2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: reliability, problems and cost to own
Think twiceWell 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.
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
SteeringSep 11, 2026 · campaign 26V590000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Structure › BodyApr 6, 2022 · campaign 22V226000
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.
Structure › Body › Roof And PillarsSep 23, 2021 · campaign 21V732000
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.
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.
Unknown Or OtherSep 25, 2019 · campaign 19V679000
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
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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/PanelNov 26, 2018 · campaign 18V824000
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 Vehic
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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator ModuleJun 6, 2018 · campaign 18V375000
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.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball JointMay 16, 2018 · campaign 18V324000
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.
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
EngineMar 8, 2018 · campaign 18V159000
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.
Air Bags › FrontalFeb 9, 2018 · campaign 18V102000
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."
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."
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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?