the Tiquan, I had a Toureg which also had some issues.

  2. Toni Douglas 2024-03-04

    The reason to consider buying this SUV is its impressive 72,000 mile warranty. Although it may not have many other standout features, it is tastefully styled and has the same engine as the GTI. While it may struggle a bit due to its weight, it still has the capability to tow up to 1,500 lbs. With AWD, it's perfect for mild off-roading or getting to a hiking trail. The blue color is particularly attractive and even matches my eyes, as the friendly bank teller pointed out with a smile and a wink. Additionally, I can purchase a certified 18' or 19' model with the remaining warranty, which even adds an extra 12 months. As the friendly kid at the gas station said, 'You don't have to be a rocket surgeon to figure that out.'

Positive 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan limited car reviews

  1. Christian Runolfsdottir 2024-08-04

    In 2018, I needed a car and decided to go for a Volkswagen. At that time, they were offering great deals on their cars, especially the Tiguan which had just been released. To cut the long story short, my family and I fell in love with the car. It's well-built, fast, and fun to drive. It also has just enough cargo space to make it practical. It's so good that my daughter is now looking for a certified used one just like mine. Even my son, who now lives in another state, asked to use the VW when he came back to visit. That's how much we love it!

  2. Dion Deckow 2024-07-26

    Great car! It's wonderful to hear that you own luxury cars and this one rides and handles just as well. However, passing on the highway can be a bit tricky due to the blind spots. You have to turn your head and squat down to look through the side mirror to make sure you can enter the other lane. Once you get the hang of it, though, it handles just fine.

  3. Carmelo Sanford 2024-04-12

    It gets up and goes. I love the quiet and smooth ride!

  4. Rod Yost 2024-01-26

    I bought my Tiguan in 2017 and have driven it for just under 30k miles. It's a wonderful car that is both practical and fun to drive. These late model PQ35 Tiguans are really solid cars, and by this model year, VW had worked out all the bugs in this 2nd gen chassis version. The car has plenty of power, and the transmission shifts smoothly. It also gets decent gas mileage, with 23 mpg around town and 30 mpg on the highway. The Tiguan drives extremely well in snow, especially with Nokian tires. The rear seat room is very good for a car this size, and it's super easy to fold the rear seats flat. The best feature is the front passenger seat that folds forward flat, allowing you to carry some impressive cargo. I have carried five interior house doors (30

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