Problems · by component

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan structure problems

39 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan cite structure, 13% of all 289 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
39
13% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a failure of the airbag control module caused by water intrusion through the HVAC access area and failed seam seal tape at the cowl support. The dealership confirmed that water leaked through a factory seam, accumulated at the airbag module, and caused the module to fail. The airbag warning light is illuminated, and the system is inoperable. This failure matches the same defect pattern covered under Volkswagen’s recall campaigns for the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport (water intrusion leading to airbag control module failure), but my VIN is not included. The root cause and safety implications are identical: water entering through a body seam/HVAC area and compromising the airbag system. This is a safety‑critical issue that disables the airbags and creates a risk of injury in a crash. I am requesting NHTSA review this defect for potential recall expansion. Dealership Findings: • Water present at airbag control module • Water leaking through HVAC access hole • Failed seam seal tape at cowl support • Water accumulation damaging the airbag module • Cowl trim cracked and repaired • Recommended replacement of airbag control module…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 24, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, StructureODI 11726578
“1)My sunroof/window is leaking. This has caused internal damage. My car had 2-2.5 inches of water that has damaged by carpeting and pads the 60E5 was performed. ~72,500 miles 2018 Tiguan. 2) dealer service has advised of service:REPLACE SET OF (4) FUEL INJECTOR O-RINGS DUE TO FUEL LEAK AT FUEL RAIL-INCLUDE INTAKE MANIFOLD GAKET AND THROTTLE BODY GASKET.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 15, 2025Structure, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11705198
“There is an excessive amount of water leaking into the passenger compartment and also the cargo area The result is that considerable mold growing on the carpeting of the entire car The dealer has ordered repair parts but the parts are on back order leaving me to drive the vehicle while it has mold I have been advised if I remove the molded carpeting I will invalidate the warranty Very dangerous as occupying this vehicle results in inhaling mold”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2023StructureODI 11539153
“The front passenger door locking system does not function properly. The door intermittently is unable to be unlocked or opened from the outside and must manually be opened from the inside. The door also intermittently doesn't lock. This is a safety concern for thieves. If in immediate danger, ie. accident, no one is able to open the passenger door to access the person. No indication lights appear on the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2022Electrical system, StructureODI 11490146
“Driving down the Highway with my kids in the car and the sunroof shattered. No was around driving near me, nothing was hit, no other damage on my vehicle. the sunroof just exploded with my 4 children in the car. Now Im 1,000 miles away from home.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2021StructureODI 11427528
“LEAKING FROM PANORAMIC MOONROOF,WATER COMING FROM PIPE DRAINE TUBES AND DRIPPING INTO BACK INTO SEATBELTS COMPARTMENT THAT FREEZE SEATBELTS DURING COLD WEATHER AND I CAN NOT PULL SEATBELTS OUT TO BUCKLE UP. ALSO AT THE SAME TIME WATER COMING INTO TRUNK MAKING AREA WHERE WIRING SISTEM GOING THROUGH ALL WET .VW DEALER FIXED IT ONCE BY AND IT HAPPEND SECOND TIME AGAIN.MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP NOW AND THIS PROBLEM WILL JUST KEEP GOING ON IN MY OPINION FOREVER UNTIL CAR EVENTUALLY DIE BECAUSE OF WATER GOING ONTO WIRING .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 2, 2020Seat belts, StructureODI 11315731

Showing 6 of 39 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Structure: body

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported Apr 6, 2022NHTSA 22V226000

Structure: roof and pillars

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported Sep 23, 2021NHTSA 21V732000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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