Is the 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN reliable?

The 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN has 446 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN?

Top problems: ENGINE (77 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (51 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (49 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN?

Yes, there are 13 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, STRUCTURE:BODY. Contact any Volkswagen dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN?

The 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN is approximately $1,511/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN has 446 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.6x the segment average of 174. The most common issue is engine problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: the safety alert that stops your car in case of a collision stops my car with none or thing in front or on the side of it. my backup camera stays on consistently when driving forward. the electronic middle console constantly freezes up and won't allow me to do anything or goes completely black. this. There are 13 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 3 crash reports 14 injuries

446

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

77 complaints

17%

• THE SAFETY ALERT THAT STOPS YOUR CAR IN CASE OF A COLLISION STOPS MY CAR WITH NONE OR THING IN FRONT OR ON THE SIDE OF IT. MY BACKUP CAMERA STAYS ON CONSISTENTLY WHEN DRIVING FORWARD. THE ELECTRONIC MIDDLE CONSOLE CONSTANTLY FREEZES UP AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO DO ANYTHING OR GOES COMPLETELY BLACK. THIS
• WHEN THE AUTO START/STOP FEATURE IS DISABLED BY TOGGLING THE BUTTON ON THE CENTER CONSOLE, THE CAR DRIVES VERY ROUGH, ESPECIALLY AT SLOW SPEEDS. IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS.
• THIS CAR HAS A NEW "FEATURE" CALLED AUTO START/STOP WHICH, WHEN IS ENABLED BY DEFAULT. IF NOT DISABLED, THIS FEATURE WILL TURN OFF THE CAR WHEN IT'S AT A STANDSTILL AND CONSUMING LITTLE POWER, THEN TURN BACK ON WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS. MEANT AS A FUEL CONSUMPTION MECHANISM, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. A FE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“THE SAFETY ALERT THAT STOPS YOUR CAR IN CASE OF A COLLISION STOPS MY CAR WITH NONE OR THING IN FRONT OR ON THE SIDE OF IT. MY BACKUP CAMERA STAYS ON CONSISTENTLY WHEN DRIVING FORWARD. THE ELECTRONIC MIDDLE CONSOLE CONSTANTLY FREEZES UP AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO DO ANYTHING OR GOES COMPLETELY BLACK. THIS”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Based on 243 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 7K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

218

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 49 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 33 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 1K mi · 28 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 24 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 12K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (13)

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING20/11/2020

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 service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BH.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Volkswagen TIGUAN

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,511

Full coverage / month

$126

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1511

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volkswagen TIGUAN Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

TSI turbo engines require VW-approved 502/504 spec synthetic oil. DSG transmission service (if equipped) every 40K miles.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volkswagen New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Volkswagen. If you're buying a used 2018 TIGUAN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volkswagen dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 446 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: THE SAFETY ALERT THAT STOPS YOUR CAR IN CASE OF A COLLISION STOPS MY CAR WITH NONE OR THING IN FRONT OR ON THE SIDE OF IT. MY BACKUP CAMERA STAYS ON CONSISTENTLY WHEN DRIVING FORWARD. THE ELECTRONIC MIDDLE CONSOLE CONSTANTLY FREEZES UP AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO DO ANYTHING OR GOES COMPLETELY BLACK. THIS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: INTERMITTENT ONGOING RATTLE IN THE B PILLARS BEHIND SEAT BELTS..
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: THE CAR DOES NOT GET MORE THAN 316 MILES TO A FULL TANK. IT ALSO FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS JERKING YOU FORWARD WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO BE REALLY SLUGGISH. THIS IS ALSO DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT ON A BUSY STREET. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DROVE IT CAME BACK AND TOLD ME I SHOUL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: THE SAFETY ALERT THAT STOPS YOUR CAR IN CASE OF A COLLISION STOPS MY CAR WITH NONE OR THING IN FRONT OR ON THE SIDE OF IT. MY BACKUP CAMERA STAYS ON CONSISTENTLY WHEN DRIVING FORWARD. THE ELECTRONIC MIDDLE CONSOLE CONSTANTLY FREEZES UP AND WON'T ALLOW ME TO DO ANYTHING OR GOES COMPLETELY BLACK. THIS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 13 recalls have been completed — free at any Volkswagen dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)