YearToAvoid

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 24 brake complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 8% of that year's 283 total complaints. There are 2 reported crashes, 2 injuries, no fires, and no related recalls, with a median failure mileage of 7,825 miles.

Brakes complaints
24
8% of 283
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
7,825 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe the automatic front assist braking system engaging with no vehicle or obstacle nearby, causing sudden hard stops.
  • Some report the emergency braking activating at very low speeds, such as while turning into a parking lot or pulling away from a stop.
  • Several drivers say premature brake pad and rotor wear occurred well before the mileage a dealership said parts should normally last.
  • At least one owner reported losing control of speed and braking when the system engaged abruptly at highway speed.
  • A few complaints describe vibration or shaking felt through the brake pedal along with a dashboard EPC warning light.

When 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan brake complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 28, 2018, latest Sep 14, 2025.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Mar 2018Feb 2019May 2019Sep 2019May 2020May 2021Aug 2023Sep 2025
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2018 to Sep 2025; peak Jul 2018 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by Tiguan model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200913 (8%)
  2. 20107 (6%)
  3. 20117 (4%)
  4. 201214 (9%)
  5. 201310 (7%)
  6. 20145 (6%)
  7. 20156 (10%)
  8. 20164 (4%)
  9. 20173 (4%)
  10. 201824 (8%)
  11. 201925 (13%)
  12. 202011 (8%)
  13. 20216 (4%)
  14. 20227 (3%)
  15. 20234 (6%)
  16. 20241 (1%)
  17. 20255 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
NHTSA lists 24 brake-related complaints for the 2018 Tiguan, which is 8% of the 283 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2018 Tiguan brake problems?
No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls tied to this brake complaint data for the 2018 Tiguan.
Did the brake issues cause any crashes or injuries?
Yes. NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries associated with the 2018 Tiguan's brake complaints, and no fires.
At what mileage do 2018 Tiguan brake problems tend to show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 7,825 miles.
How does the 2018 Tiguan compare to other years for brake complaints?
The 2018 Tiguan's 24 brake complaints and 8% share are lower than the 2019 Tiguan, which had 25 complaints at a 13% share, the highest in the lineup shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.