2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 82about this part
- Share
- 28%of 288 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,198miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 82 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 28% of the 288 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,198 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the highway, at highway speed (70mph), an error appeared saying the engine had exceeded 4000rpm, which it hadn't, and then it shut off for safety . We lost the power steering and brakes at 70mph. We were able to get off the road, stop and restart the car and proceed home. This happened three times. The car is now at the dealer. The car is 18 months old with 20k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11317113, filed 2020-03, 20,000 miles“Purchased a 2018 vw Tiguan sel in febuary 2018. Brought to dealer twice (so far) and bringing it backi tomorrow. Has stayed in shop for 5 weeks since purchase. Serious hesitation when accerlating. My wife refuses to drive the vehicle in fear of her life !! (and so am I) these cars must be stopped being sold...will not be long before someone is killed....”
NHTSA complaint #11142192, filed 2018-10, 55 miles“The vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a stop or occasingly surges under heavier throttle pressure. This is very dangerous and the dealers are telling us this is 'normal' behavior. I see that many drivers have reported this issue. Does someone have to get injured before we get taken seriously? Volkswagen needs to fix the problem with the engine now.”
NHTSA complaint #11132415, filed 2018-10, 9,497 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11129437, filed 2018-09, 2,000 miles“Guess I'm having the same issue a lot of others are having. Sitting at a red light and hit the gas and nothing happens. Smells like gas inside the cabin. It's been in service at the dealership for 15 days and they have no idea what the problem is and no eta on the fix. I purchased the car in december 2017.”
NHTSA complaint #11115410, filed 2018-08, 9,000 milesRelated recalls
- 18V159000Mar 8, 2018Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The engine support bolts on these vehicles may…Covers: Volkswagen Tiguan 2018
Related service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 2026This 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…
- 11026170Nov 10, 2025This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
- 11025452Oct 17, 2025Coolant Bleed Procedure
- 11025437Oct 14, 2025G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
- 11025432Oct 14, 2025EVAP and Leak Detection Pump replacement components.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 39% |
| 2025 | 13 | 23% |
| 2024 | 20 | 26% |
| 2023 | 25 | 35% |
| 2022 | 113 | 41% |
| 2021 | 54 | 38% |
| 2020 | 26 | 18% |
| 2019 | 44 | 22% |
| 2018 | 82 | 28% |
| 2017 | 15 | 20% |
| 2016 | 10 | 10% |
| 2015 | 9 | 15% |
| 2014 | 11 | 13% |
| 2013 | 30 | 21% |
| 2012 | 50 | 33% |
| 2011 | 63 | 39% |
| 2010 | 50 | 45% |
| 2009 | 80 | 48% |
Other parts of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
53 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsFuel system
41 complaintsBody and structure
39 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology