Lower ball joint separation
Defect Summary
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.
Safety 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.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving Suspension.
FAQ: Recall 18V324000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 18V324000?
NHTSA recall 18V324000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on May 16, 2018. It addresses: Lower ball joint separation. The recall affects approximately 2,473 vehicles, with the defect involving the Suspension component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 18V324000 or the manufacturer campaign number 40N4/40N5. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
What does "Do Not Drive" mean for this recall?
NHTSA has flagged this recall as Do Not Drive, meaning the defect poses an immediate safety risk and affected vehicles should not be operated until they are repaired. Owners should contact their dealer immediately and may be eligible for free towing or a loaner vehicle while awaiting parts.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.