Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 282 of 284 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 133 of 284 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
81 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"EPC electronic power control light is on and indicates speed of 40 mph, transmission light on, car aggressively vibrating...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
49 complaint records
"Received Max RPM 4,000 warning while on long drive. Happened and had to restart car several times. Lost ability to accelerate. Also, when car was on cruise, started shaking..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
44 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"EPC electronic power control light is on and indicates speed of 40 mph, transmission light on, car aggressively vibrating...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA18005 opened Jul 2018 | closed Feb 2023 | Seat Belts | Seat Belt Webbing Failure - led to recall 20V724000 In December 2017, NHTSA conducted two (2) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the Model Year (MY) 2018 Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. |
| PE18001 opened Jan 2018 | closed Jul 2018 | Seat Belts | Seat Belt Webbing Failure In December 2017, NHTSA conducted two New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the 2018 MY Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. Both tests were 35 mph, full frontal impacts into a rigid barrier with a 50th percentile male dummy seat-belted in the driver position and a... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V324000DO NOT DRIVE | Suspension | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. | Normally free |
| 26V590000 | Steering | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. | Normally free |
| 22V226000 | Structure | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. | Normally free |
| 21V732000 | Structure | 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. | Normally free |
| 20V724000 | Seat Belts | 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. | Normally free |
| 19V679000 | Unknown Or Other | 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... | Normally free |
| 19V188000 | Suspension | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture. | Normally free |
| 18V824000 | Electrical System | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. | Normally free |
Show 6 more recall campaigns
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V467000 | Visibility | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles. The LED module for the panoramic sunroof ambient light bar may short circuit. | Normally free |
| 18V375000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan vehicles. In the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment. | Normally free |
| 18V262000 | Suspension | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheelbase (LWB) vehicles. | Normally free |
| 18V159000 | Engine | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The engine support bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightened. | Normally free |
| 18V102000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. | Normally free |
| 17V662000 | Exterior Lighting | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The back-up lights in the taillight assemblies may not be bright enough. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026439 2026-09-11 | Steering | 44,303 | Issue: On certain vehicles, one of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe could corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing could break and cause a loss of steering control. |
| 2022170 2022-04-06 | Structure | 38 | Issue: This recall is for accessory rear hatch spoilers that were installed on a new vehicle or sold as an accessory part at a Volkswagen dealership. On certain vehicles, the rear spoiler might not be properly attached to the hatch. |
| 2020562 2020-11-20 | Seats And Restraints | 1,678 | Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver and/or front passenger seat belt. As a result, the seat belts could break in a crash. |
| 2019116 2019-03-06 | Suspension | 15,579 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear suspension coil springs may not have been properly manufactured and could break over time. This could cause damage to a rear tire, resulting in rapid air loss and/or tire failure. |
| 2018644 2018-11-21 | Lights And Instruments | 15,853 | Certain vehicles do not to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention. |
Show 5 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018374 2018-07-13 | Structure | 17,829 | On certain vehicles, the LED module for the panoramic sunroof ambient light bar may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. |
| 2018296 2018-06-06 | Airbag | 902 | On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag may not unfold properly or could tear during deployment, which would increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag. |
| 2018265 2018-05-16 | Suspension | 833 | On certain vehicles, a front lower ball joint nut may be loose or improperly tightened. This could result in a dislocation of a lower ball joint, which could affect steering, traction or stability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a... |
| 2018205 2018-04-25 | Suspension | 5,356 | On certain vehicles, a lower loop of a rear shock absorber may separate and detach from its base cup due to an incorrect weld. |
| 2017507 2017-10-18 | Lights And Instruments | 1,407 | Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The back-up lights within the tail light assemblies do not meet the photometric requirements of the standard. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEB FAQ May 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Forward Collision Avoidance | These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement |
| VWP-24-04 May 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Forward Collision Avoidance | These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement |
| Turbocharger FAQ Sep 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Power Train | This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen*, 2013 VW Jetta Sedan and GLI*, 2009-2016 VW Eos*, 2008-2010 VW Passat*, 2009-2017 VW... |
| V0116152014815_20 Sep 2026 | Engine | Suggested fuel additive | |
| SM 39-2026 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V4622022067177_5 Aug 2026 | Service Brakes | Repair or Replace Information | |
| VOS-26-47 Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This 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 issue: Part number 3Q0-959-435N software version number 1307 has incorrect coding. | |
| V4015022033347_8 Aug 2026 | Power Train | Replacement instruction | |
| TT 00-13-04_7 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order | |
| V0026012081638_2 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Differences between a leak and seepage | |
| VOS-26-42 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This 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 issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result. | |
| V1718062017813_24 Jul 2026 | Engine | Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement | |
| TT 10-18-02_2 Jun 2026 | Engine | Lubricating engine components before reassembly. | |
| TT 13-20-01_3 Jun 2026 | Engine | Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start. | |
| V6919012010479_17 Jun 2026 | Air Bags | Inquiries | |
| V1719012012855_81 Jun 2026 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards | |
| V0026012081638_1 May 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage | |
| V9419012011521_21 Mar 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Moisture Accumulation | |
| VOS-26-21 Mar 2026 | Engine | This 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 error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM... | |
| V0018092053065_6 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting | |
| V4521012062957_7 Mar 2026 | Forward Collision Avoidance | customer reports that the vehicle performed an unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). | |
| V9422022066761_4 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors | |
| VOS-26-15 Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This 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 multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system... | |
| V5515032021354_9 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color | |
| DC_VW_CF_Airbag Mar 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles. | |
| SM 04-2026 Feb 2026 | Suspension | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward. | |
| VOS-26-01 Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This 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 a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output: | |
| V2715032016076_13 Dec 2025 | Electrical System | Diagnosis for Excessive Current Draw. | |
| V4016012043146_4 Nov 2025 | Suspension | What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut. | |
| V5718012042955_7 Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Replace Door Lock and Cap. | |
| SM 57-2025 Nov 2025 | Engine | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward. | |
| V4622022067177_4 Nov 2025 | Service Brakes | Warranty Instruction and guidance | |
| V4418012043620_8 Nov 2025 | Service Brakes | Alignment sheet submission. | |
| SM 55-2025 Oct 2025 | Steering | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| WLA-25-11 Oct 2025 | Engine | Coolant Bleed Procedure | |
| V0116132033805_11 Oct 2025 | Engine | Engine misfire diagnostic aid. | |
| V0123022069588_3 Oct 2025 | Engine | EVAP and Leak Detection Pump replacement components. | |
| V1917012022548_15 Oct 2025 | Engine | G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants. | |
| V3718022033975_14 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids. | |
| V1718062017813_23 Oct 2025 | Engine | How to measure engine oil consumption. | |
| V3416022034406_8 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise | |
| V1718032037201_20 Oct 2025 | Engine | Proper engine oil level before leaving the factory. | |
| V0017132033846_25 Oct 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire | |
| V0116152014815_19 Oct 2025 | Engine | A list of suggested fuel stations | |
| V8718102043704_24 Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement | |
| V0017132033846_24 Jul 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive | |
| V4616012043146_3 Jul 2025 | Suspension | How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut | |
| V1719012012855_79 Jun 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only) | |
| V4418012043620_7 May 2025 | Steering | Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form | |
| V8720022061094_9 May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen. | |
| V4521012062957_5 May 2025 | Service Brakes | Steps to perform when a customer states and unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). | |
| V1719012012855_78 Apr 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards | |
| V9124092076241_2 Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | When making calls with an Apple device using Car-Play (Wired or Wireless Connection), an echo is heard on the receiving end (not from the incar caller) of the call. No related DTCs are present in the system. | |
| V4622022067177_3 Mar 2025 | Service Brakes | Brake Repair or Replacement Information | |
| V0123022069588_2 Feb 2025 | Engine | EVAP Components replacement | |
| V1917012022548_14 Feb 2025 | Engine | Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant | |
| V4015022033347_6 Feb 2025 | Power Train | CV Boot replacement | |
| VOS 25 18 Feb 2025 | Air Bags | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: This hotfix is for multiple vehicles for airbag module programming issues. | |
| VOS 25 17 Feb 2025 | Engine | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: This hotfix is for multiple vehicles for multiple programming functions issue in the DA 0015 component family. | |
| SM 78-2024 Dec 2024 | Service Brakes | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. |
Showing 60 of 695 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 14 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 3 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Tiguan →