The Lemon Index2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 197 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 218, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 14 recalls, and it gets 22 to 24 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Tiguan year is 2014.
Lemon alert. 2.2× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2014
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 286 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Tiguan year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 16K miles on the car (154 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 2K–18K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 2K–18K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 3K–18K miles
Recalls 14
- steering 2026
One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break.
- body structure 2022
Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
- body structure 2021
During the repair of roof damage, an incorrect roof reinforcement assembly may have been installed.
Show all 14 recalls
- seat belts 2020
In the event of a crash, one or both of the front seat belt's webbing may tear.
- unknown or other 2019
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.
- suspension 2019
The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
- electrical 2018
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.
- visibility 2018
The LED module for the panoramic sunroof ambient light bar may short circuit.
- airbags 2018
In the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment.
- suspension 2018
The nut that holds the lower ball joint of the front wheel on each side of the vehicle may be loose or improperly tightened.
- suspension 2018
A lower loop of a rear shock absorber may separate from its base due to an incorrect welding process.
- engine 2018
The engine support bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightened.
- airbags 2018
The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States.
- lights 2017
The back-up lights in the taillight assemblies may not be bright enough.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 750 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Standard Maintenance Section: Moved: "Exterior Lighting" from Extended Maintenance Section
- Standard Maintenance Section: Added "boots" to "Engine and engine compartment components:…
- Water leaks from the sunroof/overhead light console area, Park distance to sensitive to…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedSeat belt webbing failure2018–2023
- ClosedSeat belt webbing failure2018
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan LTD SUV AWD | not rated | ★★★☆☆ | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Tiguan LTD SUV FWD | not rated | ★★★☆☆ | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2700–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Car engine cuts out for a few seconds then accelerates after coming to a complete stop
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan owner · NHTSA complaint 11207449
More owner reports
Car makes noise that is audible within the car and is particularly loud by the rear passenger side tire.
NHTSA complaint 11145168
When the auto start/stop feature is disabled by toggling the button on the center console, the car drives very rough, especially at slow speeds. It feels like the transmission is having trouble shifting gears.
NHTSA complaint 11084832
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 218; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Tiguan year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (30%), transmission & drivetrain (20%) and body structure (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
14 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan get?
22 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,000 and 16,600 miles. The middle report was at 6,700 miles, from 154 complaints.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 20% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan cost in fuel a year?
About $2700 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Tiguan year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2015 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works