2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
2018 model shown · Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact SUVs · AD generation

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 19 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $15,233 to own, including $3,719 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Reliability

19/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$3,719

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$8,500

24 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$12,738

$11,209 – $14,267, estimate

Recalls

14

on record

Owner complaints

288

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$1,988
Transmission & drivetrain$860
Electrical system$228
Driver-assist & stability$224
Body, glass & interior$138
Steering$97

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Volkswagen Tiguan

Of the years we rate, the 2015 scores best (98/100) and the 2022 worst (5/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202420/100
202325/100
20225/100
202121/100
202042/100
201928/100
201819/100
201792/100
201694/100
201598/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 19 out of 100, among the least reliable compact and small SUVs of 2015–2024. The 2015, 2016 and 2017 Tiguan scored much better.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

It scores 19 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 288 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $3,719 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan cost to own?

About $15,233 over 5 years: $3,014 in lost value, $3,719 in repairs and $8,500 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $12,738 today.

What are the best years of the Volkswagen Tiguan?

Of the years we rate, the 2015 scores best (98/100) and the 2022 worst (5/100).

How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have?

14 recalls on record with NHTSA.