Volkswagen Taos problems

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The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was first released in October 2018 as the Volkswagen Tharu in China, while the Taos was released in October 2020 as a restyled version of the Tharu for the North American, South American, and Russian markets. In the brand's lineup, the vehicle is positioned below the Tiguan, and in South America and China above the T-Cross. It is not marketed in core European market.

The Taos is named after Taos, New Mexico. The Tharu name is derived after the eponymous Tharu people, an ethnic group indigenous to Nepal and Northern India.

Overview

The Taos/Tharu is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB A1, with its platform closely related and several sheet metals shared with the SEAT Ateca, Škoda Karoq and the Jetta VS5. Known as the 'Project Tarek' during development, the Taos/Tharu is considered the first Chinese-developed VW product that is sold outside China. Volkswagen's brand sales chief Jürgen Stackmann said the project "turned from a regional project into a global project." Global annual sales for the vehicle were projected at 400,000 units.

photo of Volkswagen Taos car production

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Volkswagen Taos model years

volkswagen taos 2023 photo
Taos 2023
Volkswagen

41

0

26

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen taos 2022 photo
Taos 2022
Volkswagen

204

6

46

1.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Volkswagen Taos problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Volkswagen Taos, several common problems have been reported:

  • Engine Misfire: Complaints indicate that the 2022 Taos has had issues with engine misfires, resulting in the vehicle decelerating and displaying warning lights such as the check engine light, EPC light, and traction control light. Engine misfires can affect the performance and reliability of the car, potentially leading to further damage if not addressed promptly.
  • Infotainment System Malfunctions: Several reports mention problems with the infotainment system of the 2022 Taos, including the screen going black, audio issues, and the need for manual resets to restore functionality. Malfunctions in the infotainment system can be frustrating for drivers, impacting their overall driving experience and convenience.
  • Electrical Accessories: Complaints highlight issues with various electrical accessories in the 2022 Taos, such as the radio not operating correctly, requiring manual reboots, and intermittent problems with the MIBIII system. Electrical accessory malfunctions can be disruptive and affect the usability of essential features in the vehicle.

These common problems reported by owners of the Volkswagen Taos underscore the importance of addressing potential reliability issues in the vehicle. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any warning signs can help mitigate these problems and ensure a safer and more reliable driving experience.

Volkswagen Taos

Is a Volkswagen Taos a reliable car?

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos has a predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

How many miles will a Volkswagen Taos last?

Typically, you will find that the Volkswagen Taos will last around 200,000 miles, with the high mileage point being around 150,000 miles and the good mileage point at 130,000 miles. The more maintenance you put into your vehicle, the more you will get out of the experience.

Do VW Taos hold value?

How much is a 2022 Volkswagen Taos worth? The value of a used 2022 Volkswagen Taos ranges from $17,515 to $26,617, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

Is there a recall on the 2024 Taos?

2024 Volkswagen Taos Recalls

There have been no safety recalls issued from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Taos years

We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Taos cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Volkswagen Taos model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Taos model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Taos years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Volkswagen Taos car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Taos , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Taos vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Taos model years

A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Taos model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 245 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Taos . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Taos vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Volkswagen Taos 2023
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-04
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
  • VIN: 3VV2X7B25PM
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: On August 4th, 2024 Volkswagen Taos coolant reservoir at 17,348 miles was nearly empty. Went to closest dealership, which could not set appointment to look at until October 21. Every couple hundred of miles, I have had to refill the coolant level. The VW Taos was finally able to be diagnosed with a head gasket failure on October 21, 2024 with 22,359 miles. The parts and fix are a couple of months out, with no current ETA. Was given back vehicle to drive in the meantime. This is a major safety issue, as the gasket could completely fail at any time. This is also causing premature wear on the engine, as coolant will be leaking into the oil. The manufacture, Volkswagen, was contacted and unable to offer any assistance and told to keep driving in the meantime, since the dealer gave me back the vehicle.
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
  • VIN: 3VVCX7B28NM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: The radio system constantly blanks out and will not come back on for hours even after trying to turn it off and back on. There are major issues that point to the recalls that are known for the 2022 VE Taos however, there are no recalls for my specific vehicle. The vehicle check engine light is constantly on and there is constantly an issue with the fuel system. The Taos has issues with acceleration and shifting into other gears. The Taos now has a ticking sound and is at the mile range of (50,000- 60,000) which others who have complained about engine failures. This has been a current and ongoing problem with this vehicle and has cause a headache.
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-28
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-28
  • VIN: 3VVCX7B25NM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: I recently started experiencing a delay in acceleration after my car has stopped at a light or stop sign. The car doesn’t immediately accelerate when the gas pedal is used but then it catches and takes off lunging forward very quickly. The has caused many close calls especially with left hand turns. I have almost been hit multiple times due to the car not going and oncoming traffic continuing. I have also almost rear ended other drivers due to the surge of acceleration when the car finally takes off. I took my car to the dealer for an oil change and brought this to their attention. They told me it was a known issue, particularly with the Volkswagen Taos. They said they had several vehicles come in for inspection citing the same problem. So I assumed they would have a solution since it is a known issue, but I was told there was nothing they could do to fix it. They told me this was why my check engine light was on when I brought my vehicle in, they tested for errors, found none, turned the light off, and sent me on my way with my vehicle still experiencing this “turbo lag”. I goggled the issue and there is a lot of information online and reports of the same experience but no solutions. Does someone need to die before car manufacturers are held accountable to fixing this? It is documented with the dealership that I had concerns about this and I will be taking legal action should an accident occur because of this issue because this isn’t right. They literally told me, “I would hate to charge you money for us to do work on your car knowing we cannot fix it.” And of course the issue didn’t show up until my car hit a certain number of miles. I bought the car brand new in 2021 and have maintained the required servicing.
Volkswagen Taos 2023
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
  • VIN: 3VV2X7B23PM
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
  • Summary: a low coolant light went on . Brought car in and head gasket and rear brake pads need to be replaced. the car has 16000 miles on it. This is unacceptable. !!!!!!!!!!!! I would like to know if the car will be replaced with the same faulty brake pads and the same faulty head gasket. These are know issues so why hasn't VW fixed both these parts and why would I want to same ones in my car that are known to be faulty.
Volkswagen Taos 2023
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
  • VIN: 3VVNX7B25PM
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: On 9/5/2024 I brought the vehicle into the dealer for the 30000 mile service. Upon inspection the dealer found the rear brake pads were badly worn and needed replacement and that they were not under warranty and that I would be responsible for the cost. In February 2024 Volkswagen sent me a notice that they were extending the warranty on the rear pads to 24000 mi / 2 years from 12000 mi / 1year but did not indicate why. I referenced this notice to the dealer and stated I thought the pads should be covered as even though I had 30000 miles on the vehicle it was only 18 months old and that the large discrepancy between the front and rear brake pads 10 mm vs 2 mm showed that the rear pads were subpar. That has gone nowhere. I have been trying to negotiate some kind of middle ground on this but with no resolution a this point. I realize the Web is not always a reliable source of information but I have found incidents similar to mine which also include two other issues that my vehicle has : Head gasket failure causing coolant leaks - this was found on my vehicle with repairs scheduled as soon as the parts come in. And severe hesitation during acceleration which was identified as a turbo issue which was corrected by an “ adaptation “ of the turbo which I should monitor ongoing which leads me to believe this could be a continuing issue. These two repairs were under warranty. Both of these issues pose concerning safety and performance issues. And a previous problem with the display screen that shows the backup camera, which was corrected after repeated visits . All these issues on the vehicle less than 2 years old cause me great concern about it being a safe car ongoing. I hope you find this information useful. Thank you
Volkswagen Taos 2023
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-21
  • VIN: 3VVEX7B26PM
  • Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: I was attempting to turn left across on coming traffic, plenty of room safety wise. The engine lagged and would not speed up. Pedal almost the the floor and I was going maybe 5 mph, the car was barley rolling and had the two cars coming not been paying attention I would have been tboned. Once through the intersection the vehicle aggressively sped up. Took the vehicle into the dealership they had it 28 days, confirmed they felt the engine lag and ran diagnostics and couldn’t find anything wrong but whatever they did fixed it for about 3 weeks and now the engine is lagging again.
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-07
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
  • VIN: 3VV2X7B22NM
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Rear brakes had premature brake pad wear and needed to be replaced at 11k miles and 14 months of vehicle ownership (Dec 2023) - warranty extension was granted due to low miles and length of owners. Once again rear brakes have premature pad wear and need to be replaced at 19k miles and 2 years of ownership. This has cost has been denied by both the dealership and VW. Premature rear brake pad wear (replacing pads every 7-9k miles) is a defect, not an anomoly.
Volkswagen Taos 2023
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
  • VIN: 3VVNX7B26PM
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: The vehicle has 8000 miles on it and was sold to me knowing it had a well known head gasket problem. The vehicle has acceleration and overheating problems when it runs out of coolant which is leaking. The problem has been confirmed by suburban Vw in Farmington hills Michigan and it has been in service there since [XXX]. I reported the problem 8 months after purchase but they were unable to take it in due to many different reasons including lack of spare parts, not enough staff and no rental cars. I have had to top the coolant up on 5 occasions and have had leaks and stains on my garage floor which I reported INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-13
  • VIN: 3VVAX7B28NM
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the infotainment system screen display inadvertently turned black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the infotainment system screen needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the part; however, the rearview camera became inoperable after the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a software update was being developed to correct the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
  • VIN: 3VVCX7B20NM
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Always running low on coolant Must have head gasket issues, dealer been saying no issues but been having to top off coolant
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
  • VIN: 3VVRX7B25NM
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Driving uphill on the highway at 80 mph with cruise control on. I then turned the cruise control off. Vehicle lost complete engine power and could no longer accelerate. All the warning lights came on, vehicle displayed “max rpm 4000x” with little speed left on vehicle I was able to move to the shoulder of highway and park. The vehicle displayed EPC light and “Please start engine manually” after several minutes I restarted vehicle it did start but it was delayed. I resumed my commute and after getting off the highway I came to a complete stop at the stop sign and when I accelerated the vehicle felt like the brakes got slammed on and it jerked, while a vehicle was following close behind me. Extreme safety hazard
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-03
  • VIN: 3VVRX7B28NM
  • Components: ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: I purchased this vehicle new in Jan 2022. I have had multiple issues with sensors needing to be replaced, auto start/stop not working properly, coolant light flashing on and off intermittently Feb 2023 recall - owner manual insert April 2023 recall - software update Oct 2023 check engine light coming on - needed N80 valve Dec 2023 auto start not working - dealer states no fault codes Dec 28, 2023 auto start still not working, pushed for more thorough evaluation - found a P019600 fault (engine oil temp sensor), they had a tech service bulletin for ECM software 2024 - intermittent and sporadic issues with different warning lights July/Aug 2024 coolant light coming on again after cold start after sitting all night -dealer says nothing wrong Aug 2024 - I requested service dept to check head gasket - they did and found it to be leaking. was told part would take 2-3 days to arrive and have about a 3 day repair time. It's been 2 weeks. I have not heard from dealer until parents reached out to the dealership. Parts for head gasket replacement are on backorder with no known ETA (9-2-24)
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-29
  • VIN: 3VVMX7B2XNM
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
  • Summary: I went for my 30K mile warranty check. As I was as driving to the appointment the red engine light came on. It was the engine coolant. There is an issue with the head gasket on this model. I asked for it to be checked. The Service department said there is no leak and they replenished the coolant. I have read about this with many other VW Taos owners. I was also told I need new brakes. The brakes were replaced 16,000 miles ago. The brakes are substandard. This is the second time I've needed brakes on my car. I only have 29K miles on the car.
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-07
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
  • VIN: 3VV2X7B22NM
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 2022 VW Taos 18k miles leaking coolant - coolant light is coming on 1x per month with minimal driving and mild conditions. I have had it diagnosed 3x at the dealership and they find “no leaks” and their directive is keep an eye on the reservoir. VW forums are full of similar stories where the head gasket needs to be replaced.
Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
  • VIN: 3VVRX7B20NM
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: My Hose attachment for the fuel that leads into the engine was leaking and it could have started on fire, VW Schumacher failed to catch this, a local mechanic found this problem, my check engine light keeps coming on as well.

Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen Taos

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen Taos.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2023-03-29
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 TAOS vehicles. The fuel delivery pump may break, which could cause a sudden engine stall.
  • Consequence: A sudden engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DV.
  • Model: Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-09-14
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 TAOS vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The engine control unit (ECU) software may cause a stall when coming to a stop.
  • Consequence: An engine that stalls may increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iL.
  • Model: Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-07-20
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
  • Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
  • Model: Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-03-23
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan, Taos, and 2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. The left or right rear suspension knuckles may corrode, crack, and break.
  • Consequence: A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both rear suspension knuckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42L8.
  • Model: Volkswagen Taos 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2021-08-20
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Taos vehicles. The underhood fuel supply quick-connector may detach from the fuel supply line causing a fuel leak in the engine compartment.
  • Consequence: A fuel leak may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connection and replace the fuel supply line and connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DB.

Latest negative Volkswagen Taos car reviews

  1. Ben Gutmann 2025-09-12

    Vehicle year: 2023

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that I recently leased a 2023 Taos sel top of the line, but unfortunately, after only a month, I noticed a fuel smell in the cabin. I took it to the dealer, but they said they didn't smell anything when I dropped it off. However, I left it with them because I know that fuel smells can be dangerous. Later on, they called me and informed me that it needs a fuel line, but unfortunately, it's on intergalactic back order. Luckily, they were able to provide me with a loaner car, but it's still a bit of a drag. Thanks for listening!

  2. Eric Orn 2025-09-07

    Vehicle year: 2023

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my new 2023 Taos that I purchased on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, within the first week of driving it, I experienced some issues with the fuel pump. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree and I had to call a tow truck. Although VW was initially hesitant to provide a loaner car, after making a few phone calls, they were able to assist me. They have informed me that they will be replacing the fuel pump. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

  3. Davin Streich 2025-08-12

    Vehicle year: 2022

    Hello! I wanted to share my experience with my car. On July 1, 2022, I purchased it and have been enjoying it ever since. However, two weeks ago, at only 6k miles, I experienced some issues while driving. The car decelerated to 20mph and several warning lights came on, including the check engine light, epc light, caution symbol, and traction control light. I took it to the dealer and they found 7 stored codes for engine misfire and catalyst damaging combustion misfire. Although they initially cleared the codes and said nothing was wrong, I was still concerned and refused to take the car home. Eventually, they discovered that my fuel injectors and harness needed replacing, and my car has been in the shop for the past 2 weeks. The dealer did provide a rental car, but only after initially denying one was available. Unfortunately, customer care was not very helpful and the parts needed were on backorder. I just wanted to share my experience and advise others to be cautious. Thank you for listening!

  4. Nathanial Heidenreich 2025-08-06

    Vehicle year: 2022

    I recently purchased the White SEL and I absolutely love everything about it. Unfortunately, I have experienced an issue with the cv axle and I am currently waiting for parts to become available. While I am disappointed that a loaner car is not available, I understand that these things can take time. Despite this setback, I still believe that the car is a great choice and I am confident that the issue will be resolved soon. I have been in contact with customer service at Volkswagen and while the wait time was longer than expected, they were very helpful and understanding. I am hopeful that this issue will not affect the longevity or reliability of the car. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase and would highly recommend this car to others. If you are experiencing a similar issue, I would recommend checking with your local authorities to ensure that it is safe to continue driving the car until the issue is resolved.

  5. Orrin Bogisich 2025-07-11

    Vehicle year: 2023

    I previously owned a VW that I was quite happy with, so I decided to purchase the '23 Taos SE. Unfortunately, my experience with this car was not great. During the year that I owned it before trading it in, I encountered several issues. For example, the electrical system was problematic, with the driver window often rolling down instead of up, and the horn having a slight delay. Additionally, the car had a one-second lag before responding to acceleration, and the brakes had to be replaced during my 10k oil change due to grinding. I also found the car to lurch and jerk forward when pressing the gas, even with a light foot, which was particularly noticeable in the rain. Despite these issues, the car is visually appealing. However, I ultimately decided to trade it in due to the poor quality and the feeling that it was rushed to market. I traded in my car at 17k miles. Unfortunately, at 16k miles, my remote start stopped working and shortly after, the check engine light came on. It turned out to be an issue with the EVAP system and the external air intake being stuck. I don't expect repairs like this in the first 20k miles at least. A lot about the car just felt cheap, not just the parts inside the car but the engine, the way it sounded, the way it felt, the shuddering at low speeds in stop and go traffic, the jerkiness and sluggish performance. The tech is underwhelming and the driver assistance is terrible. In the morning when I would start my Taos and drive, there would be a sound of a squeaky wheel, not sure what this sound was but it's a cheap sound you don't expect your brand new German-made car to make. Everything about this car I really wanted to love and it just fell so short. I guess this could be a nice car for a brand new driver but only if you don't care about reliability or safety. The only thing I enjoyed about this car was the way it handled in dry weather on a paved road, but what's the point when it fails in the rain and is not a car you can count on. I hope their next generation of this car they can get right but I went with another SUV and am so glad I did. I don't think I'll get another VW moving forward. Not sure what's going on but it seems like quality or reliability is not something they care about.

Latest positive Volkswagen Taos car reviews

  1. Ibrahim Kuhic 2025-09-12

    Vehicle year: 2022

    To clarify, I don't own a Taos, but I'm interested in it, so I took an extensive test drive pretty much the day my local VW dealership got them in. I was hoping to try out the FWD SEL, but the only one available to drive was a FWD SE. My overall impression was that this car is a blast to drive. It feels light, agile, and wants to be tossed and chucked around. It's quick rather than fast, meaning you won't be racing sports cars 0-60 in this, but it's really light on its feet. Actually, at least for the FWD version, the steering is almost too light, where you have to catch yourself to keep a minor steering move from putting you in the next lane. This car is anything but boring! Some reviewers elsewhere have mentioned feeling some turbo lag, but that wasn't my experience. It felt fast enough, quite responsive, and just plain fun. The car is quite spacious in the front, rear, and cargo areas. The front seats felt comfortable, but I'd need longer with it to say for sure. The rear seats have lots of legroom, but I noticed that to get that, VW lowered the rear seats a bit. Taller people in the back might be a bit uncomfortable because their legs would be angled up, and shorter people or children might be annoyed because they would be sitting so low as to not see out the windows very well. Kids in car seats or booster seats should be OK. The trunk was decently large, looked bigger than any subcompact SUV's, but not quite at CRV or RAV4 size. Note that the FWD versions have slightly larger cargo than the AWD versions because they have the smaller torsion beam rear suspension rather than the multi-link suspension the AWD gets. I had no issue with how the rear suspension behaved, so I'm fine with the torsion beam FWD version to get the cheaper price and larger cargo, but then again, I live in sunny California. If I lived somewhere that got a lot of snow, I'd probably want the AWD. The infotainment system was very intuitive and easy to use and felt and looked quite modern.No complaints here! Although a 360 degree camera option would have been nice, the Taos is small enough that it may not even need it. Plus, the visibility is excellent with large, wide windows that allow you to see clearly from any angle. The sound quality was also fine. While I didn't have it for long enough to test the mpg, and reliability is still unknown, I had a Passat for 4 years that was absolutely solid and reliable during that time. In my opinion, the Taos is perfect for individuals or young families who want something fun, lively, and efficient that can carry a lot for its size. However, it's important to note that it's not meant to replace a 3-row SUV or minivan.

  2. Ahmad Collins 2025-08-27

    Vehicle year: 2022

    This car feels premium and looks handsome. It's quiet and comfortable, yet fun and agile. I purchased the SEL 4Motion in pure gray after test driving the BMW X1, Toyota Venza, Rav4, and CRV. All were great rides, but the Taos literally had me smiling when I got on throttle. The ventilated seats are a nice feature that many SUVs do not have at this price point. Although there are a few hard touch plastics on the top of the dash, and I have experienced a little bit of lag from the DSG transmission mated to the turbo (that reviewers note), it's overall a great machine for the price and spec list. I am coming from 16 years of Toyota sedans, so I am worried about the reliability, but I am cautiously optimistic that with great care, the Taos will be around for a while. If you're driving 2 row SUVs in the compact and sub-compact class, give the Taos a test drive. You won't regret it. I hope to update this review over time. Update: 7/2/23 - I have had the Taos for over 2 years and almost 17,000 miles now. It is fun and comfortable to drive. As far as reliability - I did have a fuel line recall in September of 2021 that took around 5 weeks to do. The dealership provided me with a loaner. I then had a dealer overfill my oil, and the day they drained and refilled, I got a low coolant light come on and go off. They performed a pressure test, refilled, and I've never had an issue since. I have kept a close watch on the fluids ever since. In short, it's not been as reliable as my past Camry or Corolla, but it's also not been bad. The dealership has also been good about staying on top of it. I still love this little car, and therefore I give it 4 stars.

  3. Brady Hane 2025-06-10

    Vehicle year: 2022

    Congratulations on your recent purchase of a Taos in the base trim (S)! It's great to hear that even in its base form, it comes with carplay and the same powertrain as upper trims. The Taos is easy to drive, easy to get in and out of, and gets fantastic mpg. It's also very quiet, making for a comfortable ride. I agree that it is by far the most refined in this “tween” segment and directly competes with the trailblazer and seltos. The wheels on the base are my favorite, and I appreciate that the upper trims don't have camera inclusive windshields. I understand that you don't like driver assistance features, so the base model is a perfect fit for you. Additionally, the Taos comes with awesome stock tires, which is rare. The Bridgestone Turanza’s cut through puddles with no drama, and roll super quiet and smooth. I hope you enjoy your new Taos, and I understand that you would like a leather-wrapped steering wheel in addition. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

  4. Mustafa Emard 2025-05-28

    Vehicle year: 2023

    The 2023 S Model is a great SUV! It looks very sleek and stylish, and I'm really happy with my purchase. It's quite spacious and roomy, and I love running it in sport mode for that quick and fast acceleration when needed. While the windows occasionally roll down when I select up, I've heard that this is a common issue with Volkswagen vehicles. Overall, I'm really pleased with my purchase!

  5. Cristobal Botsford 2025-05-27

    Vehicle year: 2023

    As fellow satisfied Jetta owners, we were not surprised by the quality of our Taos SUV, which is built around a Jetta engine. We were pleased to find that it provides the same great 40+ mpg on the highway, with decent acceleration and handling for its class. On a recent 2500 mile road trip, we were grateful for the comfort it provided both driver and passenger. The road view is excellent, with minimal blind spots, and even the basic sound system is a cut above what we expected for this price point. While cockpit noise is a little on the louder side, we simply turned up the music and enjoyed the ride. Another major plus for our road trip was the ample storage space in this vehicle, which was simply amazing! As longtime satisfied Jetta owners, we are confident that we will enjoy the same level of satisfaction with our new Taos.

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