2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine
2L I4 Turbo
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-40 Full Synthetic (5.8 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Wheel Torque
103
ft-lbs

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.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Specifications
Motor Oil5W-40 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5.8 qt
Lug Nut Torque103 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 4
CoolantG13 (Purple, phosphate-free)
Transmission FluidVW G 055 025 A2
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
VW G 055 025 A2
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Coolant
Fluid Type
G13 (Purple, phosphate-free)
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Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 4
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Washer Fluid
Windshield
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Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
10,000 mi / 12 mo
VW 502 5W-40 or 0W-20 508/509; ~5.7 qt (EA888 2.0T)
Tire Rotation
10,000 mi
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Engine Air Filter
40,000 mi / 48 mo
Brake Fluid
24 mo
DOT 4 LV
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
Aisin 8-speed auto
Coolant
100,000 mi / 60 mo
VW G13 lilac coolant
Spark Plugs
60,000 mi
Serpentine Belt
60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Code with VCDS after replacement
DTC Code Lookup

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.

1

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.

Solution

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 replacement
2

Turbocharger 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.

Solution

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 replacement
3

Water 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.

Solution

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 replacement
4

Excessive 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.

Solution

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 warranty
5

Panoramic 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.

Solution

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 labor

13 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1 recall flagged as “Park It” — do not drive until repaired
1

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Park It
Campaign: 18V324000 Date: 16/05/2018

Volkswagen 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Campaign: 22V226000 Date: 06/04/2022

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.

Consequence

An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

3

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Campaign: 21V732000 Date: 23/09/2021

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

4

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

Campaign: 20V724000 Date: 20/11/2020

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.

Consequence

A torn seat belt may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

5

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Campaign: 19V679000 Date: 25/09/2019

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.

Consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy

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.

6

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Campaign: 19V188000 Date: 06/03/2019

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

7

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign: 18V824000 Date: 26/11/2018

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

8

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign: 18V467000 Date: 13/07/2018

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.

Consequence

A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

9

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign: 18V375000 Date: 06/06/2018

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.

Consequence

If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

10

SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

Campaign: 18V262000 Date: 25/04/2018

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

Consequence

If the lower loop of the rear shock absorber detaches, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

11

ENGINE

Campaign: 18V159000 Date: 08/03/2018

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.

Consequence

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.

12

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign: 18V102000 Date: 09/02/2018

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."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the incorrect air bags may not protect the driver as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

13

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Campaign: 17V662000 Date: 18/10/2017

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

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See Also
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2018 Volkswagen TiguanAll Vehicles Using 5W-40 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 4Oil Change Guide: 2018 Volkswagen TiguanWiper Replacement: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan