2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/27/2026

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 02/02/2026

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/31/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 07/01/2023

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/09/2026

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.

SUSPENSION — Filed 04/15/2005

While I was driving down a flat road this past week, the front left coil spring on my 2018 VW Tiguan S spontaneously broke, causing a large chunk of the coil spring to bounce around in the wheel well of the car and ultimately flying out into oncoming traffic as well as the left front end of my car to dip forward due to the shortening of the leftover coil spring. After going to the repair shop, I learned that this is a very common issue among VW products of these years. I also came to find out that my front control arms bearings are in need of replacement due to loose bushings, which is an already recalled issue on certain 2018 VW Tiguan vehicles, but of course, my vehicle is not listed under the recall. I am extremely upset and disappointed that my vehicle is being affected by all of these known recalled issues, yet when I run my VIN number, my car is never "affected". Suspension issues can be extremely dangerous, and I feel as if the issues that I have been having are known issues; I should have the right to get them repaired under recall rather than having to pay out of pocket once the part ultimately fails, putting me and others at risk for injury.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 05/01/2019

I purchased this 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan in September 2019 and began noticing an intermittent rearview-camera problem around that time. I do not remember the exact date of the first occurrence because the problem initially happened only occasionally and was not persistent. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the rearview camera intermittently fails to provide a reliable image. At other times, it operates normally. Because the problem is intermittent, it has been difficult for the dealership to reproduce consistently. Loss of the camera image reduces visibility behind the vehicle and creates a safety concern while backing up. An authorized Volkswagen dealership inspected the vehicle. The service manager stated that the stored fault indicates an intermittent open circuit in the video cable. The dealer’s diagnostic history reportedly shows approximately 90 fault occurrences beginning July 19, 2026. During recent testing, the dealership was able to get the fault to set once. The dealership has not conclusively confirmed that the camera control module failed. It proposes replacing the module as the first repair step for approximately $1,165 and stated that additional repairs may be necessary if the module replacement does not correct the problem. Volkswagen Customer CARE documented the concern under Case Number 07696586. I am submitting this report because the intermittent loss of the rearview-camera image may reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a backing collision.

Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle),Other/I am not sure — Filed 08/18/2026

I discovered a potential safety defect while inspecting and preparing my Graco Turn2Me child restraint for eventual forward-facing use. The seat is Model 2170122, manufactured 08/26/2024. The physical SnugLock/LATCH configuration of my seat appears inconsistent with Graco’s published Turn2Me instructions and installation videos. The rear-facing SnugLock lock-off/release mechanism shown by Graco does not appear to be present or accessible on my seat. The gray InRight lower-anchor/LATCH strap is routed through the blue rear-facing belt path and cannot be repositioned in the manner shown in Graco’s instructions. I cannot move the lower-anchor system into its designated storage location or reroute it through the orange forward-facing belt path as required for forward-facing LATCH installation. This child restraint has been used to transport my child before I discovered the condition. There was no crash, fire, injury, or fatality associated with the discovery. I have stopped using the seat. I reported the issue directly to Graco. Graco created Case #52041838 and Case #52041872, cross-referenced them for Product Safety review, and instructed me in writing to “refrain from using the product until further advice is given.” I am requesting that NHTSA review this as a potential manufacturing/assembly or child-restraint safety defect. Photographs documenting the seat, lower-anchor routing, apparent SnugLock discrepancy, and manufacturer label are available.

ENGINE — Filed 08/05/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was an engine failure, and internal parts fell apart and started grinding into the oil pan. The message "LIMP Mode” and the vehicle failed to exceed 4,000 RPM. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be disassembled to be fully diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

ENGINE — Filed 07/29/2026

Our 2018 Volkswagen had a light that came on so we took to dealership. The part that needs replaced is the cylinder head assembly which will be over $6000 plus $3k for timing. It will take over 28 weeks to get the part. So the car is not able to be driven. After looking into this, this is a known issue and there is a class action lawsuits going on right now. There are 4,600 back order parts nationwide. This is a defective part that the company has not recalled. The dealership is aware also that this is a known issue. There was not an injury but they say it is unsafe to drive. Volkswagen has no resolution for problem for a known defect part.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 04/25/2026

A few weeks ago i noticed that a car passed me and the little blind spot alert light didn't light up. when i arrived at my destination I did some scanning through the menus and i discovered that the blind spot (side assist) was not on, but when i attempted to turn it on, the car said "function not available". After some investigation (using a odbeleven scanner) i discovered that the blind spot assist functionality has a fault with "no communication". This system, upon failure, give NO indication anywhere, plus this also means my rear back up alert ( a kid running behind my car, for example, which would normally cause a huge alert, nothing happens). I also learned that there is a technical bulletin : [XXX] related to this. This should be a recall, its dangerous to have no indication that a safety feature system like this is completely nonfunctional (without an ODBeleven read). a light on the dash should alert me, or a message on the screen. this is just plain dangerous! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/25/2025

First purchased this car from a dealership in 2023, used at128,051 miles. Did not have any problems with it in the first year I would say. Then suddenly while driving down the road the epc light would come on limiting my speed to 4,000 rpm. It would come on and off also causing my check engine light to come on and off. It has now become more frequent, the epc and check engine lights will come on and off creating a major hazard while driving. Got it scanned while the check engine light was on and it ran a code for a cylinder 4 engine misfire from my fuel injector wiring rail harness. It looks to be a common problem with this model but it’s showing my vin is not attached to a recall.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/18/2026

2018 VW Tiguan. The fuel injector harness failed. There is a NHTSA letter stating 2018-2019 Tiguans had this issue and there’s an extended warranty up to 120,000 miles. My Tiguan is at 91,000 miles, but VW is saying the warranty isn’t assigned to my VIN. So there’s a warranty for this exact issue and year, but my vehicle isn’t covered. This warranty obviously needs to be extended by build date as it’s a pretty costly repair.

SUSPENSION — Filed 03/11/2026

Front coil spring fractured at 84,554 miles. I am the original owner with full dealer-maintained service history. VW issued Safety Recall 42J5 for premature rear coil spring fracture on 2018–2019 Tiguans due to material specification and manufacturing process defects at the spring supplier. The front springs on this vehicle came from the same supply chain and production window. VW dealer in [XXX] noted that spring failures are common in this area on these vehicles. VW Customer CARE declined goodwill assistance. Requesting investigation into expanding Recall 42J5 to include front axle coil springs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 04/25/2022

Engine keeps failing and dings while driving non-stop. Causes the vehicle to think there is another vehicle near me and activates the emergency braking in the middle of the highway almost causing me to crash. I have taken the vehicle to dealer and told it is fixed about 8 times now

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/11/2021

I was involved in a head-on collision going 35mph. The airbags failed to deploy. Due to this fact, my leg arms, and shoulder took all the force of the accident causing edema and bursitis to my left shoulder. The car was towed to one of State Farm’s Collison centers where it was inspected. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to total failure of the system.

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/21/2021

MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I WAS A CAR ACCIDENT ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 A VEHICLE HIT ME. I WAS IN MOTION HEADING STRAIGHT AND THE OTHER CAR FAILED THE RIGHT AWAY AND HIT ME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I'M WONDERING IF THERE WAS RECALL OR IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS ISSUE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/24/2019

DRIVING 65 ON HIGHWAY, PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO REASON.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 06/11/2018

VEHICLE ENGAGES AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM WITHOUT ANY PROMPTING...NO OTHER VEHICLE ANYWHERE IN SIGHT. IT HAS HAPPENED ON A RURAL TWO LANE ROAD, WITH A FARM ON ONE SIDE AND WOODS ON THE OTHER AND HAS ALSO HAPPENED ON A 4 LANE ROAD WITHIN CITY LIMITS, BUT NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, BUT ONE TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE IN THE LANE HEADING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS IT BRINGS THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP, REGARDLESS OF SPEED. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AS WELL AS MY HUSBAND AND MY 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THE AMOUNT OF FORCE IS SO VIOLENT THAT I WOULD IMAGINE IT IS EQUIVALENT TO BEING HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD JUST PICKED UP TAKE-OUT ONCE WHEN THIS HAD HAPPENED, AND THE SALSA IN THE TAKEOUT BAG FLEW OFF OF THE BACK SEAT AND THE FORCE CAUSED THE LID TO COME OFF AND SALSA WAS ALL OVER THE 2ND ROW, FRONT ROW, AS WELL AS MYSELF AND WINDSHIELD TO PUT INTO PERSPECTIVE HOW FORCEFUL THIS IS. I FEAR THE DAY THAT IT ENGAGES AND A CAR IS BEHIND ME, BECAUSE IT WILL KILL SOMEONE. WE ONLY DRIVE THIS CAR NOW ONLY IF IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND WE CAN'T MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/26/2019

DRIVING ON A SATURDAY MORNING TO MY HOME. NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME, BEHIND ME OR IN THE OPPOSITE LANE (2 LANE ROAD). WITHIN 1/4 MILE FROM HOME, THE AUTOMATIC FRONT BRAKE ASSIST WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THIS EXACT ROAD 100'S OF TIMES AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED. THE GROCERIES IN THE BACK SEAT FLEW TO THE FRONT SEAT AND I EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH. I AM JUST SO GRATEFUL THAT MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR! IT WAS SCARY AND COMPLETELY UNPROMPTED. I CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUAL AND DISENGAGED THE FRONT ASSIST. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL VW OWNER FOR 25 YEARS BUT THIS IS SO UNSETTLING! THE CAR JUST HAD ITS FIRST SERVICE (10,000 MILES) 4 DAYS PRIOR AT A VW DEALERSHIP.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/05/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V467000 (VISIBILITY). THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BLACK SPOT ON THE SUN ROOF AND SMOKE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND BROKE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW AS FLAMES APPEARED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. *TR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND RELEASED TO MANUFACTURER.*JB*JB

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 09/13/2018

TODAY, THE CAR STALLED WHILE I WAS STATION/STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT AND GOT DRAGGED BY THE TRUCK WHICH ALMOST RAN OVER MY CAR. MY CAR'S SENSOR SWITCHED TO EMERGENCY MODE AND WOULD NOT LET ME DRIVE. I WANTED TO DRIVE MY CAR AWAY WHEN I SAW THE DANGER. HOWEVER, L COULD NOT AND ALMOST GOT KILLED AND RAN OVER BY THE 18 WHEELS TRUCK.

ENGINE — Filed 03/11/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL, BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,600.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/09/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY BURNT AND DESTROYED WHEN THEY ARRIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED AT DIEHL AUTOMOTIVE (258 PITTSBURGH RD, BUTLER, PA 16002, (724) 282-8898) FOR A WATER LEAK THAT WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE REPAIR WAS FOR A RUBBER SEAL THAT WENT THROUGH THE FIREWALL, SEPARATING THE AIR CONDITIONER FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DIEHL AUTOMOTIVE WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD WAIT FOR THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) — Filed 07/17/2018

VEHICHLES AUTO ON OFF POWER SYSTEM ENABLES WHILE TURNING, STOPPED, OR PARKED IF SEATBELT IS BUCKLED. TURNS MADE COMPLICATED IF ENGINES AUTO STOP COMES ON. VEHICHLE UNABLE TO MAKE COMPLETE TURN WITH EASE AT A COAST WHILE AUTO STOP KICKS ON. TURNING INTO PARKING SPOT AUTO ENGINE SYSTEM KICKED TO OFF. CAR DID NOT TURN WELL CAUSING CAR TO NOT TURN EAISLY LIKE THERE WAS NO POWER OR POWER STEERING. CAR BUMPED INTO CAR NEXT TO IT WHICH WAS PARKED. CAUSING FRONT PASSANGER DAMAGE.