Recalls · problems · safety

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: recalls and problems

14 recalls and 289 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

14recalls
289complaints
5crashes reported
3fires reported
12injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine83 · 29%
  • Unknown Or Other53 · 18%
  • Power Train50 · 17%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System41 · 14%
  • Structure39 · 13%
  • Electrical System38 · 13%
  • Vehicle Speed Control21 · 7%
  • Service Brakes19 · 7%
  • Exterior Lighting16 · 6%
  • Seat Belts16 · 6%

What owners report

Unknown Or Other,Engine

We have to add 1-2 quarts of oil every 600 miles. our check engine light came on 02/2026 for carbon buildup. we had it cleaned, had timing chain replaced, piston rings, oil valves, manifold. cost us $5300. the car ran fine before the light came on and all of a sudden it started making grinding noises and idling rough. we change the oil every 3,000 miles and the car burns through oil constantly. our car stalled 4 tim

Fuel/Propulsion System

The car went into limp mode on an interstate highway. it was taken to a vw dealer in mooresville, nc after two other private garages could not diagnose the problem. their is a current factory warranty extension for 2017, 2018, 2019 vw tiguan's. the dealer in mooresville kept the car for two weeks. drove it for over 100 miles. they claim they can see the code in the computer but it is not active so vw will not pay for

Engine

This vehicle goes through oil at a rapid rate. i am adding oil to my car every week. i have had to add at least 2 quarts between oil changes for the duration of owning the vehicle.

Fuel/Propulsion System

I began intermittently noticing a gasoline/fuel odor shortly after taking possession of the vehicle in june 2026. the odor became significantly worse, and i formally reported it to the selling dealership on july 9, 2026. the vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized volkswagen dealership for evaluation. a repair order dated july 23, 2026 documents: “customer states that the vehicle smells of fuel. could not dup

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering TIGUAN, TIGUAN LTD, TIGUAN LIMITED. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.