65 of the
762 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Taos
are about the transmission —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2022.
65
Complaints
9%
Share of all complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
On 7/9/2026, my 2022 VW Taos was brought to the dealer for being severely underpowered, check engine lights on, and a strong raw fuel smell inside the vehicle. On 7/10/2026, the dealer stated the vehicle was ready, claiming they replaced a turbo charge pipe O-ring. The service advisor verbally stated the vehicle had been successfully test-driven for 5 miles on streets and the highway. However, official paperwork only stated "cleared faults verified no leaks in system, vehicle is now operating as designed." Immediately upon driving home on the highway, as the vehicle reached 70–75 mph under load, a loud whistling noise and a sudden, dangerous loss of propulsion occurred simultaneously. The vehicle was returned to the dealer on 7/10/2026. On 7/13/2026, the vehicle was picked up after a second repair where the dealer admitted the plastic charge pipe (05E-145-673-Q) was actually fractured and had completely blown off the turbocharger during my highway drive, generating fault code P227900 (Intake Air System Leak). Upon reviewing the paperwork from both visits, I discovered the odometer had only increased by exactly 1 mile during the first service visit. The dealer completely failed to road-test the vehicle under actual highway boost loads before certifying it as safe, which directly caused a catastrophic structural engine failure and an emergency safety hazard at 75 mph.
NHTSA complaint #11750349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2023 VW Taos Se has been diagnosed with head gasket failure. Denied “goodwill assistance.” I did state that VW has issued a TSB (TSB 15-23-01. I currently have 80,380 miles on the vehicle. Known engineering failure, not wear and tear.
NHTSA complaint #11744610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has intermittent hesitation/delayed acceleration from a stop and during low-speed stop-and-go driving. At times, engine RPM increases before the vehicle responds or accelerates normally. This creates a safety concern when entering traffic, turning, merging, or accelerating from a stopped position because the vehicle does not always respond predictably to throttle input. The concern was reported to a Volkswagen dealer in writing during a prior repair process and was later formally documented on a repair order as hesitation on acceleration. The vehicle has prior Volkswagen repair history involving a coolant warning/low coolant concern, head gasket repair, and later camshaft seal/belt cover repair. After the most recent repair, the delayed acceleration/hesitation concern remained unresolved. The vehicle is currently under review with Volkswagen Customer Care, but the safety-related drivability concern has not yet been fully resolved. Supporting documents include the 2025 written report of jerking from a stop, the 2026 repair order documenting hesitation on acceleration, and post-repair emails showing the issue remained unresolved. After I notified the dealer in writing that the hesitation/delayed acceleration concern remained after the most recent repair, I did not receive a documented response or resolution, and the concern remains unresolved with Volkswagen Customer Care.
NHTSA complaint #11740065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clicking noise coming from the driver side tire/axle when making right turns only. The diagnostic at the VW service department was a faulty CV axle is the cause of the noise. VW service associate recommended replacing the CV axle. The vehicle only has 6k miles but unfortunately is no longer under warranty. According to the VW forum on line there are several issues like this on this particular model.
NHTSA complaint #11738013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On April 27, 2025, in [XXX] , the vehicle displayed a low coolant warning in the morning. The owner replenished the coolant as instructed, the warning cleared, and the vehicle was driven to work without incident. Later that day, while traveling southbound on [XXX] at approximately 60 mph, the engine overheat warning activated, forcing the driver to stop and pull over. The vehicle required two separate tows — first to the residence, then to the dealership the following day. On April 30, 2025, the dealership completed a full warranty repair replacing the engine head gasket and seals under TSB 2071245/1, a Volkswagen-issued Technical Service Bulletin acknowledging a known manufacturing defect in the 2022–2023 Taos cooling system, for which there is no recall issued. A formal case was opened with VW Customer Care prior to the repair visit and is on record. This incident occurred just before the vehicle’s warranty expiration at 30,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11736809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle has ongoing drivability issues that have not been resolved despite multiple repair attempts involving engine-related components and repairs. The issue began in November 2024 while the vehicle was under warranty with coolant and engine warnings. At that time, I reported coolant loss, warning messages, hesitation during acceleration, and abnormal vehicle vibration. I was initially told no issue existed. Shortly after warranty expiration, the vehicle required a major head gasket repair in 2025 after continuing to exhibit the same coolant-related issues. In 2026, the vehicle required an additional engine-related repair involving a camshaft seal in the same area of the engine that had previously been dismantled and rebuilt. Despite these repairs, the same drivability symptoms remain. The vehicle intermittently hesitates during acceleration, particularly from a stop or during merging conditions, where engine RPM increases significantly before the vehicle responds. The vehicle also exhibits significant steering wheel and seat vibration at highway speeds and during extended driving. These conditions create a potential safety concern because the vehicle does not consistently respond as expected during acceleration and becomes unstable and uncomfortable to operate at highway speeds. The hesitation creates concern when entering traffic, crossing intersections, or attempting to accelerate in situations requiring predictable vehicle response. The issue has been repeatedly presented to the dealership and repair attempts have been performed, including major engine work, but the condition remains unresolved. The repairs were treated as separate isolated issues rather than a continuation of the original condition first reported under warranty. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately 43 days across these repairs. No loaner vehicle was provided during those periods. The vehicle remains in its current condition with unresolved issues.
NHTSA complaint #11735956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUMMARY OF SAFETY HAZARD: I am reporting a catastrophic and unpredictable loss of motive power in a 2023 Volkswagen Taos (4Motion with DQ381 DSG Transmission). The vehicle presents a critical electronic sensor failure within the transmission mechatronics unit that causes the vehicle to enter an immediate "Limp Mode" without warning. This has resulted in several near-miss incidents where the vehicle became immobilized in active traffic and on high-speed roadways. TECHNICAL DATA OF FAILURE: Factory-level ODIS diagnostic logs (recorded Feb 3 and March 17, 2026) reveal that the transmission’s "Actual position clutch 1" reports a constant value of -0.69 bar. In an automotive hydraulic system engineered for positive pressure, a reading of -0.69 bar is a physical impossibility (a vacuum state). This indicates a total failure of the pressure sensor/TCU logic, leading to the unintentional disengagement of the primary drive clutch. DECEPTIVE REPORTING RISK: Authorized service centers have been documented falsifying the safety status of this vehicle. Despite possessing internal diagnostic logs showing the -0.69 bar vacuum failure, a dealership issued a final Service Order certifying "No issues found" and stating "Actual values match." This reporting practice is forcing a vehicle with a known, documented powertrain failure back onto public roads, creating a severe life-safety risk for occupants and other motorists. The vehicle is currently grounded to prevent a collision.
NHTSA complaint #11736005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2022 vehicle with approximately 47,000 miles that experienced a sudden and dangerous mechanical failure while in operation. While driving at approximately 37 mph, a dashboard warning message appeared indicating that the vehicle required attention but could continue to be driven for a short period. Shortly after the warning, the vehicle suddenly lost the ability to maintain proper gear engagement. At one point, no gear was engaged at all, creating a hazardous driving situation. I pulled over and turned the vehicle off. After restarting it, I was able to regain limited operation; however, the vehicle would not shift beyond second gear, significantly limiting its drivability and creating an unsafe condition in traffic. This vehicle has been consistently maintained at an authorized dealership according to all recommended service intervals, with no missed or delayed maintenance. The dealership later informed me that the failure was related to the mechatronic system and SOS system. I was also told that the repair would not be covered under warranty. This incident raises serious safety concerns due to the sudden loss of power and gear function while the vehicle was in motion. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for potential defects that could affect vehicle safety and reliability. I am submitting this complaint so that the issue can be investigated and to help prevent similar incidents from affecting other drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11734067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a safety-related failure involving a 2022 Volkswagen Taos (AWD) with approximately 48,000 miles. While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle entered “transmission emergency mode” without warning. At that point, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of functionality, downshifting to D1 and including the complete loss of reverse gear. This created a hazardous situation, as I was unable to maneuver the vehicle safely on the highway and in confined or urban environments. The issue was intermittent at first but became persistent, resulting in the vehicle being effectively unsafe to operate. The inability to engage reverse presents a clear safety risk, particularly in situations requiring immediate maneuverability (e.g., parking, avoiding obstacles, or exiting traffic situations). The vehicle was taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealership, where it was diagnosed with an internal transmission failure. The diagnostic fault code provided was P176F00 (K2 clutch out of tolerance due to internal wear). The dealer indicated that the appropriate repair is a full transmission replacement, with an estimated cost of approximately $8,400. Despite the relatively low mileage and the severity of the failure, Volkswagen has declined to provide assistance, citing that the vehicle is just outside of the warranty period. The vehicle has been out of service now for 10 days with no resolution provided. This failure appears to be premature for a major drivetrain component and raises concerns about potential defects affecting the safety and reliability of this vehicle model. The sudden loss of reverse and entry into emergency mode without warning creates a potentially dangerous condition for drivers and others on the road. I am submitting this complaint to document the issue and to request investigation into whether this represents a broader safety-related defect in the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11731009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased the vehicle brand new (VW Taos 2022) and have maintained it properly. At approximately 60,000 miles—just outside the warranty period—the vehicle developed a serious transmission issue. While driving, I received a warning stating “Transmission in emergency mode” followed by a check engine light. The vehicle then entered limp mode, limiting shifting to manual gears (M2–M4) and eventually becoming stuck in M2. An authorized Volkswagen dealership diagnosed the issue as a mechatronic failure and quoted approximately $2,000 for repair. I contacted Volkswagen Customer Care to request goodwill assistance, as this represents a premature failure of a major drivetrain component. Given the relatively low mileage, the known issues associated with early model-year Taos vehicles, and the safety implications of the vehicle entering limp mode during operation, I believe this repair should not fall entirely on the consumer.
NHTSA complaint #11731074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Incident 1: Noticed hard starting one morning. After stopping for gas various engine warning lights illuminated (including EPC light). Took to VW dealer few days later, found trouble codes stored (P0148). Fuel pump replaced few days after diagnosis. Incident 2: Driving on highway for ~10 mins. Experienced total power loss, warning lights came on (including EPC). Had to pull over on left shoulder creating hazard. Engine died and would not restart after stopping. Required police intervention to move vehicle safely to right side of road. Returned to dealer for diagnosis. After 7 calendar days only found 'bad fuel line clamp causing pressure drop.' Claimed fuel line clamp replaced and road tested to validate repair. Incident 3: Driving on highway for ~10 mins again; experienced total power loss, EPC light illuminated along with other warnings. Warning appeared that engine limited to 4000 RPM. Was able to cut across 3 lanes of traffic, creating safety hazard, to safely stop in parking lot. Once speed dropped below ~20 mph engine died completely and would not restarted. Towed to dealer for 2nd time now waiting on diagnosis.
NHTSA complaint #11726132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SE 1.5T (DNKA engine, <60,000 miles, <5 years old) developed internal coolant leak from cylinder head gasket. On 11/03/2025 Smith Volkswagen, Wilmington, DE (RO 692953/1) performed coolant system pressure test and confirmed leak coming from cylinder head gasket area at rear of engine below turbo (exactly as shown in Figures 1 & 2 of VW TSB 15-23-01). Dealer noted possible related engine damage that may require complete engine replacement in addition to head gasket. Vehicle available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: loss of coolant can cause sudden engine overheating, power loss, or seizure while driving, creating risk of crash, stranding, or fire. Symptoms began November 2025 with “Check Coolant” warning; reservoir was below MIN. Added coolant once; warning has not returned, but pressure test proved ongoing internal leak. No visible external drips. This exact failure is a known manufacturing defect per Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 15-23-01 (Transaction 2071245/1, issued 08/17/2023), which states: “Original engine production head gasket design can lead to coolant leaks” and was redesigned as of engine DNKA 234 458 (July 27, 2023). Despite VW’s own bulletin documenting the defective gasket in all 2022–2023 Taos/Jetta 1.5T engines built before the fix, VW classifies the TSB as “information only” with no warranty coverage. VW Goodwill offered only 50% assistance on the $4,927 head gasket replacement and nothing toward a potential full engine replacement, leaving owner responsible for thousands of dollars in repairs on a documented factory defect in a low-mileage, young vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11703443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has had repeated issues related to the fuel system, including strong fuel odor inside the cabin, a gurgling sound coming from the fuel tank area, and recurring check engine lights shortly after a previous recall repair was completed. The most recent diagnostic from the dealer indicated a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor (G400), but I was initially told the vehicle needed a fuel pressure release valve. There has been inconsistency in the diagnostics and explanations provided to me. The fuel smell in the cabin and apparent pressure issues in the tank created a safety concern for me and my passengers, especially while driving with windows closed or using cabin heat. I am concerned about a potential fuel leak or improper tank venting. The problem has occurred multiple times, including at least five check engine lights after the recall repair. The dealer has inspected the vehicle several times, but the issue has not been fully resolved, and additional related parts (such as the tank shutoff valve) were recommended for replacement. Warning lights included repeated check engine indicators, and the fuel odor occurred each time the issue recurred. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11701839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2022 VW Taos Head Gasket failure at 63,000 miles. Coolant leaking. Potential for engine seizure/fire. Manufacturer is aware of defect (TSB 2071245/1) but refuses to assist.
NHTSA complaint #11700863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I currently lease this vehicle through Volkswagen, and it's been nothing but causing me trouble. The Engine Power Control (EPC) light comes on at random, and it significantly reduces my RPMs to the point where I cannot accelerate properly on the highway or up a hill. I have almost been t-boned after pulling out into a road, and as soon as I get on the road, the car does a "rocket ship" maneuver.
NHTSA complaint #11699979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
i got a 2022 volkswagen Taos the end of may 2025, it has been 6 months. a month after getting it i reported to the dealership that i felt like i had a wobbly tire, they looked at it and said it was fine. i have felt like it has gotten worse within the past few months so i brought it into a shop, they called me back yesterday saying i have a problem with the transmission. i’m not sure how i don’t have any warranty, but i now have to come out of pocket for the transmission. no lights came on, there was no warning. i tried driving it home after and its shifting so badly it’s now not safe to drive and im scared ill be in an accident. so im forced to fix the issue now. i’m having it sent to the dealership today but wanted to make a report to have this vehicle recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11699352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've been having issues with my car since I bought it. I've taken the car in for the Power Train System, and the codes that come up are P0456 and P2421. This car has a mind of its own. I've driven it and it started lagging, and I went into limp mode just crossing a 2 way stop with ongoing traffic. I don't understand how VW doesn't address this problem when I know that if anyone were in my shoes, they wouldn't have dealt with this, going to the dealership 3,4 times a year when I should only be going in frequently for oil changes. The dealership says after my warranty is over, I have to pay out of pocket, but I don't see why, when it's been an ongoing issue and VW needs to have an extended warranty, because I know I am not the only one with issues. Reddit has thousands of complaints about VW, but it's our problem that they couldn't produce a reliable car. The dealership has been aware of this for 4 years since I bought my car in June 2021. I have had the engine light come on every 3 -5 months since June 2021, and it's always the same when they replace a whole part. I have all the paperwork and all the information on what they perform on my car. I am a regular. citizen, and I only make around 30K a year, if I were able to, I would get another car, but I've literally invested 20K in this car, and it's ridiculous how unreliable and how I constantly have to worry if the car will work. I don't have a scanner, so I uploaded how many times I've been to the dealership for one car.
NHTSA complaint #11696396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 VW Taos leased in June 2023 - needed to replace brakes 2 years (June 2025) into owning the car. Inspection would not pass without them. This is an excessively quick wear that cost me over $600 for a leased vehicle that should be just basic ownership during 3 year lease. August 2025 - Brought in for an oil change and a coolant yellow light on dashboard. Our local mechanic would not touch the coolant issue as he said it seems to be related to a head gasket leak. The 2022 model had many issues with this problem, however no issues are reported on the 2023 Taos. I have had to find another vehicle to drive and wait 5 days to get it into our local VW dealership, who told us it was OK to drive without even looking at the vehicle. No thank you! We called VW and if in fact this is a head gasket, it would be covered under warranty. These are each pretty serious safety concerns and needs to be reported for future owners of this vehicle. Not interested in another VW after these incidents. We are a first time leaser of them - thank goodness it wasn't a purchase.
NHTSA complaint #11683152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.