Volkswagen TAOS Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Volkswagen TAOS options? We analyzed 5 model years (2022–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Volkswagen TAOS has 495 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls across model years 2022–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2022 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Volkswagen
- Model
- TAOS
- Model years analyzed
- 2022–2026 (5 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 495
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2022 (317 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (11 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Volkswagen TAOS: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe VOLKSWAGEN TAOS has 495 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. 9 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 495 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 9 federal recall campaigns
- 9 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
9 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:PRESSURE SENSOR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:PRESSURE SENSOR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SUSPENSION
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2022–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 495 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
495 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
There was a safety recall on the 2025 VW Taos that I drive ([XXX]). On XXX an incident occurred causing a gear shift. The vehicle was dropped off at to Kelly Volkswagen in [XXX], [XXX] on XXX. The gear shift issue cause damage to the back on the vehicle. The collision center gave me a quote 3,600 dollars to fix the car. I hold VW responsible for what happen to the car. I was told that this is being investigate and I have not received a resolution yet. To backtrack, I did not get the Vehicle back until XXX from the collision center. VW did not make any attempt to reach out to the collision center to assess the findings. on XXX, the same thing occurred with the vehicle the gear was in drive and shift to reverse, I'm lucky I was a space where I was able to stop on time before the care hit any object. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The brake pedal failed and went to the floor; the vehicle would not brake. The service center identified the issue as a problem with the master cylinder. The vehicle had been serviced at an authorized service center every 10,000 miles. This incident occurred while driving and posed a threat to life and safety; the vehicle is a 2025 model.
My Toas since purchase, will lose its safety features for an indefinite amount of time. It will come back and go away. I have photo documentation of this. It will also at random times apply the brakes because it thinks I'm going to collide with something when nothing is there. This vehicle is faulty
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Taos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V258000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The parts for the recall repair were on back order. The contact stated that two local dealers were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I rented this car from Enterprise. When I pulled out of the rental car facility, the car lurched forward. I applied the brakes. The car slowed down but did not stop and I rolled out into the street to the right. Enterprise is on the top of the hill and Pacific Coast Highway is at the bottom. The trolley and train tracks are close by. It is my habit to tap the brakes before any tracks even when there are no warning signals. When I tapped the brakes on the Taos, there was no response. Once I was over the tracks, I applied the brakes again and again, with no response. The car was rolling faster and faster down the hill. I determined it would be dangerous to attempt a right turn on Pacific Coast Highway with oncoming traffic and likely against the traffic light, or to cross the highway. I decided the safest course of action was to drive into a fenced, but empty, lot on the corner. I tried shoving the gear into park but it had no effect. The car stopped when it hit a fence post on the corner lot. Interestingly, the vehicle did not warn of any impending collision. The air bags did not deploy.
My 2025 Volkswagen Taos is exhibiting active symptoms of a known safety recall involving electrical system malfunctions. The vehicle experienced multiple failures including the instrument cluster going blank, screens shutting off, and a false start condition where the dashboard illuminated with multiple warning lights. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing to a Volkswagen dealership. The dealership confirmed that the symptoms are consistent with the current recall but stated there is no available remedy at this time. They insist the vehicle be returned to me after only charging the battery, without any repair addressing the recall condition. I refused. I do not consider the vehicle safe to operate given the ongoing electrical failures and lack of an available fix. This complaint is being filed because a recalled vehicle is actively experiencing the defect, and the manufacturer is unable to provide a repair or safe interim solution.
Read 14 more owner reports
Driving south on [XXX] and was hit on the front driver side by a vehicle that jumped lanes while traveling north bound on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
While driving with my ACC activated to 71MPH, I was pulled over by Mass state police and told that my speed was between 76-81MPH. I've since confirmed the statement of the officer to be accurate by comparing the displayed vehicle speed is lower than what's displayed on apps such as Waze and google maps. Citation [XXX] was issued by the officer INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving down the interstate I noticed that the speed in my Taos was not matching what google maps or apple maps was showing. It is very difficult to figure out. I noticed this more than once. Even If I am going below the speed limit that is only shows me not speeding. The interstate I was on was a speed of 70. Normally I am at 75 both map systems were showing 78-80. I would adjust to below 70 and everything matched then. Something in the taos is not accurate and is off. I am always fearful that I am going to get pulled over being to under/over the speed. Even using the digital speedometer in the vehicle, it is not showing the correct speed. This causes me to be at risk for tickets and unnecessary fines. My 2021 Hyundai Elantra did not have this issue. It was digital and alway accurate. The taos is not. From my understanding Volkswagen is aware and don't care. I plan on to sell it before anymore issue come up like my grinding front brakes under 5,000 miles. I am done.
The speedometer on the new 2025 Volkswagen Taos undervalues the speed by 5%. For example, if the SUV speedometer says 40 mph the actual speed of the vehicle is 42 mph. This seems to be a known problem on new Taos vehicles but is not being addressed by Volkswagen. They are saying legally a 10% variance is allowed and the vehicle passes electrical tests. This problem has been reported to corporate and two dealerships and has a case number. Speed was noticed by driver after going the speed limit on a street near a baseball field with a sign and flashing speedometer. Waze and Google Maps gps also confirm the 5% variance. This problem causes unintentional speeding, reduced reaction time and stopping distance, difficulty matching traffic flow and misjudgment of vehicle control.
During a routine multi-point inspection, my 2024 Volkswagen Taos rear brake pads were found completely worn down to 1mm at just over 24,000 miles. Premature rear brake pad wear on 2022–2024 VW Taos vehicles is a widely documented defect that degrades braking performance, increases stopping distances, and poses a serious safety risk if pads wear down to metal-on-metal unnoticed. Volkswagen issued a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty extension for this exact issue. However, because my mileage slightly exceeds 24,000 miles, both the dealership service manager and Volkswagen Corporate Customer Care refused to cover the repair or file a goodwill claim, leaving me with a $978.97 dealer repair quote. Premature rear pad failure at barely 24k miles represents a defective component that should be subject to a safety recall.
1. Wipers go off randomly when its in off position. And gets worse in hot, sunny weather. 2 windows go all the way down when trying to go up. Worse during the rain. 3. Lane assist deactivating in early morning or during the rain when I need them most.
I have a 2024 Volkswagen Taos, stock tires and rims, I reported a difference in the vehicles speed that scales at 50mph (speedometer) and every GPS reading 53, at 60mph the GPS reads 64, at 70 GPS reads 76, and at 80 the GPS reads 87, well...86 is what I was ticketed for, 86 in a 70, admittedly it was my fault, I believed I was doing 80, the radar gun said 87/88 but the officer was kind enough to only ticket me for 15 over, 16 would have gotten me impounded. I thought theres no way, but I review my dashcam (which also shows speed) and it recorded 88, in Ohio under 15 is speeding, 16mph over the posted limit is reckless driving, 8 mph is a lot, so far one dealership (Evans VW Dayton OH) and Volkswagen customer "care" have said nothing can be done because the vehicle isn't reporting an error, but i found online that this a knows issue with their 2024 Taos model, I tell them that and they refused to investigate.
The center console repeatedly displays the message "Emergency call cannot be made." The message first appeared in approximately a few months after starting the lease and has recurred since. When it appears it interrupts navigation guidance and audio playback, and it can repeat several times during a single drive, including while driving at highway speed. The repeated alerts are a distraction while driving. The emergency call (SOS) system does not function reliably. I cannot depend on it to summon assistance after a crash, which is the purpose of the system. The vehicle was taken to several authorized VW dealers. They said this is a known issue and had little to offer. I contacted VW directly who helped change the network configuration on the telematics unit. The fault stopped for approximately 6 month and then returned. It is currently occurring on a regular basis. The vehicle has approximately 10,000 miles. No crash, fire, or injury has resulted.
I have been to the dealership numerous times since buying the vehicle over engine issues. Typically what happens is either the epc, check engine light, or both come on. All advanced driver systems turn off and the car enters limp mode where I can barely get it above 30 mph. The first time I was told it was an issue with spark plugs. The second time I was told a part did not get put back on correctly after changing my oil. The third time I was told spark plugs at first but when I reminded them they had changed them less than a year ago I was told it was bad gas. I had the dept of agriculture in MS check the gas at the station and it was fine. Then it happened again and I was told again bad gas. There have been numerous reports of similar on social media I have photos and pdfs of the reports but could not upload them all.
I am filing this complaint because Volkswagen is refusing to honor its factory powertrain warranty to cover a catastrophic internal engine failure on a vehicle with only 22,531 miles. The vehicle is well within its manufacturer's powertrain warranty limits. I have provided Volkswagen with two official receipts proving routine oil changes, GEICO insurance records proving the accident caused no front-end or engine damage, and an official email from Volkswagen stating there were no pre-existing issues with the vehicle. Furthermore, the engine issues align closely with known fuel system and engine defects currently being litigated in the class-action lawsuit Hardy v. Volkswagen. The vehicle suffered an acute mechanical/electronic failure the engine revved past 4,000 RPM, but the vehicle experienced severe sputtering, shaking, and minimal forward propulsion. The EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light illuminated on the dashboard. Volkswagen dealership at middletown even states via email as attached can not determine the exact cause of the failure.
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V473000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Brake grinding constantly Infotainment overheating and shutting down Additional money on car insurance due to android auto failure with infotainment system Odometer doubling milage during infotainment failures Wipers going by themselves Windows go down when pressing up SOS BOX making random beeping noises Driver Chair constantly sinking back down Warning lights constantly coming on
Since the first weeks of ownership, my 2024 Volkswagen Taos has exhibited a persistent brake system defect: loud metallic grinding/scraping/squealing noise when braking, vibration when braking, and sensation that brakes are not engaging properly. The defect affects both front and rear brakes. At approximately 9,000 miles, the authorized dealer found the left rear brake caliper stuck and worn out — replaced caliper, pads, and rotors. The problem recurred within 3 weeks. On the second visit (10,673 miles), dealer found brake material contacting rotors but performed no repair. On the third visit (12,766 miles), the Service Manager personally documented the repair order and stated the condition was found “similar with similar vehicles” and the vehicle was “operating as designed” — an admission that this is a known issue in similar Taos vehicles. The defect persists today at over 19,000 miles after 4 dealer visits without resolution. I have video recordings documenting the noise from December 2025 through June 2026. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Showing 20 of 495 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Volkswagen TAOS
These pages show model-year patterns across 5 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Volkswagen TAOS, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Volkswagen TAOS has 495 complaints on record across 5 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Volkswagen TAOS has 9 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 9 of the Volkswagen TAOS's 495 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Volkswagen TAOS vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Volkswagen TAOS vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Volkswagen TAOS has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Volkswagen TAOS by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Volkswagen TAOS.
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Volkswagen TAOS reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Volkswagen TAOS reliable?
Poor. The Volkswagen TAOS has 495 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Volkswagen TAOS years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2022 (317 complaints), 2023 (109 complaints), 2024 (55 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Volkswagen TAOS problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (199 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (116 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (99 complaints).
Does the Volkswagen TAOS have recalls?
Yes — 9 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Volkswagen TAOS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.