2018 Volkswagen Tiguan engine problems
80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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.”
filed Aug 30, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 10, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Engine support bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightenedCampaign 18V159000 · Mar 8, 2018
Related service bulletins
Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
V1718062017813_24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
TT 13-20-01_3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 10-18-02_2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026
Engine problems in other Tiguan years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tiguan | 12 | 44% |
| 2025 Tiguan | 9 | 19% |
| 2024 Tiguan | 17 | 25% |
| 2023 Tiguan | 23 | 36% |
| 2022 Tiguan | 111 | 42% |
| 2021 Tiguan | 52 | 37% |
| 2020 Tiguan | 25 | 18% |
| 2019 Tiguan | 40 | 21% |
| 2017 Tiguan | 15 | 20% |
| 2016 Tiguan | 10 | 10% |
| 2015 Tiguan | 9 | 15% |
| 2014 Tiguan | 11 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.