Check a VIN

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is engine and cooling, typically around 8,245 miles. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical Tiguan model year.

Year to avoid2.0x the typical complaints
Year score
43/100
Owner complaints
289
Recalls
14
Service bulletins
7583 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
22-24mpg

The worst 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Hesitation 31Stalling 25Check engine light 15Jerking 13Loss of power 10Misfire 10Knocking 8Headlights 8Start-stop 7Won't shift 7Sunroof shattered 7Adaptive cruise 6Backup camera 5Collision warning 5Door locks 5Water leak 5Won't start 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan mention

P0203 2

Recalls 14

SteeringReported September 11, 2026 · 208,724 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 on September 16, 2026.

Recall number 26V590000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported April 6, 2022 · 6,553 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 22V226000 · Recall details

Structure: body: roof and pillarsReported September 23, 2021 · 2 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 21V732000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: webbingReported November 20, 2020 · 10,835 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V724000 · Recall details

Unknown or otherReported September 25, 2019 · 113 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 the federal safety agency recall number 18V‑329.

Recall number 19V679000 · Recall details

Suspension: rear: springs: coil springsReported March 6, 2019 · 56,173 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 19V188000 · Recall details

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported November 26, 2018 · 73,549 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V824000 · Recall details

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported July 13, 2018 · 45,457 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V467000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 6, 2018 · 821 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V375000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball jointReported May 16, 2018 · 2,473 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V324000 · Recall details

Suspension: rear: shock absorberReported April 25, 2018 · 7,430 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V262000 · Recall details

EngineReported March 8, 2018 · 4 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V159000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported February 9, 2018 · 3,768 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V102000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: tail lightsReported October 18, 2017 · 5,509 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V662000 · Recall details

See all 14 recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Defect investigations

Seat Belt Webbing FailureOpened July 3, 2018, closed February 27, 2023

In December 2017, the federal safety agency conducted two (2) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the Model Year (MY) 2018 Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. Both tests were 35mph full frontal impacts into a rigid barrier with a 50th percentile male dummy seat-belted in the driver position and a 5th percentile female seat-belted in the right front passenger position. The tests were conducted on December 8, 2017, at MGA Research Corp. (MGA) in Wisconsin and December 13, 2017, at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) of Ohio.During both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated at the point where the webbing loops through the Crash Locking Tongue (CLT). In both NCAP tests, the dummy injury criteria requirements, as set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, were met with one exception. The chest deceleration G force requirement was exceeded in the test conducted at TRC. The FMVSS 208 injury criteria requirement for the chest deceleration is 60 Gs and it was measured at 67 Gs in the test conducted at TRC. It should be noted, FMVSS 208 does not include a requirement that the seat belt webbing remain intact during a frontal collision to comply with the standard. Compliance with the standard is based on the dummy injury criteria.Further, the Agency has conducted NCAP testing with no substantial protocol changes for over forty (40) years. This includes tests conducted prior and subsequent to the subject NCAP tests. During that time there has not been a similar failure of the seat belt webbing in any other NCAP tested vehicle manufactured by VW or another manufacturer.In November 2020, VW filed a defect notice (20V‑724/69BH) that recalled seat belt systems, both driver, and front passenger, that were manufactured with webbing from the same lot as the two NCAP tested MY2018 Tiguan vehicles. VW has tested and inspected several of the returned seat belt systems and found no anomalies in either the webbing or the CLT that would substantially affect system performance in a frontal collision.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) estimates that between 2000 and 3500 frontal collisions involving MY2018 VW Tiguan vehicles have occurred in the field during the time these vehicles have been in service. This estimate is based on vehicle population and an estimated yearly rate of severe frontal collisions.A severe frontal collision is defined, in this instance, as being of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment of the frontal air bags. These collisions would place a significant load on the seat belt system similar to loads experienced during the NCAP tests. To date, neither ODI nor VW is aware of any frontal collision in the field that resulted in separation of the seat belt webbing. ODI believes that had any field collisions involved separation of the seat belt webbing, the Agency would have been notified.In view of the recall being conducted by VW, and lack of field data demonstrating a system defect, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

EA18005

Seat Belt Webbing FailureOpened January 10, 2018, closed July 3, 2018

In December 2017, the federal safety agency conducted two New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the 2018 MY Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. Both tests were 35 mph, full frontal impacts into a rigid barrier with a 50th percentile male dummy seat-belted in the driver position and a 5th percentile female seat-belted in the right front-passenger position. The tests were conducted on December 8, 2017 at MGA Research Corp. in Wisconsin (MGA) and December 13, 2017 at the Transportation Research Center of Ohio (TRC).During both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated in tension where it looped through the seat belt latch tongue (see attached photos). Based on its analysis of the NCAP test results, VW asserted that the test dummy umbilical cord exerted additional forces on the seat belt system causing the separation. To support this theory, VW conducted several sled tests.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-001) on 01/10/2018 to evaluate the two (2) incidents of seat belt separation. ODI and NCAP reviewed the sled test data submitted by VW in support of their theory. Micro analysis, conducted by the Materials Laboratory at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), verified the seat belts failed in tension and not due to cuts or abrasion.PE18-001 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-005) to further examine seat belt behavior in the subject vehicles and to determine, among other things, a root cause for the seat belt separation. ODI will perform a thorough review of any vehicle and seat belt design changes for the new 2018 MY Tiguan platform and their effects on the performance of the seat belt system.

PE18001

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 758

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 758 bulletins for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD20-2226-2723-24
2.0L 4‑cylAWD19-2125-2722-23

What 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Steering · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Steering · 82,000 miles · ME

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clunking sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal and making left turns. The contact stated that the failure became worse over time. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering rack mounting bolt was fractured due to corrosion and half of the bolt had seized. The contact was advised that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was notified about the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V590000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Steering · CT

My vehicle is under safety recall the federal safety agency 26V590 (Volkswagen 48LG / 48VT). The steering rack mounting bolt can corrode and break, which can cause a loss of steering control. I was notified of this recall about a month ago. As of October 21, 2026, there is still no remedy available, and I am told owner letters may not go out until around November 10 — nearly two months after the recall was announced — with no date for when a repair will actually exist. This is my only vehicle, and I have to commute to work in it every day. On October 21, 2026, I contacted Volkswagen customer care and asked for a loaner or alternative transportation until the remedy is available. I was offered nothing — only told to keep driving the vehicle and wait. I do not think it is acceptable for owners to be told to keep driving a car with a known steering defect, with no repair available and no alternative transportation offered. I am asking the federal safety agency to press Volkswagen on the remedy timeline and on providing interim transportation for owners who have no other vehicle.

Filed Oct 10, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IN

Within 6 months of purchasing car CPO from dealer, car went into limp mode. Was less than 35k miles, still having same issues at 85k miles. Took to dealer, they said nothing was wrong with car. Car began to have ECU light come on frequently in the middle of driving, took back to dealer. They replaced the fuel injector harness under warranty. Began to have issues with fuel injector misfires, car stalling and lagging at stop signs, sputtering when given gas. When driven for long periods at a time, would intermittently not start. Took back to dealer within a year, spent 1800 on maybe fixes, modules and carbon filter replacement. Same issues. Took back again, spent another 1800 replacing modules. Same issues repeated. Took to a european car specialist as we were frustrated with not getting the vehicle properly fixed for years at the dealer, had the engine walnut blasted for any carbon buildup and fuel injectors cleaned, they diagnosed and said the fuel rail harness is bad. Took back to Volkswagen, they re-evaluated and said there was no issue- my husband had to explain to them that there was a repair just done so code reading would not be sufficient and they needed to get under the car and use a multimeter to diagnose the wiring harness. Service team needs additional training- after doing so they found the fuel harness used may in fact be bad and replaced it a second time. Called VW corporate who was no help and told me we are at the discretion of the dealer and they years of the same issues are just what happens at times when the vehicle is out of warranty. There are thousands of reports online- I have been out of use of the vehicle for at least 6 months in my 5 years of ownership. I cannot believe that VW has consistently faulty product relating to the fuel rail system and has not recalled the vehicles.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · LA

Suspected Electrical Defect and Potential Fire Hazard – 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL I am reporting a suspected electrical safety defect involving the sunroof wiring harness in my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL. While my vehicle was parked, an attempt was made to replace a blown F23 fuse. Smoke began coming from the sunroof area and filled the cabin. Afterward, multiple warning lights illuminated, the vehicle displayed a “turn car off” warning, the door locks repeatedly cycled, the climate control stopped working, and the infotainment/navigation screen shut off and restarted. A mechanic subsequently determined that the sunroof wiring harness had melted and required replacement. I was informed that the wiring harness (part number 5NA971648C) is unavailable and has been placed under Volkswagen’s “quality inspection” process due to suspected fire-hazard concerns. Volkswagen reportedly no longer supplies this harness separately, requiring replacement of the entire sunroof assembly, including the glass, even though the glass is not the source of the problem. The repair is estimated at $3,900 and requires extensive labor, including dashboard removal and a VIN-specific part from Germany. My primary concern is safety, not cost. A wiring harness that melts and produces enough smoke to fill a vehicle’s cabin could potentially cause a fire, damage other electrical systems, or endanger occupants. I am concerned other owners may face the same hazard. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether the sunroof wiring harness or associated electrical system in 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles presents a safety defect, review similar reports, and determine whether further investigation or corrective action is warranted.

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Electrical · LA

While opening the sunroof, the front end of the sunroof began to billow smoke. The cabin filled with smoke. The car was immediately turned off and the fuse was removed. While attempting to drive the vehicle closer to the dealership, the car experienced a total electrical failure and stalled on the side of the road. The car will require a tow. There is a known recall on this matter, however, my VIN does not fall under this recall. The recall explains the exact issue we experienced with the smoking sunroof motor from the faulty lighting causing a serious fire risk.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Engine · KS

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 times on the highway since then almost causing wrecks, it runs rough and now our check engine light is back on for the same issue. It’s causing emotional and financial distress. There are multiple lawsuits pending for this but something needs done. This is exhausting.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Fuel system · NC

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 the known problem. I feel this is a safety issue as the car will not only possibly go into limp mode at any time but when stepping on the accelerator when not in limp mode the exhibits another known fault. The engine initially sputters as if it is going to stall then accelerates very quickly.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Engine · TN

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Fuel system · AZ

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 duplicate customer concern.” Before the evaluation, I explained that the odor becomes most noticeable after the vehicle has been driven for an extended period, particularly in extreme Arizona heat. My normal commute is approximately one hour each way and 60 miles per day. I do not know how far or under what conditions the vehicle was road-tested during the evaluation. The vehicle remained with the dealership during the repair process and was returned to me on August 13, 2026. The condition has continued and has become substantially worse. After extended driving in extreme heat, the gasoline odor can become unbearable and is now noticeable inside the passenger compartment while I am driving. When parked in my home garage, the gasoline odor becomes strong enough to enter the house, and neighbors have also noticed it. The odor has also resulted in complaints from others in the parking garage at my workplace. I’m currently using approximately one tank of gasoline every two and a half days. I do not know whether the fuel consumption and gasoline odor are related. The specific failed component is UNKNOWN. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The concern has previously been presented to both the selling dealership and an authorized Volkswagen dealership, but the cause has not been identified and the condition continues.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan before you buy

Compare the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Tiguan vs Ford EscapeTiguan vs Honda CR-VTiguan vs Jeep CherokeeTiguan vs Toyota RAV4Tiguan vs Chevrolet EquinoxTiguan vs Nissan RogueTiguan vs Subaru ForesterTiguan vs Hyundai Tucson

Other model years

200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

Owners have filed 289 complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2.0 times a typical Tiguan model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan year score?

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 43 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Tiguan: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Engine and cooling, with 82 complaints, typically around 8,245 miles. Next is transmission (49).

How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have?

14 recalls, covering steering, structure and seat belts.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V159000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Tiguan have bad engine?

The Volkswagen Tiguan model years with the most engine complaints are 2022 (120 complaints), 2009 (88 complaints) and 2018 (82 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan range from 22 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-22 city and 26-27 highway.

Share your experience with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN