Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan LimitedRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited. Most complaints involve air bags (2) and power train (2). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
7
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

7 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2020 – Nov 2026
  1. Air bags2
  2. Power train2
  3. Engine2
  4. Electrical system2
  5. Fuel/propulsion system1
  6. Steering1
  7. Other / unknown2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Tiguan Limited model year we’ve synced.

Only one model year synced so far.

Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

2 reports1 crash
“I was in an accident where the front of the vehicle was the main part of the collisions. The vehicles airbags didn’t deploy they just smoked.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 3, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11775447

Power train

2 reports
“Was traveling at 70 mph and applied the break and engine rpm went up to 3500-4000 and I was in D. The dealership couldn’t replicate the issue and claims nothing is wrong. Also when you put the ac or heater on floor the air still blows out the top vents.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2023Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11561182

Engine

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, upon attempting to slow the vehicle, the RPM's increased rapidly up to 3,000 RPM; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The failure prompted the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After resuming driving, the RPM's increased rapidly, but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2023Power train, EngineODI 11561184
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tiguan Limited
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
202623$3,250391
Tiguan Limited 4motion
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192522$3,400407
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Tiguan Limited questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.

What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited problems?

Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (2), power train (2), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026