Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, and it carries 13 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 26 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 21 | 7% |
| Structure | 21 | 7% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 5% |
| Power train | 13 | 5% |
| Exterior lighting | 11 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 9 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 9 | 3% |
| Power train | 9 | 3% |
| Suspension | 8 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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,
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
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.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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.
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
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 ultim
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
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 initiall
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 co
NHTSA complaint: Tether
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 v
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Risk: A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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 se
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.
Risk: The incorrect roof reinforcement may decrease the roof's structural integrity or impact deployment of the side curtain air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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. Volkswage
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.
Risk: A loose or improperly tightened ball joint nut can result in the separation of the lower ball joint causing steering, traction or other stability issues, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
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, 2
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: 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
| Reliability raw | 45 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 58 | average |
| Maintenance | 66 | good |
| Depreciation | 70 | good |
| Performance | 52 | average |
| Efficiency | 44 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 26 of them (9%). There are 13 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 45/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 58/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2018 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 58/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.