While I was driving down a flat road this past week, the front left coil spring on my 2018 VW Tiguan S spontaneously broke, causing a large chunk of the coil spring to bounce around in the wheel well of the car and ultimately flying out into oncoming traffic as well as the left front end of my car to dip forward due to the short…
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While I was driving down a flat road this past week, the front left coil spring on my 2018 VW Tiguan S spontaneously broke, causing a large chunk of the coil spring to bounce around in the wheel well of the car and ultimately flying out into oncoming traffic as well as the left front end of my car to dip forward due to the shortening of the leftover coil spring. After going to the repair shop, I learned that this is a very common issue among VW products of these years. I also came to find out that my front control arms bearings are in need of replacement due to loose bushings, which is an already recalled issue on certain 2018 VW Tiguan vehicles, but of course, my vehicle is not listed under the recall. I am extremely upset and disappointed that my vehicle is being affected by all of these known recalled issues, yet when I run my VIN number, my car is never "affected". Suspension issues can be extremely dangerous, and I feel as if the issues that I have been having are known issues; I should have the right to get them repaired under recall rather than having to pay out of pocket once the part ultimately fails, putting me and others at risk for injury.
NHTSA ODI #11759617
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2026
Suspension
Front coil spring fractured at 84,554 miles. I am the original owner with full dealer-maintained service history. VW issued Safety Recall 42J5 for premature rear coil spring fracture on 2018–2019 Tiguans due to material specification and manufacturing process defects at the spring supplier. The front springs on this vehicle came…
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Front coil spring fractured at 84,554 miles. I am the original owner with full dealer-maintained service history. VW issued Safety Recall 42J5 for premature rear coil spring fracture on 2018–2019 Tiguans due to material specification and manufacturing process defects at the spring supplier. The front springs on this vehicle came from the same supply chain and production window. VW dealer in [XXX] noted that spring failures are common in this area on these vehicles. VW Customer CARE declined goodwill assistance. Requesting investigation into expanding Recall 42J5 to include front axle coil springs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11728835
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2026
Suspension
This vehicle experienced a rear shock spring failure identical to the symptoms noted in VW recall 42i7. We paid out of pocket for the springs to be repaired, and VW corporate along with the dealer reported this VIN does not qualify for the recall. They are unable to tell me why our particular VIN does not, other than it simply…
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This vehicle experienced a rear shock spring failure identical to the symptoms noted in VW recall 42i7. We paid out of pocket for the springs to be repaired, and VW corporate along with the dealer reported this VIN does not qualify for the recall. They are unable to tell me why our particular VIN does not, other than it simply wasn't on the list. It seems unlikely the exact year/model/failure occurred on our vehicle as what was stated in the recall but somehow it didn't qualify I would expect VW to cover the spring replacement and required alignment
NHTSA ODI #11715520
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2025
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels
I originally started out at World Kia in Matteson, where I was approved for a newer vehicle. But then they suddenly changed their minds and tried to put me in an older car instead. That rubbed me the wrong way, so I went to their Joliet location hoping for better service. Boy, was I wrong. Even though they had already run my c…
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I originally started out at World Kia in Matteson, where I was approved for a newer vehicle. But then they suddenly changed their minds and tried to put me in an older car instead. That rubbed me the wrong way, so I went to their Joliet location hoping for better service. Boy, was I wrong. Even though they had already run my credit in Matteson, they reran it again in Joliet, which made no sense and damaged my credit even more. I really needed a car at the time, so I felt pressured and couldn’t walk away. After I bought the car, it broke down shortly after, and I was never given any paperwork about its condition or inspection. They sold it to me “as-is,” but I later found out that under Illinois law, used cars must be safe and reliable for at least 15 days or 500 miles, even when sold “as-is.” My car didn’t meet that standard at all. The car has suspension issues which is very dangerous. The mechanic stated to not drive the car at all it's a safety hazard and I could cause a major accident. There is no recall on my vin#, but several other owners have had the same issues based of the information on the website. I just want some kind of resolution. I'm still responsible for the car, which is so unfair. This has caused so much stress that I have no clue what to do. please help. Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11666160
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2022
Suspension
Car has 50k miles on it. Around 35k miles I started hearing noises in the suspension. Took it in and my tires are wearing uneven and bubbling. Mechanic told me my shocks are bad. I know there was a recall on some 2018 tiguans for poor welding of shocks. Not sure if there is a bigger problem affecting more tiguans.
NHTSA ODI #11456470
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2022
Suspension
The car has had 10 safety recalls with one being the suspension. The suspension problem hasn’t been fixed as the car makes a loud clunking noise when driving it. My car has been to Volkswagen twice and they stated that the car was fine and they have no solution for the sound. This really needs to investigated. I googled the nois…
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The car has had 10 safety recalls with one being the suspension. The suspension problem hasn’t been fixed as the car makes a loud clunking noise when driving it. My car has been to Volkswagen twice and they stated that the car was fine and they have no solution for the sound. This really needs to investigated. I googled the noise to see what it was and there are a lot of people that are complaining about this noise. I just bought my car and I’m literally about to trade it in because of this.
NHTSA ODI #11447923
20,700 miles · May 26, 2020
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL HIGH PITCH SOUND COMING FROM HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL HIGH PITCH SOUND COMING FROM HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DISLOCATED LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INITIALLY TOWED TO THREE COUNTY VOLKSWAGEN (701 RIVERSIDE AVE, LYNDHURST, NJ 07071) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT SCRAPED THE SIDE OF THE CURB WITH BOTH PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HUDSON VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN WHERE THEY PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE GET A PERFECT ALIGNMENT. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTAC THAT IT APPEARED THAT AN UNNAMED PART OF THE VEHICLE WAS BENT BUT THAT THE BEND COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED THE DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT WAS ASSURED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V324000 (SUSPENSION) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO GENSINGER VOLKSWAGEN (842 VALLEY RD, CLIFTON, NJ 07013) WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY AGREED WITH THE INITIAL DEALER THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON HIS VEHICLE SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO THE BALL JOINT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,700.
NHTSA ODI #11326053
28,000 miles · May 18, 2020
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels
THE CAR HAS HAD A DISTINCT NOISE WHEN DRIVING. I COMPLAINED EVERY TIME WE WERE IN AND FINALLY JUNE OF 2019 I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ALIGNMENT AFTER I HAD REPEATEDLY TOLD THEM IT WAS THE WHEEL BEARINGS. AFTER PAYING FOR A NEW ALIGNMENT I WAS TOLD THAT YES THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED AND THAT BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE ISSUES …
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THE CAR HAS HAD A DISTINCT NOISE WHEN DRIVING. I COMPLAINED EVERY TIME WE WERE IN AND FINALLY JUNE OF 2019 I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ALIGNMENT AFTER I HAD REPEATEDLY TOLD THEM IT WAS THE WHEEL BEARINGS. AFTER PAYING FOR A NEW ALIGNMENT I WAS TOLD THAT YES THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED AND THAT BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE ISSUES MY TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. I HAD THAT DONE, A MONTH LATER I WENT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED ANOTHER ALIGNMENT! I TOLD THEM IT WAS JUST DONE! THEY ASSURED ME THAT I WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF. IF IT WAS ACTUALLY DONE, I WILL NEVER KNOW. EVEN AFTER ALL OF THIS THE CAR STARTED MAKING THE NOISE AGAIN! I DON'T HAVE TIME TO GO BACK AND FORTH. I FINALLY GOT FED UP AND WENT IN ON A SATURDAY. THE TECHNICIAN LOOKED AT THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE AND TOOK A 0.2 MILE TEST DRIVE WITH ME IN THE CAR AND TOLD ME THAT THE ALIGNMENT IN THE BACK IS BAD AND HAS CAUSED SEVERE CUPPING ON MY BACK TIRES. SAYING I NEED ANOTHER ALIGNMENT AND MORE NEW TIRES! I HAVE HAD THIS CAR LESS THAN 2 YEARS AND IF IT ISN'T THE ALIGNMENT, THE TIRES, THE WHEEL BEARINGS, IT'S THE SUN ROOF WHICH HAS FLOODED THE BACK OF MY CAR 3 WEEKS OF OWNING IT AND NOW HASN'T CONSTANT RECALLS. AS WELL AS RECALLS TO FIX THE RECALLS. THIS CAR IS A COMPLETE DEFINITION OF A LEMON! THE TECHNICIAN ADMITTED THE THIS MODEL HAS LOTS OF PROBLEMS. I'VE ALWAYS OWNED USED CARS THIS IS MY FIRST NEW CAR OFF THE LOT AND I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A CAR. PLEASE HELP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #11325030
40 miles · Nov 18, 2018
Suspension
RATTLING NOISE OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE WORSE AT LOW SPEEDS. VOLKSWAGEN TEC TOLD ME THAT WAS JUST THE WAY IT'S BUILT. I SMELL SOMETHING FISHY BREWING WITH THE SUSPENSION AND VOLKSWAGEN CLAIM THAT IT'S A NORMAL NOISE IS BEYOND ME I'M DEBATING ON GOING FOR A LEMON LAW REFUND IF IT'S NOT RESOLVED
NHTSA ODI #11152345
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2018
Suspension
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2018 VW TIGUAN FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP IN MY TOWN. TWO WEEKS LATER THEY CALLED ME AND ASKED ME TO BRING IT BACK IN TO HAVE IT INSPECTED FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL. AFTER AN HOUR OF SITTING AROUND WAITING FOR THEM TO CHECK I FINALLY WENT TO THEIR DESK AND ASKED WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEY TOLD ME THAT MINE WAS RECALL…
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I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2018 VW TIGUAN FROM A CAR DEALERSHIP IN MY TOWN. TWO WEEKS LATER THEY CALLED ME AND ASKED ME TO BRING IT BACK IN TO HAVE IT INSPECTED FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL. AFTER AN HOUR OF SITTING AROUND WAITING FOR THEM TO CHECK I FINALLY WENT TO THEIR DESK AND ASKED WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEY TOLD ME THAT MINE WAS RECALLED AND THEY COULDN'T LET ME LEAVE WITH MY CAR. THEN THEY SPENT 2 HOURS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO BECAUSE THEY WEREN'T SURE IF THEY SHOULD GET ME A RENTAL CAR OR A LOANER. EVENTUALLY THEY GOT ME A RENTAL CAR AND ARE COVERING THE COST OF THAT. BUT NOW I'M LOOKING INTO THE SPECIFIC RECALL '42I7' AND IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE RECALL MAY HAVE BEEN IN PLACE PRIOR TO THEM SELLING ME THE CAR. I TEST DROVE THE CAR ON MAY 3RD 2018 AND SUBMITTED A LOAN APPLICATION. I CAME BACK THE NEXT DAY MAY 4TH 2018 TO SIGN THE PAPERS AND TAKE DELIVERY OF THE CAR. I WANT TO KNOW IF THE DEALER BROKE STATE OF WI LAWS BY SELLING ME A NEW CAR WITH A DANGEROUS RECALL OUT FOR IT. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT A MONTH FOR PARTS TO COME IN. CAN I TAKE SOME SORT OF ACTION AGAINST MY DEALERSHIP FOR THIS?
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
In December 2017, NHTSA conducted two (2) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the Model Year (MY) 2018 Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. Both tests were 35mph full frontal impacts into a rigid barrier with a 50th percentile male dummy seat-belted in the driver position and a 5th percentile female seat-belted in the right front passenger position. The tests were conducted on December 8, 2017, at MGA Research Corp. (MGA) in Wisconsin and December 13, 2017, at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) of Ohio.During both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated at the point where the webbing loops through the Crash Locking Tongue (CLT). In both NCAP tests, the dummy injury criteria requirements, as set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, were met with one exception. The chest deceleration G force requirement was exceeded in the test conducted at TRC. The FMVSS 208 injury criteria requirement for the chest deceleration is 60 Gs and it was measured at 67 Gs in the test conducted at TRC. It should be noted, FMVSS 208 does not include a requirement that the seat belt webbing remain intact during a frontal collision to comply with the standard. Compliance with the standard is based on the dummy injury criteria.Further, the Agency has conducted NCAP testing with no substantial protocol changes for over forty (40) years. This includes tests conducted prior and subsequent to the subject NCAP tests. During that time there has not been a similar failure of the seat belt webbing in any other NCAP tested vehicle manufactured by VW or another manufacturer.In November 2020, VW filed a defect notice (20V-724/69BH) that recalled seat belt systems, both driver, and front passenger, that were manufactured with webbing from the same lot as the two NCAP tested MY2018 Tiguan vehicles. VW has tested and inspected several of the returned seat belt systems and found no anomalies in either the webbing or the CLT that would substantially affect system performance in a frontal collision.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) estimates that between 2000 and 3500 frontal collisions involving MY2018 VW Tiguan vehicles have occurred in the field during the time these vehicles have been in service. This estimate is based on vehicle population and an estimated yearly rate of severe frontal collisions.A severe frontal collision is defined, in this instance, as being of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment of the frontal air bags. These collisions would place a significant load on the seat belt system similar to loads experienced during the NCAP tests. To date, neither ODI nor VW is aware of any frontal collision in the field that resulted in separation of the seat belt webbing. ODI believes that had any field collisions involved separation of the seat belt webbing, the Agency would have been notified.In view of the recall being conducted by VW, and lack of field data demonstrating a system defect, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:front
In December 2017, NHTSA conducted two (2) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the Model Year (MY) 2018 Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. Both tests were 35mph full frontal impacts into a rigid barrier with a 50th percentile male dummy seat-belted in the driver position and a 5th percentile female seat-belted in the right front passenger position. The tests were conducted on December 8, 2017, at MGA Research Corp. (MGA) in Wisconsin and December 13, 2017, at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) of Ohio.During both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated at the point where the webbing loops through the Crash Locking Tongue (CLT). In both NCAP tests, the dummy injury criteria requirements, as set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, were met with one exception. The chest deceleration G force requirement was exceeded in the test conducted at TRC. The FMVSS 208 injury criteria requirement for the chest deceleration is 60 Gs and it was measured at 67 Gs in the test conducted at TRC. It should be noted, FMVSS 208 does not include a requirement that the seat belt webbing remain intact during a frontal collision to comply with the standard. Compliance with the standard is based on the dummy injury criteria.Further, the Agency has conducted NCAP testing with no substantial protocol changes for over forty (40) years. This includes tests conducted prior and subsequent to the subject NCAP tests. During that time there has not been a similar failure of the seat belt webbing in any other NCAP tested vehicle manufactured by VW or another manufacturer.In November 2020, VW filed a defect notice (20V-724/69BH) that recalled seat belt systems, both driver, and front passenger, that were manufactured with webbing from the same lot as the two NCAP tested MY2018 Tiguan vehicles. VW has tested and inspected several of the returned seat belt systems and found no anomalies in either the webbing or the CLT that would substantially affect system performance in a frontal collision.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) estimates that between 2000 and 3500 frontal collisions involving MY2018 VW Tiguan vehicles have occurred in the field during the time these vehicles have been in service. This estimate is based on vehicle population and an estimated yearly rate of severe frontal collisions.A severe frontal collision is defined, in this instance, as being of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment of the frontal air bags. These collisions would place a significant load on the seat belt system similar to loads experienced during the NCAP tests. To date, neither ODI nor VW is aware of any frontal collision in the field that resulted in separation of the seat belt webbing. ODI believes that had any field collisions involved separation of the seat belt webbing, the Agency would have been notified.In view of the recall being conducted by VW, and lack of field data demonstrating a system defect, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
Seat Belts:front:webbing
In December 2017, NHTSA conducted two (2) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the Model Year (MY) 2018 Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. Both tests were 35mph full frontal impacts into a rigid barrier with a 50th percentile male dummy seat-belted in the driver position and a 5th percentile female seat-belted in the right front passenger position. The tests were conducted on December 8, 2017, at MGA Research Corp. (MGA) in Wisconsin and December 13, 2017, at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) of Ohio.During both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated at the point where the webbing loops through the Crash Locking Tongue (CLT). In both NCAP tests, the dummy injury criteria requirements, as set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, were met with one exception. The chest deceleration G force requirement was exceeded in the test conducted at TRC. The FMVSS 208 injury criteria requirement for the chest deceleration is 60 Gs and it was measured at 67 Gs in the test conducted at TRC. It should be noted, FMVSS 208 does not include a requirement that the seat belt webbing remain intact during a frontal collision to comply with the standard. Compliance with the standard is based on the dummy injury criteria.Further, the Agency has conducted NCAP testing with no substantial protocol changes for over forty (40) years. This includes tests conducted prior and subsequent to the subject NCAP tests. During that time there has not been a similar failure of the seat belt webbing in any other NCAP tested vehicle manufactured by VW or another manufacturer.In November 2020, VW filed a defect notice (20V-724/69BH) that recalled seat belt systems, both driver, and front passenger, that were manufactured with webbing from the same lot as the two NCAP tested MY2018 Tiguan vehicles. VW has tested and inspected several of the returned seat belt systems and found no anomalies in either the webbing or the CLT that would substantially affect system performance in a frontal collision.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) estimates that between 2000 and 3500 frontal collisions involving MY2018 VW Tiguan vehicles have occurred in the field during the time these vehicles have been in service. This estimate is based on vehicle population and an estimated yearly rate of severe frontal collisions.A severe frontal collision is defined, in this instance, as being of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment of the frontal air bags. These collisions would place a significant load on the seat belt system similar to loads experienced during the NCAP tests. To date, neither ODI nor VW is aware of any frontal collision in the field that resulted in separation of the seat belt webbing. ODI believes that had any field collisions involved separation of the seat belt webbing, the Agency would have been notified.In view of the recall being conducted by VW, and lack of field data demonstrating a system defect, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
Seat Belts
In December 2017, NHTSA conducted two (2) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the Model Year (MY) 2018 Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. Both tests were 35mph full frontal impacts into a rigid barrier with a 50th percentile male dummy seat-belted in the driver position and a 5th percentile female seat-belted in the right front passenger position. The tests were conducted on December 8, 2017, at MGA Research Corp. (MGA) in Wisconsin and December 13, 2017, at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) of Ohio.During both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated at the point where the webbing loops through the Crash Locking Tongue (CLT). In both NCAP tests, the dummy injury criteria requirements, as set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, were met with one exception. The chest deceleration G force requirement was exceeded in the test conducted at TRC. The FMVSS 208 injury criteria requirement for the chest deceleration is 60 Gs and it was measured at 67 Gs in the test conducted at TRC. It should be noted, FMVSS 208 does not include a requirement that the seat belt webbing remain intact during a frontal collision to comply with the standard. Compliance with the standard is based on the dummy injury criteria.Further, the Agency has conducted NCAP testing with no substantial protocol changes for over forty (40) years. This includes tests conducted prior and subsequent to the subject NCAP tests. During that time there has not been a similar failure of the seat belt webbing in any other NCAP tested vehicle manufactured by VW or another manufacturer.In November 2020, VW filed a defect notice (20V-724/69BH) that recalled seat belt systems, both driver, and front passenger, that were manufactured with webbing from the same lot as the two NCAP tested MY2018 Tiguan vehicles. VW has tested and inspected several of the returned seat belt systems and found no anomalies in either the webbing or the CLT that would substantially affect system performance in a frontal collision.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) estimates that between 2000 and 3500 frontal collisions involving MY2018 VW Tiguan vehicles have occurred in the field during the time these vehicles have been in service. This estimate is based on vehicle population and an estimated yearly rate of severe frontal collisions.A severe frontal collision is defined, in this instance, as being of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment of the frontal air bags. These collisions would place a significant load on the seat belt system similar to loads experienced during the NCAP tests. To date, neither ODI nor VW is aware of any frontal collision in the field that resulted in separation of the seat belt webbing. ODI believes that had any field collisions involved separation of the seat belt webbing, the Agency would have been notified.In view of the recall being conducted by VW, and lack of field data demonstrating a system defect, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
PE18001 · Seat Belt Webbing Failure
Opened Jan 10, 2018 · Closed Jul 3, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:webbing
In December 2017, NHTSA conducted two New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests on the 2018 MY Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan. Both tests were 35 mph, full frontal impacts into a rigid barrier with a 50th percentile male dummy seat-belted in the driver position and a 5th percentile female seat-belted in the right front-passenger position. The tests were conducted on December 8, 2017 at MGA Research Corp. in Wisconsin (MGA) and December 13, 2017 at the Transportation Research Center of Ohio (TRC).During both crash tests, the driver seat belt webbing completely separated in tension where it looped through the seat belt latch tongue (see attached photos). Based on its analysis of the NCAP test results, VW asserted that the test dummy umbilical cord exerted additional forces on the seat belt system causing the separation. To support this theory, VW conducted several sled tests.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-001) on 01/10/2018 to evaluate the two (2) incidents of seat belt separation. ODI and NCAP reviewed the sled test data submitted by VW in support of their theory. Micro analysis, conducted by the Materials Laboratory at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), verified the seat belts failed in tension and not due to cuts or abrasion.PE18-001 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-005) to further examine seat belt behavior in the subject vehicles and to determine, among other things, a root cause for the seat belt separation. ODI will perform a thorough review of any vehicle and seat belt design changes for the new 2018 MY Tiguan platform and their effects on the performance of the seat belt system.
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