2018 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V159000Mar 8, 20184 vehicles
  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.

  Risk: If the engine support bolts were not properly tightened, an unexpected engine breakdown or loss of engine power may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace engine support bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F7.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 23, 2026KSEngineOther / Unknown

   We have to add 1-2 quarts of oil every 600 miles. Our check engine light came on 02/2026 for carbon buildup. We had it cleaned, had timing chain replaced, piston rings, oil valves, manifold. Cost us $5300. The car ran fine before the light came on and all of a sudden it started making grinding noises and idling rough. We change the oil every 3,000 miles and the car burns through oil constantly. Our car stalled 4 times on the highway since then almost causing wrecks, it runs…

   NHTSA complaint #11766282 · source
2. Filed Aug 30, 2026TNEngine

   This vehicle goes through oil at a rapid rate. I am adding oil to my car every week. I have had to add at least 2 quarts between oil changes for the duration of owning the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11760702 · source
3. Filed Aug 10, 202637,000 miMITowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was an engine failure, and internal parts fell apart and started grinding into the oil pan. The message "LIMP Mode” and the vehicle failed to exceed 4,000 RPM. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be disassembled to be fully diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage…

   NHTSA complaint #11755859 · source
4. Filed Aug 4, 2026OHEngine

   Our 2018 Volkswagen had a light that came on so we took to dealership. The part that needs replaced is the cylinder head assembly which will be over $6000 plus $3k for timing. It will take over 28 weeks to get the part. So the car is not able to be driven. After looking into this, this is a known issue and there is a class action lawsuits going on right now. There are 4,600 back order parts nationwide. This is a defective part that the company has not recalled. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11754799 · source
5. Filed Apr 22, 2026AREngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   First purchased this car from a dealership in 2023, used at128,051 miles. Did not have any problems with it in the first year I would say. Then suddenly while driving down the road the epc light would come on limiting my speed to 4,000 rpm. It would come on and off also causing my check engine light to come on and off. It has now become more frequent, the epc and check engine lights will come on and off creating a major hazard while driving. Got it scanned while the check…

   NHTSA complaint #11733032 · source
6. Filed Feb 4, 2026MEEngine

   I own a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 70,000 miles. The vehicle requires a full cylinder head replacement due to faulty valve seals. I have been having to add engine oil frequently between oil changes. The repair has been confirmed by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. The required cylinder head part is currently on manufacturer backorder with no estimated time of arrival. Dealership told me to check in every 2-3 months, as no additional cylinder heads can be…

   NHTSA complaint #11715531 · source
7. Filed Oct 30, 2025SCEngine

   While driving 70mph on the interstate in the middle lane with an 18-Wheeler next to me in the right lane, my can all of the sudden a warning for an over the 4000 max rpm and an EPC light, which caused my car to start loosing speeding no matter how much or hard I pressed the gas peddle, in a matter of a minute my car dropped from 70 mph to 40mph and had to hit my flashers.

   NHTSA complaint #11696690 · source
8. Filed Feb 1, 202444,000 miCAEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact drove back to the residence, shifted into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact not…

   NHTSA complaint #11569328 · source
9. Filed Jan 15, 2024ILEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   On multiple occasions, while driving on the highway, subject vehicle displayed check engine light and EPC light at random intervals and an alarm saying exceeded 4000 came on. RPM's were not over 4000. Speed and acceleration severely limited making it dangerous to pull over on the highway in traffic. Had to pull car over and restart engine. This has happened numerous times. Also experienced shaking and skipping or missing of transmission. The car has also had the engine stall…

   NHTSA complaint #11565620 · source
10. Filed Dec 18, 2023NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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

    NHTSA complaint #11560769 · source
11. Filed Aug 23, 2023140,000 miLATowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.

    NHTSA complaint #11540255 · source
12. Filed Aug 22, 2023CAElectrical SystemEngine

    EPC electronic power control light is on and indicates speed of 40 mph, transmission light on, car aggressively vibrating.

    NHTSA complaint #11540171 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology