The Tiguan, as The Tiguan, as the bestselling VW model in recent years, has gained popularity among drivers. However, there are many 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan recalls to be aware of before driving this SUV, including issues with the airbags, electrical system, engine, and suspension.
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In this guide, we cover the basics of a vehicle recall and show you how the 2018 Tiguan has been affected. We also explain how to check for recalls on your vehicle and give you practical tips to follow if your car can’t be fixed.
A car recall occurs when an auto manufacturer requests that owners bring their cars in for free repairs due to a defect. Recalls are issued to fix problems that could affect safety, compliance with regulations, or the car’s performance. While many recalls are voluntary, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can also require a recall if a serious safety issue is found and the manufacturer isn’t taking action.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has a whopping 13 recalls for consumers to be aware of, far more than the VW Jetta recalls, which is alarming. From serious safety issues, such as a malfunctioning airbag and suspension failures, to electrical system and engine defects, the Tiguan has a lot of problems to be worked out.
Seat belts and airbags are among the most basic safety equipment installed in vehicles to keep occupants safe. When it comes to the 2018 Tiguan, both of these systems are faulty and need repair to ensure maximum protection. In fact, four of the 13 recalls are centered on these systems.
Improperly installed airbags: NHTSA ID Number 18V102000 shows that nearly 4,000 vehicles may have airbags installed that weren’t intended for the U.S. market. Incorrect airbags may not protect the driver, increasing the chance of injury during an accident.
Defective passenger airbag: According to NHTSA ID Number 18V375000, more than 800 vehicles may have a passenger airbag that tears or doesn’t unfold properly during an accident. In this case, there’s the potential for injury to the passenger during an accident.
Wrong roof reinforcement assembly: NHTSA ID Number 21V732000 only affects a handful of vehicles, but VW may have installed the wrong roof reinforcement assembly, thereby creating problems with the side airbags.
Front seat belts may tear: NHTSA ID Number 20V724000 is the most alarming. More than 10,000 vehicles could have front seat belt webbing that can tear during an accident. VW must replace the seat belts to make the vehicles compliant with federal regulations.
Interestingly, Volkswagen only has one engine-related recall for the 2018 Tiguan, but it must be taken seriously. NHTSA ID Number 18V159000states that some vehicles may have engine support bolts that weren’t properly tightened. Therefore, a loss of engine power or breakdown could occur, thereby increasing the chance of a crash. Owners must return the vehicle to have the bolts replaced.
There are three recalls related to the electrical system, and they span a large number of models.
First, NHTSA ID Number 18V467000 shows that the LED module for the panoramic sunroof light bar may short-circuit in more than 45,000 vehicles. This short circuit could lead to a car fire. Additionally, over 5,000 vehicles are affected by NHTSA ID Number 17V662000, which states the backup lights may not be bright enough, making it difficult for other drivers to see the SUV.
Finally, NHTSA ID Number 18V824000 states that nearly 74,000 vehicles have no warning when the key is left in the ignition. Because of this defect, the driver could leave the key in the car, increasing the risk of theft or an accident. VW is responsible for reprogramming the instrument cluster in these cars to prevent danger.
Volkswagen has issued a Do Not Drive Warning on some 2018 Tiguan models due to a loose ball joint nut that can separate, causing a loss of steering and vehicle control. According to NHTSA ID Number 18V324000, this nut needs to be replaced in order for the car to be safe.
On top of that, NHTSA ID Number 19V188000 shows that the rear coil springs can fracture in more than 56,000 models. If it does, the rear tire may become damaged, leading to the loss of vehicle control. VW needs to replace the rear coil springs to prevent injury from occurring.
There’s also NHTSA ID Number 18V262000 that shows the rear shock absorber can detach in over 7,000 vehicles because of a poorly-performed weld. Again, without replacement, occupants are at risk of serious injury if vehicle control is lost.
An insufficiently attached spoiler on more than 6,000 vehicles can separate from the vehicle, turning into a road hazard. NHTSA ID Number 22V226000 states that due to incorrect installation instructions, the spoiler was never attached properly. Owner notification letters show drivers how to get the dealer to replace the spoiler.
You could ask the dealership to check your Tiguan for recalls. The service department has access to the latest recall information.
The easiest way to check from home is to use the recall website set up by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Simply enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your vehicle to see if there are any open recalls.
If you find a recall on your 2018 VW Tiguan, you want to contact a local dealership for the free repair or replacement. Schedule the appointment as soon as possible, especially for a serious safety concern, and keep documentation of the repair for your records.
Not all recalls fix the issue permanently. Sometimes, the same issue reoccurs following the repair. In California, the Lemon Law doesn’t take effect until there have been a minimum of four unsuccessful repair attempts, or two with serious safety complaints.
However, a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan typically does not qualify for these protections due to its age. If you are dealing with a newer Tiguan that couldn’t be repaired, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or compensation if the problem was unresolved. Otherwise, if you purchased the Tiguan used, you may also be due compensation because it’s not legal for the dealership to sell a car with a recall unless it was disclosed.
Either way, you should keep all of the repair records to support any legal claim you may file. We also encourage you to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1(800) 822-8987 and get a free consultation with a qualified car lawyer.
You could win a Lemon Law case without a lawyer, but it’s better to have representation. Just consider these important benefits of hiring an attorney.
Additionally, most lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay anything up front and they only get paid if you win. For this reason, you wouldn’t need to pay anything out of pocket.
Even though you’ve expected your vehicle to continue performing without the need to get major repairs, it’s best to check often for any potential issues. Otherwise, you could be at risk of injury or an accident because of unresolved defects. If your Tiguan is affected by a recall and the dealer can’t repair it, it’s time to talk to a lawyer.
The Lemon Pros know how to get compensation for defective vehicles. As the best lemon lawyer in California, we navigate the process efficiently and speedily. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Have more inquiries? We've provided answers to some of the more common questions about Volkswagen Tiguan recalls.
The most common recall for the 2018 Tiguan is for the electrical system. The cluster fails to warn the driver when the key is in the ignition, making it easy to steal the car.
Yes, there are serious recalls related to the engine, suspension, and electrical system. Furthermore, there’s a potential short circuit that can lead to a car fire, and a Do Not Drive warning because of an error when installing the ball joint nut.
Car recall repairs are typically free, whether the vehicle is still covered by the warranty or not. Recall repairs are handled directly through a local dealership.
Yes, of the 13 recalls currently open on the 2018 Tiguan, all of them come with free repair or replacement of the affected components. You need to contact your local VW dealership to schedule a repair appointment.
The 2018 Tiguan no longer qualifies for Lemon Law protection in California. However, you should always schedule recall repairs immediately. If the problems aren’t resolved after the repair attempts, you need to reach out to a qualified attorney to look over the case.
Yes, especially if the recalls aren’t repaired. Even when the issues are resolved, potential buyers may see the long list of previous recalls as a sign that the car is built poorly.
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