The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is associated with 280 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 13 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 25 reports (9% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2l 4-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 22 to 24 MPG combined. The 2018 model year represents a generational transition for the Volkswagen Tiguan in the U.S., encompassing both the 1st Generation (Typ 5N) and 2nd Generation (Typ 5N2 / MQB LWB).
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 280 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 13 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (25 / 9%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 5 crash / 3 fire / 6 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 22–24 MPG (4 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Tiguan | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 MPG | 27 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Tiguan 4motion | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 21 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Tiguan Limited | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 MPG | 26 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $3,300 / yr |
| Tiguan Limited 4motion | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 25 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $3,450 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| Later Release SUV FWD | | | | | 16.8% |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 16.8% |
| Later Release SUV AWD | | | | | 15.6% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 15.6% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan models.
View complete 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems & component breakdown (89 categories) →
Affected Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Defect 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.
Free 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.
Affected Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Defect 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.
Free 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.
Affected Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Defect 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.
Free 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.
View all 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls & campaign history (13 campaigns) →