2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Report
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (13) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (269) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 8 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2015 | Compare against the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan with 62 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan before buying across this generation. |
Volkswagen Tiguan Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Volkswagen Tiguan years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan | 170 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan | 70 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan | 120 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 95 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan | 109 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan | 62 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
23 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Volkswagen onlyUnknown Or Other
21 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Volkswagen onlyStructure
21 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Volkswagen onlyPower Train
13 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Volkswagen onlyFuel/Propulsion System
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Volkswagen onlyExterior Lighting
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Volkswagen onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability Score
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Issues Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan vehicles for body roof and pillar issues, which can affect vehicle stability and safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Failures Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan for instrument cluster and airbag control module failures. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Control Module Failure A failure of the airbag control module caused by water intrusion through the HVAC access area and failed seam was reported. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Instrument Cluster Malfunction The instrument cluster fuel gauge misread the fuel level and indicated that the fuel was low, which can be dangerous. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan:
Body roof and pillar issues are the most common structural problems.
Instrument cluster and airbag control module failures are the most common electrical system issues.
Airbag control module failures are less common but can be critical.
Instrument cluster malfunctions are rare but can be dangerous.
Recall Details for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
The following 13 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan by NHTSA:
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
My 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a failure of the airbag control module caused by water intrusion through the HVAC access area and failed seam seal tape at the cowl support. The dealership confirmed that water leaked through a factory seam, accumulated at the airbag module, and caused the module to fail. The airbag warning light is illuminated, and the system is inoperable. This failure matc...
I just bought this 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Ford, cylinder All wheel Drive in the Angel light came on and it says recalls will never fixed. I would like to know if you can help me and fix this problems. My name is [XXX] , Lodi New Jersey. My phone number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shook and decelerated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle should not be driven because the drive belt needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder with no ETA. The vehicle was not repaired. The ma...
I own a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 70,000 miles. The vehicle requires a full cylinder head replacement due to faulty valve seals. I have been having to add engine oil frequently between oil changes. The repair has been confirmed by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. The required cylinder head part is currently on manufacturer backorder with no estimated time of arrival. Dealership...
This vehicle experienced a rear shock spring failure identical to the symptoms noted in VW recall 42i7. We paid out of pocket for the springs to be repaired, and VW corporate along with the dealer reported this VIN does not qualify for the recall. They are unable to tell me why our particular VIN does not, other than it simply wasn't on the list. It seems unlikely the exact year/model/failure...
On [XXX] I discovered water in my car. ~2.5 inch front passenger and back driver and passenger side. Condensation on the sunroof. My sunroof was not opened/completely shut. I called VW service was advised my car was not covered under the class action or warranty and advised to report to my insurance. I did not want to report and risk my insurance rate increasing. I have never filed a claim in the ...
1)My sunroof/window is leaking. This has caused internal damage. My car had 2-2.5 inches of water that has damaged by carpeting and pads the 60E5 was performed. ~72,500 miles 2018 Tiguan. 2) dealer service has advised of service:REPLACE SET OF (4) FUEL INJECTOR O-RINGS DUE TO FUEL LEAK AT FUEL RAIL-INCLUDE INTAKE MANIFOLD GAKET AND THROTTLE BODY GASKET.
One time the car Just Lost power on the freeway and the e-card engine light came on and the cat Ran rugh and stalled and jerked hard almost causing me to cause a serious accident...I took it to vw and explained the severity and they bypassed that And installed a new water pump..2months later the same thing happened exactly to where I was very lucky and very upset...and took it to them once a...
Please see attachment
While driving 70mph on the interstate in the middle lane with an 18-Wheeler next to me in the right lane, my can all of the sudden a warning for an over the 4000 max rpm and an EPC light, which caused my car to start loosing speeding no matter how much or hard I pressed the gas peddle, in a matter of a minute my car dropped from 70 mph to 40mph and had to hit my flashers.
On September 19th 2025, while driving on the highway at normal speed, the instrument cluster fuel gauge misread the fuel level and indicated that the tank still had fuel. Without any warning light or low-fuel alert, the vehicle suddenly lost power because it was actually out of gas. I was traveling with my boyfriend and our three dogs. We became stranded on the shoulder of a busy highway as vehic...
Activates while driving on a flat road at random
coolant burst and started leaking. Unable to drive car. radiator problem May be related to bad water pump. I see there was a recall.
Airbag fault light is illuminated. drivers side, Fault Code: B101715 - crash sensor for side airbag, drivers side open circuit to B+ Intermittent occurred on 5/19/2025 at 56000 mile. Data from vehicle Software Number; 5Q0959655AG Software Version: 0336 Hardware Number: 5Q0959655AG Hardware Version: 004
I originally started out at World Kia in Matteson, where I was approved for a newer vehicle. But then they suddenly changed their minds and tried to put me in an older car instead. That rubbed me the wrong way, so I went to their Joliet location hoping for better service. Boy, was I wrong. Even though they had already run my credit in Matteson, they reran it again in Joliet, which made no sense ...
Seat belt light on. Car went into limp mode while on the highway. Seat belt acted like it was loose. Went for scan and it pulled up diagnostic code P0203 which is Replace Fuel injector wiring harness. Saying Cylinder 3 circuit malfunction. Also threw code P050B.
Our car frequently (several times per month) suddenly stops when it is coming to a STOP when the Stop/Start feature is trying to engage. We took it to the dealer, and VW replaced the starter. That DID NOT fix the problem. When the car stops, frequently at or when approaching intersections, the display says we need to stop the car immediately, and the car is stopped, making a high-pitched sound, li...
I bought my 2018 Tiguan in 2021 with 20k miles on it from York Volkswagen in York, PA. I'm at 83k miles. My vehicle sporadically stops accelerating, sputters and goes into "limp" mode. ECP light comes on, engine error warning MAX RPM. Car stalls in heavy commuter highway traffic, with no shoulder to safely pull off the highway, which is terrifying and deadly. Also stalls/ hesitates in slower c...
I was on the freeway and my vehicle stopped accelerating and went into limp mode (almost died). I took it to the dealer and they said the codes for Fuel Injector Harness were on and so i need a new fuel injector harness. VW released an extended warranty for that but the dealer is saying the warranty is vin specific and my vehicle does not qualify. How can it not qualify if its the exact problem li...
Panoramic Sunroof randomly exploded while my car was parked at my workplace. I parked the vehicle after 8am. My sunroof spontaneously exploded at roughly 2:30pm. A coworker had arrived seconds before the explosion, he parked his vehicle behind & across the lot. While standing by his car, the full outer glass panel forcefully ejected off of my Tiguan sunroof & flew across the parking lot before sha...
Showing 20 of 269 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Seat Belts:Front:Webbing
Opened 2018-01-10 · Closed 2018-07-03
In December 2017, NHTSA 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 bo...
Component: Seat Belts:Front
Opened 2018-07-03 · Closed 2023-02-27
In December 2017, NHTSA 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) ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Has the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN has 13 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN have?
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN has 269 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 5 involved crashes. 11 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN involve engine (23 complaints), unknown or other (21 complaints), structure (21 complaints). Other affected components include power train, fuel/propulsion system, exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN have?
There are 5 crash reports associated with the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN out of 269 total complaints (1.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN out of 269 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
11 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is proceed with caution. It has 269 complaints, 13 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN are: 1. ENGINE (23 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (21 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (13 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (11 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 23 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
Be aware of recalls and have your vehicle checked for structural and electrical issues, especially if you have driven 30,000 to 60,000 miles. The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN has 269 NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 269 owner complaints, 13 recalls, and 8 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Structural issues and Electrical system failures.
What are the known issues with the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN?
Known issues with the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN include: Structural issues, Electrical system failures, Airbag control module failure, Instrument cluster malfunction. These are based on patterns found across 269 NHTSA complaints. 13 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The most common issues are structural problems with the body roof and pillars, and electrical system failures with the instrument cluster and airbag control module.
Can structural issues with the Tiguan affect safety?
Yes, structural issues can affect vehicle stability and safety, especially during driving.
What should I do if I experience electrical system failures?
Have your vehicle checked immediately, as electrical system failures can lead to critical system malfunctions.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls and have your vehicle checked for structural and electrical issues, especially if you have driven 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The data includes 269 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 13 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 11 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16