The vehicle dossier US · 2018
2018 Volkswagen
TIGUANProblems & recalls
283 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 118 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 283 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 10 years with reports.
6,700 miles is the median among 154 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 1,050–16,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
14 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
STEERINGCampaign 26V590000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Manufacturer campaign: 48LG, 48VT
Read campaign 26V590000 at NHTSASTRUCTURE:BODYCampaign 22V226000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 66N5
Read campaign 22V226000 at NHTSASTRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSCampaign 21V732000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 51H5
Read campaign 21V732000 at NHTSASEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBINGCampaign 20V724000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 69BH
Read campaign 20V724000 at NHTSAUNKNOWN OR OTHERCampaign 19V679000
Reported concern
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 regulatory requirements.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 01D7
Read campaign 19V679000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGSCampaign 19V188000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 42J5
Read campaign 19V188000 at NHTSAELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANELCampaign 18V824000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 90L3 / 90L4
Read campaign 18V824000 at NHTSAVISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYCampaign 18V467000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 60D1
Read campaign 18V467000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 18V375000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 69W8 69W9
Read campaign 18V375000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTCampaign 18V324000
A do-not-drive advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 40N4/40N5
Read campaign 18V324000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBERCampaign 18V262000
Reported concern
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
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 42i7
Read campaign 18V262000 at NHTSAENGINECampaign 18V159000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 10F7
Read campaign 18V159000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 18V102000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 69V2
Read campaign 18V102000 at NHTSAEXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTSCampaign 17V662000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 94J9
Read campaign 17V662000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
748 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
V4622022067177_5Repair or Replace InformationNHTSA ID 11036878
Repair or Replace Information
Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036878 at NHTSAVOS-26-47This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: Part number 3Q0-959-435N software version n…NHTSA ID 11036886
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: Part number 3Q0-959-435N software version number 1307 has incorrect coding.
Campaign / software reference: VOS-26-47
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036886 at NHTSAV4015022033347_8Replacement instructionNHTSA ID 11036874
Replacement instruction
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036874 at NHTSATT 00-13-04_7Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED OrderNHTSA ID 11036868
Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036868 at NHTSAV0026012081638_2Differences between a leak and seepageNHTSA ID 11036870
Differences between a leak and seepage
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11036870 at NHTSAVOS-26-42This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No …NHTSA ID 11035772
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035772 at NHTSAV1718062017813_24Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption MeasurementNHTSA ID 11035762
Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035762 at NHTSATT 13-20-01_3Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.NHTSA ID 11034614
Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034614 at NHTSATT 10-18-02_2Lubricating engine components before reassembly.NHTSA ID 11034613
Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034613 at NHTSAV6919012010479_17InquiriesNHTSA ID 11034621
Inquiries
Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034621 at NHTSAV1719012012855_81Volkswagen Engine Oil StandardsNHTSA ID 11034617
Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034617 at NHTSAV0026012081638_1Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepageNHTSA ID 11033527
Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11033527 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Seat Belt Webbing FailureEA18005
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) of Ohio.During both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated at the point where the webbing loops through the Crash Locking Tongue (CLT). In both NCAP tests, the dummy injury criteria requirements, as set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, were met with one exception. The chest deceleration G force requirement was exceeded in the test conducted at TRC. The FMVSS 208 injury criteria requirement for the chest deceleration is 60 Gs and it was measured at 67 Gs in the test conducted at TRC. It should be noted, FMVSS 208 does not include a requirement that the seat belt webbing remain intact during a frontal collision to comply with the standard. Compliance with the standard is based on the dummy injury criteria.Further, the Agency has conducted NCAP testing with no substantial protocol changes for over forty (40) years. This includes tests conducted prior and subsequent to the subject NCAP tests. During that time there has not been a similar failure of the seat belt webbing in any other NCAP tested vehicle manufactured by VW or another manufacturer.In November 2020, VW filed a defect notice (20V-724/69BH) that recalled seat belt systems, both driver, and front passenger, that were manufactured with webbing from the same lot as the two NCAP tested MY2018 Tiguan vehicles. VW has tested and inspected several of the returned seat belt systems and found no anomalies in either the webbing or the CLT that would substantially affect system performance in a frontal collision.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) estimates that between 2000 and 3500 frontal collisions involving MY2018 VW Tiguan vehicles have occurred in the field during the time these vehicles have been in service. This estimate is based on vehicle population and an estimated yearly rate of severe frontal collisions.A severe frontal collision is defined, in this instance, as being of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment of the frontal air bags. These collisions would place a significant load on the seat belt system similar to loads experienced during the NCAP tests. To date, neither ODI nor VW is aware of any frontal collision in the field that resulted in separation of the seat belt webbing. ODI believes that had any field collisions involved separation of the seat belt webbing, the Agency would have been notified.In view of the recall being conducted by VW, and lack of field data demonstrating a system defect, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
Recorded closure: Feb 27, 2023
Campaign reference in the source: 20V724000
Find investigation EA18005Seat Belt Webbing FailurePE18001
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 both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated in tension where it looped through the seat belt latch tongue (see attached photos). Based on its analysis of the NCAP test results, VW asserted that the test dummy umbilical cord exerted additional forces on the seat belt system causing the separation. To support this theory, VW conducted several sled tests.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-001) on 01/10/2018 to evaluate the two (2) incidents of seat belt separation. ODI and NCAP reviewed the sled test data submitted by VW in support of their theory. Micro analysis, conducted by the Materials Laboratory at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), verified the seat belts failed in tension and not due to cuts or abrasion.PE18-001 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-005) to further examine seat belt behavior in the subject vehicles and to determine, among other things, a root cause for the seat belt separation. ODI will perform a thorough review of any vehicle and seat belt design changes for the new 2018 MY Tiguan platform and their effects on the performance of the seat belt system.
Recorded closure: Jul 3, 2018
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