Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Engine problems, electronic system problems, transmission problems, and structural problems were most commonly reported for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Thirteen recalls have been issued for this vehicle, the majority of which concerned structural problems like parts being attached improperly and airbag defects.
Issues related to the suspension of the vehicle also generated some recalls.
No vehicle is perfect, but consumers looking to purchase a new one often try to come as close as possible.
What no consumer can predict, though, is the discovery of a defect present in their new and warrantied vehicle.
When this happens, consumers have access to the lemon law process to receive compensation for their purchase.
In this article, we will go over the lemon law and the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan so you can be a more informed consumer!
Common 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Problems
- Engine Problems: Loss of motive power, engine failure, overconsumption of oil
- Electronic System Problems: Vehicle doors locking themselves, total loss of power, combustion
- Transmission Problems: Shuddering and jerking, lack of acceleration, trouble shifting gears, gear slippage
- Structure Problems: Water leaks, sunroof shatters, B pillar rattling, general rattling and ticking noises throughout vehicle
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Electronic System Problems
Vehicles have been housing electronic systems for many decades at this point, and as technology improves and advances, we can expect to only see more and more added.
In the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, consumers mention their vehicle doors locking themselves, experiencing total losses of power, and even combustion of their vehicle’s battery leading to fires.
Electronic system problems can be highly varied, which can make them hard to diagnose. A consumer who runs into persistent electronic system problems should take their vehicle in to be inspected and repaired if need be.
Volkswagen issued two recalls relating to the electronic systems of their vehicle, and both involve lighting. The first was issued in October 2017 and concerned the rear lights not being bright enough. The NHTSA Recall ID for this recall is 17V662.
The second recall was issued in July 2018 and involved an interior lighting bar which could short circuit. The NHTSA Recall ID is 18V467.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Transmission Problems
Transmission problems are usually fairly easy for a driver to detect because they often have significant impacts on the driving experience.
Owners of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan reported shuddering and jerking, a lack of acceleration, trouble shifting gears, and gear slippage.
Transmission problems run the risk of being some of the more dangerous problems because they may result in the driver being unable to effectively control their vehicle.
They therefore should be taken seriously and once discovered, should prompt a trip to the mechanic for inspection and repair.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Structural Problems
Structural problems cover anything that makes up the vehicle’s structure and contribute to its stability and form.
Owners of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan reported water leaks, their sunroof spontaneously shattering, B pillar rattling, and general rattling throughout the vehicle.
Structural problems may not necessarily cause severe impacts on the driving experience but can produce a general sense of unease in a vehicle because it simply does not feel structurally sound.
Volkswagen has issued two structural recalls for their 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, one for roof reinforcement impacting airbag operation and one for an improperly attached spoiler.
These recalls took place in September 2021 and April 2022 respectively, and the NHTSA Recall IDs are 21V732 and 22V226.
2018 Tiguan Complaints from Owners
“During the life of a 48 month lease, the EPC and emissions control module failed four times, placing the vehicle out of service for at least 40-days total. When these components failed, a message popped up stating there was a 4000 RPM max. The ability to accelerate was immediately lost, and actually the vehicle not let me exceed 2000 RPMs. I had to pull over and restart the engine in order to continue my journey. This was extremely hazardous.”
“It is a high maintenance vehicle with a very poor customer service. I have had this car for about two years and it has been facing couple of problems. Right out of the dealership its rear window washer did not work. After about the year its automatic head lamp adjustment failed, when I was driving at night and it head lamps aimed too low. After about a year and half, it backup camera failed. After about two years its head lamps aim to the sky. And worst part, the customer service of VW is awful. They refuse to accept the manufacturer fault as part of warranty.”
“There is an excessive amount of water leaking into the passenger compartment and also the cargo area The result is that considerable mold growing on the carpeting of the entire car The dealer has ordered repair parts but the parts are on back order leaving me to drive the vehicle while it has mold I have been advised if I remove the molded carpeting I will invalidate the warranty Very dangerous as occupying this vehicle results in inhaling mold”
Legal Recourse for Affected Tiguan Owners
To get compensated for a defective vehicle, consumers should use their state’s lemon law process, which is available to protect those who purchase or lease new and used vehicles that are subject to repeat warranty repairs.
The process begins as soon as a defect is detected, and the vehicle is taken in for inspection and repair by the vehicle owner to an authorized manufacturer dealership.
It’s essential for consumers to document every repair attempt, communications with the manufacturer, and any other relevant information throughout the repair process. This evidence is vital for a successful lemon law claim.
A vehicle is typically considered a lemon if it undergoes a few repeat repair attempts for the same or similar issue or is out of service for 30 days or more due to repairs.
If a vehicle is deemed a lemon, consumers are generally offered one of a few remedies, a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation. Hiring a lemon law lawyer is recommended for those pursuing a lemon law claim.
Legal expertise ensures the claim is handled correctly, increasing the likelihood of success and adequate compensation.
Even in negotiations, a lemon law attorney can advise you and help make the most successful case possible.
A lemon law refunds include the reimbursement of all money spent towards the purchase or lease of the vehicle, inclusive of the down payment, monthly payments, interest, taxes, and can sometimes include incidental costs like registration renewal fees or rental car costs.
Replacement vehicles will be of a similar make and model, and often are a current-year vehicle where the consumer is typically responsible for any difference in price.
In both scenarios, the manufacturer will deduct a usage fee for the time the vehicle was driven without issues causing the vehicle to be a lemon.
Address Safety Issues with Legal Help!
Lemon law claims are a matter of consumer safety and manufacturer accountability: consumers who bring claims after discovering a defect in their vehicle are helping ensure that the system works as intended by compensating lemon purchasers.
If you believe your vehicle is a lemon, the Lemon Law Experts are here to assist you in bringing your claim and fighting for your rights.
Our team of highly skilled attorneys has worked with thousands of clients just like you to ensure consumer rights are protected.
Allow us to help maximize your compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling (877) 885-5366 or by visiting us on our website to fill out an online form!
