2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Volkswagen Tiguan.
For oil changes, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan takes 5W-40 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.8 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 4, the recommended coolant is G13 (Purple, phosphate-free), and transmission fluid is VW G 055 025 A2. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Volkswagen Tiguan, torque the lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have reported 5 common issues including "Erratic Infotainment System and MIB3 Freezing", "Turbocharger Failure and Boost Loss" and "Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leak". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 13 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. At least one is flagged as "Park It," meaning you should not drive the vehicle until the recall repair is completed. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan uses 5W-40 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.8 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 103 ft-lbs, takes DOT 4 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Common problems reported by 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Erratic Infotainment System and MIB3 Freezing
The MIB3 infotainment system frequently freezes, goes to a black screen, or reboots while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections drop unexpectedly, and the touchscreen may become unresponsive. This is one of the most common complaints for the 2022 Tiguan across NHTSA and owner forums.
VW released multiple software updates (TSB 91-22-01) to address infotainment stability. The dealer will update the MIB3 firmware to the latest version. Persistent issues may require replacement of the infotainment head unit.
Est. Cost: $0 for software update under warranty; $1,200 - $2,000 for head unit replacementTurbocharger Failure and Boost Loss
The 2.0T EA888 engine in some 2022 Tiguans experiences premature turbocharger failure, producing symptoms such as loss of power, excessive turbo lag, whistling or whining noises from the engine bay, and a check engine light with boost pressure codes (P0299). Oil feed line coking can starve the turbo bearings.
Inspect the turbo oil feed and return lines for blockage. Replace the turbocharger assembly if bearing play or shaft damage is found. Ensure proper oil change intervals with VW 508.00 spec oil to prevent coking. VW extended the powertrain warranty on some EA888 turbo components.
Est. Cost: $1,800 - $3,500 for turbocharger replacementWater Pump and Thermostat Housing Leak
The plastic thermostat housing and electric water pump on the EA888 engine are prone to cracking and leaking coolant. Owners notice coolant puddles under the vehicle, low coolant warnings, and in some cases overheating. The plastic housing becomes brittle over time due to heat cycling.
Replace the water pump and thermostat housing assembly. VW issued TSB 19-22-02 covering revised parts with improved materials. Many owners replace with updated revision parts. Inspect the coolant system during every service.
Est. Cost: $600 - $1,400 for water pump and thermostat housing replacementExcessive Oil Consumption
Some 2022 Tiguans with the 2.0T engine burn oil at an abnormally high rate, consuming a quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. No external leaks are present. The issue is related to piston ring design and PCV valve behavior. The oil level warning may not appear until levels are critically low.
Have the dealer perform an official oil consumption test per VW guidelines. If consumption exceeds 1 quart per 2,000 miles, piston ring replacement or short block replacement may be covered under the powertrain warranty. Use only VW 508.00/509.00 specification oil.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $3,000 - $5,000 for piston ring or short block replacement out of warrantyPanoramic Sunroof Cracking Spontaneously
Owners report the panoramic sunroof glass cracking or shattering spontaneously without any impact or road debris, sometimes while parked. The crack typically originates from an edge and spreads across the panel. This affects multiple VW models equipped with the large panoramic roof.
VW has replaced sunroof glass under warranty in many documented cases. File a complaint with NHTSA if the dealer denies the claim, as pattern evidence strengthens warranty coverage. Aftermarket tempered glass replacements are available but costly.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $1,000 - $2,500 for out-of-warranty glass replacement and labor13 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Park ItVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The nut that holds the lower ball joint of the front wheel on each side of the vehicle may be loose or improperly tightened.
A loose or improperly tightened ball joint nut can result in the separation of the lower ball joint causing steering, traction or other stability issues, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the nut on the lower ball joint and, as necessary, clean the thread in the ball joint, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40N4. Note: owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair has been performed.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
The incorrect roof reinforcement may decrease the roof's structural integrity or impact deployment of the side curtain air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Dealers will be replace the roof reinforcement, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51H5.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
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.
A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belts and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BH.
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 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the power supply for the panoramic sunroof LED module, free of charge, until a future service action can safely reactivate the feature. The recall began July 24, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall 60D1.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69W8, and 69W9.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheelbase (LWB) vehicles. A lower loop of a rear shock absorber may separate from its base due to an incorrect welding process
If the lower loop of the rear shock absorber detaches, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear shock absorbers, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42i7.
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.
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.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel and front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69V2.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
If the back-up lights are not bright enough, other drivers may not see the vehicle reversing, or the driver may back into an obstacle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected inner taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94J9.
