2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
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.
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Common 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include excessive oil consumption, dead batteries, and delayed gear changes.
Excessive oil consumption is one of the most widespread problems, with many owners reporting this issue around the 20,000-mile mark. While some oil consumption is normal in any engine, excessive consumption can be a sign of worn-out piston rings, which can cost over $1,000 to replace. Regularly checking the oil level and topping up as needed is recommended to mitigate this issue.
Another common problem is dead batteries, which have been reported within the first 10,000 miles. This is often due to the many electrical accessories in the Tiguan, which can drain the battery if left on. Leaving the key in the vehicle can also cause the battery to drain. Diagnosing the source of any parasitic electrical draw costs around $100, while repairs range from $20 to $250.
Delayed gear changes are also a problem for some 2018 Tiguan models, appearing around the 1,000-mile mark. Software updates for the transmission control module can improve the speed and reliability of gear changes. Most dealerships will install this update for free, while others may charge around $100 for labor.
In addition to these issues, there are 13 recalls on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, which is worse than many other compact SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for a lower suspension ball joint separation, which can lead to an accident. VW will replace the nut on the joint for free on affected models.
Other recalls include the back-up lights, airbags, and rear coil springs. Volkswagen will fix all of those problems for free as well.
Despite these issues, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is generally considered to be a reliable vehicle, with some owners reporting no problems at all. The interior and exterior of the vehicle have been praised, with features such as adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting receiving positive feedback. However, some owners have reported issues with the seats, finding them uncomfortable for long drives.
Overall, while the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has some common problems, it is generally considered to be a reliable and well-built vehicle. Regular maintenance and staying on top of recalls can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What are the common faults of the VW Tiguan 2018?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Fuel System/Emissions. ...
- In-car Electronics. ...
- Electrical Accessories. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Body Hardware. ...
- Engine Minor. ...
- Steering And Suspension. ...
- Noises And Leaks.
Is the VW Tiguan 2018 reliable?
Our data suggests the VW Tiguan is reliable – averagely so. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Tiguan placed 16th in petrol form and 24th in diesel form and that's with reliability scores of 93.2% and 91.4% respectively and out of a pool of 34 cars in the family SUV class.
Does Volkswagen Tiguan have transmission problems?
2021 VW Tiguan Transmission Problems
An expeditiously clear sign would be if your 2021 VW Tiguan transmission warning light is on. One of the most common signs is when your transmission shifts gears but the result of those shifts are delayed.
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?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Fuel System/Emissions. ...
- In-car Electronics. ...
- Electrical Accessories. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Body Hardware. ...
- Engine Minor. ...
- Steering And Suspension. ...
- Noises And Leaks.
Is Volkswagen Tiguan 2018 a reliable car?
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 a 2018 Volkswagen reliable?
Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a great year for the VW Jetta since it offers good reliability ratings paired with an upscale cabin for the cost. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, peppy engines, and the relatively low running costs.
Are Volkswagen Tiguan expensive to repair?
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.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Tiguan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
The NHTSA has received 244 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- VIN: 3VV0B7AX5JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicle sending transmission alarms and also exit vehicle in P mode only alarm. First had issue around 25,000 miles and gear shift assembly was replaced under warranty for what I was told was a faulty sensor. Same issue returned at 100,000 miles and Volkswagon is replacing the gear shift assembly again at customers expense. I was told by Volkswagon that the car is safe to drive.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX7JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Door lock system Child trapped inside due to vehicle locking itself with keys in car after putting child in car seat and bag inside. Fire department used a slim jim through window to press unlock button; however, the vehicle would not unlock via interior door button. Fire department had to pull interior door handle to unlock, taking an additional 45 minutes to free child trapped inside. The problem has been reproduced. Without the ignition on, door locks will not attempt to unlock the vehicle unless the vehicle is already unlocked. Dealer confirmed issue and is stating there are numerous low voltage fault codes including the battery and passenger front and rear door latches. Vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturers dealer on 7/9/2024 at fire department's recommendation during incident. There were not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to or after the failure.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-23
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX3JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 2018 Tiguan intermittently fails to accelerate. Car has stopped on highway even after pressing on acceleration peddle. Car behind me had to slam on brakes to avoid hitting rear of my car. Carfax indicates several replacement parts. Beaumont, Texas dealership revealed that previous owner insisted on having parts changed in 2022. Not inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. Inspected by dealership. There are no warning signals prior to deacceleration. Car died, dash goes black, for close to half minute and then accelerates again. This has happened 3 times since purchase date of 10/23/23. Car was not driven from January 14,2024 to May 2,2024.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-09
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX8JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Same issue as reported with NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 24V110000 Fuel has flowed into evaporative emissions and has leaked out of the charcoal canister. The dealership is replacing the following parts- Fuel tank Evap canister Leak detection pump Purge Value
LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-18
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX4JM
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: Persistent and Dangerous Malfunction of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Assist The safety features of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Assist, designed to enhance driving safety, have unfortunately been plagued by a persistent and alarming malfunction. Despite the dealership's diligent efforts to troubleshoot the issue, the sudden and unannounced shutdown of these critical systems continues to pose a significant hazard during driving. The erratic and unanticipated shutdowns of the Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Assist systems create an extremely hazardous situation. These systems, essential for ensuring road safety, can cease to function without any prior warning. This sudden malfunction significantly increases the potential for accidents and poses a considerable threat to the well-being of both drivers and other road users. In an attempt to rectify this unsettling problem, the dealership has made efforts to identify the root cause. However, no fault codes have been detected, leaving the issue unresolved. This persistent malfunction continues to occur on a weekly basis, further exacerbating the gravity of the situation. The ongoing malfunction of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Assist systems not only undermines the trust drivers place in these safety features but also compromises the overall safety of the vehicle. The inability to identify the root cause of this issue hinders the dealership's ability to provide an effective solution, leaving drivers and passengers vulnerable to the potential dangers that may arise from their sudden and unpredictable failure. The recurring and unexpected shutdowns of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Assist systems represent a serious concern for drivers, as they compromise the safety of both the vehicle occupants and other road users.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-20
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX9JM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: - Power steering pump PN#5QN-423-055-A, not sure if dealer kept. - Risk to both as lost all power steering in winter weather. - Yes, confirmed defective by dealer - I do not know if they did additional inspection or send to Manufacturer. - On [XXX] a yellow power steering light illuminated while driving and steering became more difficult. I took vehicle home and reached out to Volkswagen and then to local service center where I purchased. I was given a date of 2 weeks out at the Countryside, IL location and then was told the Orland Park, IL location could accept my vehicle on [XXX] which when I started the vehicle and the yellow light was now red and had completely lost power steering. I had vehicle dropped off in early AM. I was told they cannot provide a loaner because they are all out because they have so many vehicles in for repair. I did not get any response about situation for over a week and after few calls a week and half later I was told the rack and pinion needs to be replaced & the part is backordered & not expected until March 7, 2014. Could not guarantee because were unaware of quantity & how many need to be fixed before as 1st come 1st served. The service advisor told me they have been experiencing many issues with power steering, engine, turbo, timing chain errors, and a # more of issues throughout their lineup. I asked a percentage and he stated 30-40%, this shocked me completely. He calmly said that they produce so many vehicles that this is a low #? I reached out to Countryside, IL told them that I need a vehicle it the interim after negotiation they finally agreed to transfer vehicle to their location and provide a loaner. I was required to to get vehicle there myself on [XXX] I was not able to start vehicle because battery was dead, after jump still red light no power steering. Was told that typically they don't do transfers and would have to diagnose again. I received car back on [XXX] have less than 10 miles seems ok4now INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
- VIN: 3VV0B7AXXJM
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-19
- VIN: 3VV1B7AX0JM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact drove back to the residence, shifted into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact not driven the vehicle since parking the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-29
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX4JM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: My 2018 Tiguan won’t turn on. The dash says, “Steering Lock Fault. Stop!” I towed it to the dealership and they replaced the steering column. Four days later it happened again while I was in the middle of the city at night and couldn’t go anywhere. This is a safety hazard because it could mean even after a repair, it can continue to lock up and not turn on out of no where. Both times there was never any warning given anywhere by the vehicle that this could happen. Just out of the blue it decides not to turn on and gives me that message.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-08
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX4JM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-15
- VIN: 3VV1B7AX7JM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-29
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX9JM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-27
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX7JM
- Components: SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The panoramic sunroof continually leaks into the rear c-pillar. Each time it rains the seat belts become saturated with rain water. I am of the opinion this will cause more rapid deterioration of the seat belts than usual. Additionally, water ponds in the rear floor boards and is a mold hazard. The last rain, the rear seat also became saturated and our baby's carseat got wet. VW claims there is no defect in the sunroof.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-06
- VIN: 3VV1B7AX0JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The automatic door locks are malfunctioning (starting early September 2023). When the vehicle accelerates, the automatic door locks continuously engage, repeatedly, causing audible distractions while driving. This is a safety issue because with three kids in the rear, the doors are not locked while driving. Typically, once you accelerate from park above a certain speed, the door locks automatically engage. Now they go on/off continuously while at all speeds, including highway speed. Now the doors can be opened, and the noise itself is considerably distracting. It also allows for anyone, while parked at a stoplight or freeway exit, to open the doors. The dealership inspected it and quoted over $900 for the repairs, however I do not agree with this assessment. For a 2018 $30k+ vehicle, a basic function like this should not be malfunctioning. This is not normal wear and tear like brake pads. The cost to repair is unreasonable, and it is not covered under the warranty. There are no warning lights and indicators appearing on the vehicle noting the issue. The issue is ongoing every instance the vehicle is driven and we do not feel safe due to the distraction or the possibility of kids opening the doors while driving (or someone on the outside). The dealer also advised there's a possibility the locks will further malfunction and we could get locked inside or outside the vehicle. Again, neither of those scenarios are safe, especially living in a hot climate like Phoenix, AZ.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-19
- VIN: 3VV5B7AX1JM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, a loud explosion was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the sunroof glass had exploded. There was no impact to the sunroof that could have caused the sunroof glass to explode. The contact safely removed her child from the vehicle. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-19
- VIN: 3VV5B7AX1JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: This morning, while driving on the highway with my infant son in the car, my sunroof exploded on my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-19
- VIN: 3VV4B7AX3JM
- Components: AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My vehicle has had repeated issues with passenger airbags, after last repair all of the safety sensors failed and received warning on dashboard (no collision protection, no Adaptive cruise control) after bringing back to dealer car was returned to me and told the parts are unavailable. Currently I have had a vehicle under warranty which has no collision protection features that came with the car. Car by dealer’s own statement it is unsafe to drive yet was returned to us. It has been nearly 3 months and are continually told that there is no fix in site.
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-13
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX5JM
- Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hi DMV, (NHTSA.gov), The steering light issue, Dealer currently do not have an ETA, the car is at the dealership still waiting for parts. Is unsafe to drive with this issues because the Steering got stuck. Thank you for the opportunity to share this problem. Sincerely [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-02
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX8JM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS Control Module failed resulted in Emergency Brakes to be applied and locking indiscriminately resulting in loss of control as well as safe use of the vehicle. Parts to replace ABS Control system are reportedly unavailable/backordered with no estimate of availability. VW of America refuses to provide any information how to proceed.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-12
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-22
- VIN: 3VV0B7AX4JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: EPC electronic power control light is on and indicates speed of 40 mph, transmission light on, car aggressively vibrating.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX2JM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: There is an excessive amount of water leaking into the passenger compartment and also the cargo area The result is that considerable mold growing on the carpeting of the entire car The dealer has ordered repair parts but the parts are on back order leaving me to drive the vehicle while it has mold I have been advised if I remove the molded carpeting I will invalidate the warranty Very dangerous as occupying this vehicle results in inhaling mold
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-20
- VIN: 3VV2B7AX8JM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that the EPC warning light illuminated, and a message was displayed on the instrument panel “Engine Speed - Max 4,000 RPM”. The contact stated that when the message was displayed on the instrument panel, the vehicle would decelerate to 15 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that she was informed by the dealer that the failure was a known issue and was due to a faulty transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-12
- VIN: 3VV1B7AX4JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Solo prendieron la luz
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-26
- VIN: 3VV3B7AX7JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: EPC electronic power control light is on and indicates speed of 40 mph
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Park It: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
- 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.
Negative 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan car reviews
Positive 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan car reviews
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I purchased my 2018 VW Tiguan SE 4-Motion in February of this year. I absolutely love it! The all-wheel drive (4 motion) is amazing and makes me feel safe on snowy and icy roads during my 47-mile commute to work. The interior features are also fantastic, including the panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, smart play, USB ports, and spacious cargo area. Even tall passengers have plenty of legroom. Plus, the MPG's are impressive, averaging from 32 to 36 mpgs on my daily commute. However, there were a couple of issues that I encountered. Firstly, I received a recall notice regarding the panoramic sunroof, which was a bit frustrating. Secondly, during my first oil change, I mentioned to VW Findlay that my car would sometimes stall when I tried to accelerate. They immediately took it seriously and put me in a rental car until they could figure out what was wrong. Unfortunately, they were unable to determine the issue and my car, along with 34 others, were put on hold until further notice. Although this was a frustrating experience, VW USA made it right by offering me three options to fix the situation. I ended up upgrading to an Atlas, which I absolutely love. I'm now eagerly waiting for the AtlasSport to come out in 2022!
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I bought this vehicle a month ago and it has been an excellent choice so far. The day after we bought it, we went on a mini road trip that was about a thousand miles round trip. Let me start with the positives: first of all, there is plenty of cargo room. We fit two teenagers, two small dogs, and all of our gear with room to spare. The engine performs really well and is responsive and engaging, but the acceleration does take a hit when fully loaded. During our trip, gas mileage exceeded my expectations. I averaged over 30mpg on the freeway and around 24-26 in the city. The ride is really comfortable with little road noise. I haven’t experienced any noticeable rattles as of yet, and the cabin design is very clean and intuitive. The technology and safety features are outstanding, and the 6 year/72000 mile warranty was definitely a selling point for us! On to the negatives: VW car net is vastly overpriced at $199 a year. Enrollment gives you access to navigation, remote locking/unlocking, vehicle health reports, GPS, and more. Some of the services are convenient, but I chose to add my own GPS, and I use my phone for everything else since the car comes equipped with Apple CarPlay. In my opinion, it’s not worth the price. The third-row seat option is a bonus; however, with those seats up, it cuts out a significant amount of cargo space and would be a very cramped fit for an adult or larger teenager. As I mentioned earlier, acceleration can be sluggish depending on how much weight is added and the terrain, and no V6 options are available. Overall, I don’t have that many negatives, and this has been a great vehicle so far. It’s fun and engaging to drive, quiet, comfortable, and fuel-efficient. **UPDATE** It’s been a little over a year, and not much has changed since my initial review. We’ve had zero mechanical issues to date, but we did have a weird issue with the blind spot detection system.After a recall repair on the sunroof lighting, the blind spot system stopped working altogether. It took about four trips to the shop to figure out, but eventually VW had to get their engineers involved. Although the sluggish acceleration can be annoying at times, once moving, the engine is really responsive and quick. Sport mode does help with that issue. It's important to note that, like most VWs I've owned, these cars can have personalities of their own. All in all, it's been a great car. Despite its quirks, I would still highly recommend it. Just be patient at times and embrace its grumpy days.
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I did a lot of research on compact SUVs and narrowed it down to the Tiguan and the Mazda CX5. While the CX5 has a sportier look and drives a little nicer, the Tiguan is much more comfortable and spacious. During my first test drive in normal mode, I almost went back to the Mazda dealership to get the CX5. However, once I switched to sport mode, the Tiguan drove beautifully. You can also customize it to your liking with options such as steering, suspension, and transmission. The deciding factor for me was the warranty: 6 years / 72k miles! Additionally, I got a great price through Edmunds ($2.5k under MSRP for a SE 4Motion with sunroof) and 1.9% APR with VW finance. The real-life MPG is also great (better than advertised): for the first 100+ miles, 70% highway, it shows 30 MPG. All in all, the Tiguan is definitely an SUV worth considering. If you live in the Chicagoland area, I had a great experience with the PUGI VW dealership in Downers Grove. They go the extra mile to earn your business.
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I traded in my Rav4 for the Tiguan and I'm thrilled with my decision. The ride is incredibly smooth, the interior is well-designed, and the passenger backseats are very spacious. While the technology can be a bit overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, everything falls into place. The car play feature is particularly impressive. I would definitely recommend this vehicle!
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I've only had my Tiguan for a few days, and I have some thoughts to share. Firstly, there are a few things that could be improved. There's a slight turbo lag, which can be noticeable when you need to cross a busy intersection or switch lanes in heavy traffic. Additionally, the lack of an adjustable armrest can be uncomfortable if you drive with your right arm, and the flat area at the bottom of the steering wheel is a minor inconvenience. However, there are plenty of positives to this car. The 'custom mode' allows you to adjust the settings to your liking, and with time, I'm sure I could tune the car to my driving style. The car handles really well, rides smoothly, and has plenty of power once it gets going. The sound system is amazing, and the infotainment system is very good. My only suggestion would be to add a wheel or joystick next to the shift stick, as touching the screen while driving is not ideal and the screen gets dirty quickly with fingerprints. So far, I haven't experienced any of the rattling issues reported in other reviews, and I love everything else about the Tiguan.
Other years of Volkswagen Tiguan
Are you having problems with your 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Saige O'Hara 2025-01-10
The car has a great look and a smooth ride down the road. However, I did experience some issues with the 8 speed transmission, which felt like riding with someone who was driving a manual transmission for the first time. The dealership informed me that this is normal for the new 8 speed transmissions, but after driving most of the competitors, I found that the shifting is smooth in all the rest. Additionally, there were some noise and rattling issues in the B pillar and front passenger door respectively. Although the dealership tried to fix the problems, they were unable to do so. They explained that it was a manufacturing issue with not enough tack welds between the seven layers of metal in the pillar, causing rubbing when the car flexes. Despite dropping off the car on October 4th and being in a loaner car for 3 months, I gave them an opportunity to make it right rather than file lemon law paperwork as they said it would be quicker and they could do more for me. I should have filed, but I opted not to do another Tiguan and to get into an Atlas. My replacement is due mid-January, and I am hopeful that the Atlas is a better build. Although the communication between VW corporate customer care and my dealership was lacking, I am glad that they are finally talking to each other. The people are nice, but the process was horrible and the vehicle was defective. Update: Total time in the loaner was 4 months. My Atlas arrived, but during the test drive, I noticed a rattle in the roof by the sunroof. They took it out with me and said they would have to have the regional guy come out to look at it because the Atlas is a new model. It would be a week. However, I decided to buy a Jeep the next day.It took another 4 to 6 weeks, I believe, but VW honored their word on refunding my entire purchase price, clearing the loan, and reimbursing for GAP insurance, WeatherTec floor mats, etc. Hopefully, I was just really unlucky, and this is not representative of the majority of vehicles.
Daren Quigley 2024-11-22
I bought my 2018 Tiguan SEL 4-Motion in January 2018 and was initially happy with my purchase. However, after a few months, I started to notice a problem with the transmission. The car hesitates badly from a stop and at low speeds, which has led to some near-misses with potential accidents. I took the car to the dealership for diagnostics and repairs, and although the service department confirmed the problem, they were unable to fix it. I was disappointed with VW's response, as they claimed that this was a feature of the vehicle and refused to address the issue. I would caution against purchasing this vehicle, as it is unsafe and not what I test-drove.
Oren Leannon 2024-11-16
I purchased my blue SE in March or April of last year. Within two weeks, we noticed that the driver's side AC vent would periodically start blowing hot air, and I mean straight off the engine HOT. Even with the system turned to max AC, the driver's side would blow hot for 20 or thirty seconds and then go back to cooling. I took it to the dealer and they diagnosed a bad sensor which they had to order. Two weeks later, I took the car back only to discover they had sent the wrong sensor. They ordered a new sensor and contacted corporate. In July, they installed the new sensor, but on the way home, it did the same thing. I took the car back and they kept it for three or four days, finally saying they found a bad wire. The car has been fine until late November when the AC did its thing once while my wife was driving and twice while I was driving. I took it in yesterday and haven't heard anything yet. This is my third VW and it may be my last.
Donnell Tremblay 2024-11-15
I have owned this Tiguan for 3 months and unfortunately, I have had to visit the dealer 6 times. During my last visit, the car was there for 2 weeks for just one part. After that, I found out that there was a recall for the sunroof lighting, which I was not informed about. It's been 2 months and there is still no cure for the lighting issue that we all paid for. I filled out a survey from VW and even though they asked if I wanted to be contacted, I still haven't heard from them. I think they should buy back these vehicles due to all the problems. However, I have recently traded it off and bought a Honda with no problems. I can actually hit the gas and it goes, unlike the Tiguan where it would fall down on its face. It had a serious safety issue when pulling out, so I had to give myself a mile before pulling out in front of anyone. So, I would advise buyers to beware and not buy this car.
Lesley Yost 2024-09-18
I leased a car and enjoyed it for the first few months. Unfortunately, two months later, the remote starter failed and the check engine light came on. Later that day, the passenger seat airbag light came on even though there was no passenger in the seat. Then, in the rain, the front sensors shut down, disabling the cruise control. I brought the car to the dealer, and it was there for almost a month. They found that the airbag issue was due to a water leak. They reset all faults and assured me that everything should be good. However, it has now been 7 months since I've had the car, and it has been in the shop 5 times. Most of the fuel system has been replaced, but the remote starter still doesn't work right, and the car is sluggish. The dealer returned it to me yesterday, but the light came on again. The car would be great if these problems didn't exist.