Model year record

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

14 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 513 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 26V590000

Steering

Component
Steering
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
208,724
Reported to NHTSA
2026-09-11

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V226000

Structure: body

Component
Structure: body
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
6,553
Reported to NHTSA
2022-04-06
Owners notified
2022-06-03

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 21V732000

Structure: body: roof and pillars

Component
Structure: body: roof and pillars
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
2
Reported to NHTSA
2021-09-23
Owners notified
2021-11-19

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 20V724000

Seat belts: front: webbing

Component
Seat belts: front: webbing
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
10,835
Reported to NHTSA
2020-11-20
Owners notified
2021-04-13

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 19V679000

Unknown or other

Component
Unknown or other
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
113
Reported to NHTSA
2019-09-25
Owners notified
2019-11-06

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V188000

Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs

Component
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
56,173
Reported to NHTSA
2019-03-06
Owners notified
2019-04-12

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V824000

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Component
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
73,549
Reported to NHTSA
2018-11-26
Owners notified
2018-12-13

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V467000

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Component
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
45,457
Reported to NHTSA
2018-07-13
Owners notified
2018-08-07

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V375000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
821
Reported to NHTSA
2018-06-06
Owners notified
2018-07-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V324000

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint

Component
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
2,473
Reported to NHTSA
2018-05-16
Owners notified
2018-05-30

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V262000

Suspension: rear: shock absorber

Component
Suspension: rear: shock absorber
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
7,430
Reported to NHTSA
2018-04-25
Owners notified
2018-05-30

Defect description

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

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V159000

Engine

Component
Engine
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
4
Reported to NHTSA
2018-03-08
Owners notified
2018-03-26

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 18V102000

Air bags: frontal

Component
Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
3,768
Reported to NHTSA
2018-02-09
Owners notified
2018-05-30

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 17V662000

Exterior lighting: tail lights

Component
Exterior lighting: tail lights
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
5,509
Reported to NHTSA
2017-10-18
Owners notified
2017-12-15

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine868,150 mi
Unknown or other574,575 mi
Fuel/propulsion system518,000 mi
Electrical system4912,000 mi
Power train488,000 mi
Structure: body40750 mi
Air bags215,671 mi
Vehicle speed control214,995 mi
Service brakes208,150 mi
Exterior lighting161,050 mi
Seat belts15163 mi
Suspension1420,700 mi
Steering116,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: warnings846,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking720,000 mi
Back over prevention: warnings6
Lane departure: blind spot detection6
Visibility/wiper61,400 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)36,500 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly343,000 mi
Wheels328,000 mi
Back over prevention: rearview system braking2
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control2
Lane departure: assist2
Other/i am not sure2
Power train: driveline: chain/belt260,000 mi
Tether, lower anchor (on car seat or vehicle)2
Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking120,000 mi
Interior lighting160 mi
Parking brake1
Seat belts: front: warning light/devices13,355 mi
Seats1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor16,900 mi
Steering: electric power assist system1
Steering: rack and pinion165,000 mi
Structure: frame and members13,000 mi
Visibility1

The 2017 model has 4 times as many complaints as this one. The 2019 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.