Volkswagen problems
Volkswagen AG (German: ⓘ), known internationally as the Volkswagen Group, is a German public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, engines and turbomachinery. Headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, and since the late 2000s is a publicly-traded family business owned by Porsche SE, which in turn is half-owned but fully controlled by the Austrian-German Porsche and Piëch family. The company also offers related services, including financing, leasing, and fleet management. In 2016, it was the world's largest automaker by sales, and keeping this title in 2017, 2018, and 2019, selling 10.9 million vehicles and was the largest automaker by revenue in 2022. It has maintained the largest market share in Europe for over two decades. It ranked seventh in the 2020 Fortune Global 500 list of the world's largest companies. In Forbes Global 2000 2023 Volkswagen Group ranked 29th.
The Volkswagen Group sells passenger cars under the Audi, Bentley, Cupra, Jetta, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Škoda and Volkswagen brands, motorcycles under the Ducati name, light commercial vehicles under the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, and heavy commercial vehicles via the marques of the listed subsidiary Traton (Navistar, MAN, Scania and Volkswagen Truck & Bus). It is divided into two primary divisions: the Automotive Division and the Financial Services Division. As of 2008, it had about 342 subsidiary companies. Volkswagen also has three joint ventures in China, FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC Volkswagen and Volkswagen Anhui. The company has operations in roughly 150 countries, and it has 100 production facilities across 27 countries.
Volkswagen was founded in Berlin in 1937 and incorporated in Wolfsburg to manufacture the car that would become known as the Beetle. The company's production grew rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1965, it acquired Auto Union, which subsequently produced the first postwar Audi models. Volkswagen launched a new generation of front-wheel drive vehicles in the 1970s, including the Passat, Polo and Golf; the last became its bestseller. Volkswagen acquired a controlling stake in SEAT in 1986, making it the first non-German marque of the company, and acquired control of Škoda in 1994, of Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti in 1998, Scania in 2008 and of Ducati, MAN, and Porsche in 2012. The company's operations in China have grown rapidly in the past decade, with the country becoming its largest market.
in 2015, Volkswagen was discovered to have used defeat devices to deceive environmental regulators about how much NOx its cars were emitting. The company was fined billions of dollars.
Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft is a public company and has a primary listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, where it is a constituent of the Euro Stoxx 50 stock market index, and a secondary listings on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and SIX Swiss Exchange. It has been traded in the United States via American depositary receipts since 1988, currently on the OTC Marketplace. Volkswagen delisted from the London Stock Exchange in 2013. The government of Lower Saxony holds 12.7% of the company's shares, granting it, by law, 20% of the voting rights.
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Volkswagen models
Common Volkswagen problems
Based on the complaints from Volkswagen owners, several common problems have been identified with Volkswagen cars. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Timing Belt Defect: Volkswagen cars have been known to experience timing belt defects prematurely, leading to potential serious engine problems. This issue can manifest as clunking noises in the front of the vehicle, indicating problems with the suspension strut mount or rear springs.
- Oil Sludge: Certain Volkswagen models, particularly early 2000 Passats, have been prone to engine failure due to oil sludge buildup. This problem typically arises between 70,000 and 90,000 miles and can be prevented by adhering to manufacturer guidelines on oil changes and types of oil used.
- Wiring Harness Shorts: In some 2006 Jetta models, wiring harness shorts have been reported as an issue after exceeding 100,000 miles. Electrical problems like this should always be inspected by a qualified repair shop to prevent further complications.
- Airbag Malfunction Light: Another problem seen in the 2006 Jetta is the airbag malfunction light staying on, which can indicate issues with the airbag system. This problem usually arises around 100,000 miles and should be addressed promptly by a repair shop to ensure the airbag functions correctly.
- Coil Failure: The 2004 Passat has been known to experience coil failure issues around 75,000 miles. Repair shops often keep these coils in stock due to the common occurrence of this problem. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to such issues can help prevent or resolve these problems effectively.
By being aware of these common problems with Volkswagen cars, owners can stay vigilant and address any issues promptly to ensure the longevity and performance of their vehicles. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial in mitigating these common issues.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen models:
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Volkswagen Passat
- Volkswagen Jetta sportwagen
- Volkswagen New beetle
- Volkswagen Tiguan
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Volkswagen cars:
Distribution of Volkswagen car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Volkswagen related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Volkswagen cars are the following:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Volkswagen vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Volkswagen models
A total of 1304 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Volkswagen models
There were a total of 919 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Volkswagen models
There were a total of 1462 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Volkswagen models
There were a total of 41 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 34099 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Volkswagen. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Volkswagen models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Volkswagen models
Volkswagen Id.4 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WVGJNPE25NP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My cars screen which is digital and radio screen went blank , I couldn't see anything such as speedometer and could not control my climate air conditioning to clear the windshield. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and turned off my car then when I turned the car back on,,, the screen restarted like a computer and I was able to drive safely.. it happened two times on July and August 2024. My car is brand new when I got it and has approximately 22K mile when it happened, it 25K mile now. I took it to the Volkswagen dealership it they did not take my car to diagnose because they said that their is recall already regarding the issue and their is no fix available at that time ...
Volkswagen Atlas 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1V2DR2CA1RC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Vehicle has randomly applied emergency breaking with the Forward Collision Warning System activating when no vehicles, pedestrians, animals, or objects were present to initiate this safety feature. This has happened in October of 2023, March of 2024, and August of 2024. Infotainment System has been replaced once to address several issues. These issues have not being resolved. Vehicle is currently at VW for the 9th+ time to rectify multiple issues with vehicle. Have started the Lemon Law process for this vehicle.
Volkswagen Beetle 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3VWJ17AT3HM
- Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hi, one time the car wheel turned extra and the gas went extra fast. I also had several devices on my car through blue tooth that were not mine and mirror link kept checking and AUX. This is conjunction with 3 years of hacking (that I think is technically-assisted abuse) with smart home hub, surveillance, spyware on phone and hacked emails. Tried filling out IC3.gov form to no avail. Took car twice to Volkswagan dealer in Springfield, Pa and paid $100 twice to clear the dashboard but it kept happening with ROAV-FR3 and something FM-FORMAN (cant recall names) and Keyless car detective. Then I paid to remove the car radio. Then I found a Navaro device on passenger side under seat but dealer refused to remove it and when I called Volkswagen from there they said only the dealer knows where the vehicle embedded sim is. They do not know how to check software and say 'it is uncharted territory.' I do not feel safe. There are no laws regarding car hacking and smart home abuse and I am now writing a book for women about it so they are not gas lighted and can get help. This can be a deadly mistake and there needs to be an easy inexpensive place for someone to have their car checked for malware, sim or SD card. Please help. There was a police report but I do not have it. It was on 10/20/24 with colonial Chris McWilliams State police Middletown, PA 19063. He said Navaro device was factory installed but Volkswagan said it was not. Mechanic said it was a satellite radio device
Volkswagen Atlas cross sport 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1V2GC2CA6MC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The recall has been an ongoing issue; since I am from a smaller valley, Imperial Valley, my dealership has not been able to provide the parts for the repair, this is a major recall seeing as the passenger seat airbag may not deploy. I see no urgency to repair and no customer care. I personally have had to call the dealership asking for updates multiple times and no one is able to assist with the repair due to not having parts. I use my vehicle to rent on the TURO app and this has held up part of my income due to not being able to list the vehicle due to the safety concern. A prompt response or repair would greatly be appreciated from the dealer if they truly car about the safety of their customers.
Volkswagen Golf 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3VW217AUXFM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When I turn on the ignition it says on the screen Starting system fault please service the vehicle.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3VW217AUXFM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When I turn on the ignition it says on the screen Starting system fault please service the vehicle.
Volkswagen Golf r 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3VW217AUXFM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When I turn on the ignition it says on the screen Starting system fault please service the vehicle.
Volkswagen Touareg 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WVGCM77L04D
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Hello: this is the 2nd VW TOUAREG this year to repair so far, this one is a 2004 model that I have had to replace complete left & right xenon headlamp assembly Very pricy. Wiring insulation turns brittle, cracks & falls off inside the headlamp assembly, This allows the bare wires to touch & short causing fuses to blow shutting off headlamps while driving at night. This I think should be recalled, I have fixed 5 of these TOUAREGs in 4 years for this same problem. THANK YOU 10/24/24
Volkswagen Atlas 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1V2JP2CA7PC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I bought my car about 5 months ago. 3 weeks ago while merging onto the beltway, MY CAR SHUT OFF. I took it to the dealership and they kept it 9 days. They did absolutely NOTHING. I contacted corporate they are doing NOTHING. this has happened twice. It's an intermittent issue and all VW has to say is that "since there is no fault code and they cannot duplicate the issue" there's nothing they can do. Online I've found several others with the same issue. I sent screenshots and links to YouTube videos of several others with the SAME issue and they still do not care. I told them what other dealers did to fix this safety issue and they won't do anything, even though the car is under warranty. They told me the car is fine even though I was nearly in a 4 car accident. This is a MAJOR safety issue in VW cars. My car note is $950 and I don't feel safe driving my car.
Volkswagen Id.4 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1V2JNPE87PC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: As I was driving, the infotainment screen went black and Apple CarPlay stopped playing. As this happened, the driver’s information screen still worked but changed to grey scale colors. After about 4 minutes of the infotainment screen being black, the driver’s info screen also went black. This continued for about one more minute when both screens rebooted on their own.
Volkswagen Id.4 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1V2CMPE86PC
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: My cars backup cameras have never worked properly and the dealer keeps changing me $485.00 to run a complete diagnostic every time I take it in. My car will erratically pulled to the right for no reason and caused the right front tire to blow forcing me to have it towed to the dealer and they had to replace both front tires which cost me $900.00 to replace. The car locked up the brakes and turned it to the right causing me to sever my left outer thumb which has cost me over $700.00 so far and is going to require me to have 4+ hours of surgery on my thumb by a surgeon and they haven't given me the cost of the surgery yet but it is estimated at over $7,000.00 and I am left handed and doesn't allow me to use that hand to hold the steering wheel or anything else.
Volkswagen Id.4 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1V2FMPE86PC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The door handle is an electronic button with a manual lever for the door to open in case there is no power or an emergency when a rescuer needs to open the door. I noticed only 1 door handle could do this and brought in for repair. The rest requires a lot more strength and 3 of the 4 doors work, but the dealership is reluctantly replacing the failed door handle. There are many who have the same issue but many who aren’t aware the potential danger during an emergency.
Volkswagen Id.4 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1V2WNPE8XPC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: All instrument panels and electric panels turn black. It is not replicable, it is not predictable, and there is no fix yet available. I have been in touch with VW and my dealer multiple times, and they do not have a fix. My dealer asked me to escalate the issue to the corporate side of VW and I did - they told me that I should take it into service. We got the service center on the line and they told them the same thing they told me: there is no fix available for this issue. As we go into winter, this has now become a CRITICAL safety issue. I cannot safely drive my vehicle, particularly in the snow or in the mountains, where I live. I am appalled at their lack of regard for this issue, and have requested to trade my vehicle in for the model that does not have the issue. They have informed me that is not an option. I am at a loss - I have a vehicle that I pay for that I cannot reliably drive. I have to drive my other leased vehicle so much that we are well over the mileage. This cannot continue like this.
Volkswagen Jetta 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3VWNM7BUXNM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My car only had twelve thousand miles on it when the problem started with the rear brakes. They were at an eight and in less than two weeks time they started dragging not fully disengaging and went down to a one. Screeching. I looked it up and seems to be a common problem. If it is common and VW is aware of it not only affecting my specific model but other models as well. I believe it should be addressed and figure out a way to stop it. It messes with my fuel economy as well as goes thru pads way sooner than what they should. Which is gonna be costly over time.
Volkswagen Atlas 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1V2PR2CA3MC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I have had issue after issue with this car ever since I got it. Within the first year of my lease, my car was at the dealership for 4 to 5 months. Most of it in one long stint. The vehicle was consistently having problems. All the while, I’m paying for a car I wasn’t even able to drive for a huge chunk of year 1. One time, the car completely shut down and stopped in the middle of the freeway with my three young children in the car with me. The brakes on this car have been an issue since I bought it as well. Not only have the brakes squeaked the entire time I’ve owned the car, VW has since come out and said that the brakes are defective but they’re unwilling to offer any solution. There have been factory issues with this vehicle many many times that have caused real safety issues. Rarely did Volkswagon actually offer any sort of fix or realistic timeline for when I can expect things to be addressed. Even in some cases, they just completely ignored me as if I’m just a number and not an actual customer Who drives his children in this car. This was my third Volkswagen. I have always sang the praises of VW. But this experience has quite literally made me never want to buy another Volkswagon product again. I have about nine payments remaining on my lease and I am anxious to move on to a better safer vehicle with a brand that does right by the consumer. Volkswagon told me that even with all of what I’ve been through with Volkswagon, which is on the record by the way in the form of repair orders, as well as cost to customer service, I did not qualify for a buyback on my vehicle. Nor would they let me just return my lease. The dealership has basically said that their hands are tied. And corporate has repeatedly done nothing, and turned me away. I asked that you guys step in not only for me in particular, but for all the other Volkswagon owners who are unhappy. And there are many. Especially those who drive the same make, and model is me, the atlas. Thank you.
Latest 5 Volkswagen recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1213 recalls involving various Volkswagen models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volkswagen Atlas 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-27
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
- Consequence: An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen Customer Relations at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 471F.
- Model: Volkswagen Atlas cross sport 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-27
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
- Consequence: An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen Customer Relations at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 471F.
- Model: Volkswagen Id.4 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-04
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The door handles may allow water to enter the circuit board assembly, which can cause the doors to open unexpectedly.
- Consequence: A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while driving increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Volkswagen dealers will inspect and replace the door handles as necessary, and update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57J9. This recall expands previous recall numbers 23V-312 and 23V-213. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-312 and 23V-213 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- Model: Volkswagen Id.4 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-04
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The door handles may allow water to enter the circuit board assembly, which can cause the doors to open unexpectedly.
- Consequence: A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while driving increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Volkswagen dealers will inspect and replace the door handles as necessary, and update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57J9. This recall expands previous recall numbers 23V-312 and 23V-213. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-312 and 23V-213 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- Model: Volkswagen Id.4 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-04
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The door handles may allow water to enter the circuit board assembly, which can cause the doors to open unexpectedly.
- Consequence: A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while driving increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Volkswagen dealers will inspect and replace the door handles as necessary, and update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57J9. This recall expands previous recall numbers 23V-312 and 23V-213. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-312 and 23V-213 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen?