Recall 18V159 affects 4 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles for improperly tightened engine support bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 4 2018 Tiguan LWB vehicles because the engine support bolts were not properly tightened. Loose engine support bolts can lead to an unexpected engine breakdown or loss of engine power, increasing crash risk, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The engine support on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan helps hold the engine in the correct position inside the engine bay. Its bolts clamp the support tightly to the engine structure, so the engine stays secured while the vehicle accelerates, brakes, turns, and absorbs road vibration.
On the recalled Tiguans, the engine support bolts were not tightened to the required torque at the factory. Volkswagen traced the problem to an incorrect setting after maintenance on the automatic bolt tightening machine. When these bolts are too loose, they can loosen further or break, letting the engine move more than it should inside the compartment.
The warning sign is noise from the engine area. Owners can hear banging from the engine compartment while driving, especially as the engine shifts under load or over bumps.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | Engine |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improperly tightened engine support bolts can lead to an unexpected engine breakdown or loss of engine power, increasing crash risk. If you hear banging from the engine compartment while driving, stop in a safe place and call a Volkswagen dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free engine-support-bolt replacement that fixes improperly tightened engine support bolts.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V159 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair, and pull over safely if the engine loses power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the engine support bolts covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all affected vehicles were still covered by that warranty. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 8, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 16, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| March 16, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 16, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V159?
Recall 18V159 covers 4 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheel base vehicles with engine support bolts that were not tightened properly. Loose engine support bolts can cause unexpected engine breakdown or loss of engine power, increasing crash risk. Volkswagen dealers replace the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tiguan is included in recall 18V159. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for recall repair 10F7. The dealer will replace the engine support bolts for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost. Volkswagen dealers replace the engine support bolts free of charge under recall 18V159, regardless of where the Tiguan was purchased.
Is it safe to drive my 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan before this repair?
Volkswagen did not issue do-not-drive instructions for recall 18V159. The safety concern is that loose engine support bolts can lead to unexpected engine breakdown or loss of engine power. If your Tiguan loses power or feels unsafe, pull over safely and call a Volkswagen dealer about towing.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V159000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V159 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V159000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →