2023 Volkswagen Taos

109 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 19, 2026Tallahassee, FLElectrical system

   I bought the vehicle 3 years ago and currently it is at the shop to have the engine wiring harnes repaired. A few weeks ago, my dashboard started glitching. On 9/19/2026, my vehicle would not start. The check engine, EPC, low battery voltage, and traction light came on. I had to call someone to give me a jump so that my vehicle would start. It was impossible for the vehicle to keep a charge and it kept acting up in traffic. The dealership now wants to charge me about $650 for a new battery. I believe that the faulty engine wiring harness caused the battery to die prematurely and I should not have to pay for it.

   NHTSA complaint 11766390
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 19, 2026Tallahassee, FLElectrical system

   I bought the vehicle 3 years ago and currently it is at the shop to have the engine wiring harnes repaired. A few weeks ago, my dashboard started glitching. On 9/19/2026, my vehicle would not start. The check engine, EPC, low battery voltage, and traction light came on. I had to call someone to give me a jump so that my vehicle would start. It was impossible for the vehicle to keep a charge and it kept acting up in traffic. The dealership now wants to charge me about $650 for a new battery. I believe that the faulty engine wiring harness caused the battery to die prematurely and I should not have to pay for it.

   NHTSA complaint 11766389
3. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Feb 13, 2025Oklahoma city, OKElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

   The infotainment touch screen on my 2023 Volkswagen Taos has completely blacked out and failed, leaving my backup camera entirely inoperable. This has created a severe blind-spot hazard where I cannot safely reverse. On top of this failure, the vehicle has a chronic history of being in and out of the dealership service department for unresolved fuel system problems, specifically regarding the fuel injectors and fuel lines under warranty. The dealership has repeatedly failed to permanently fix this fuel defect. Now, the car actively loses engine acceleration and drops into a dangerous slow crawl ('limp mode') at busy intersections when the air conditioning is running, forcing me to turn off the climate control just to move safely. Combined, these recurring powertrain and electrical defects create an immediate, severe safety hazard for myself and my young children while driving.

   NHTSA complaint 11766233
4. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Smyrna, GAElectrical system

   Marietta Volkswagen diagnosed a failed 5F module; the center display screen is completely inoperative; the rearview/backup-camera image therefore does not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse; VW says the module is on national backorder with no ETA; and the vehicle is being used by a [XXX] driver. Volkswagen Customer Care has already been contacted but could not help and that the repair is covered under warranty but cannot currently be completed so the vehicle remains unrepaired and is being operated without a rear view camera display . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11764239
5. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure May 16, 2025El Paso, TXService brakes

   Brake Recall for VW 2023 Taos - Nov 2024 (10 or 11K Mileage). Brake pads changed. Continued to hear Brake Squeeking: taken in 10/15/2025, 11/14/2024, 1/3/2025, 5/17/2025. 12 mm at initial recall dropped to 7 mm at 17,900 miles. Upon leaving dealership, tech states VW uses "refurbished brake pads." Dealer washed pads, and sent me home. I have all invoices, they are larger in size. Unable to attach

   NHTSA complaint 11764053
6. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026El paso, TXFuel/propulsion system

   I went to the Fiesta Albqueurque VW June 2025 multiple times resulting in close to 2 weeks without a car. Found a oil leak and head gasket - bolt jam replaced. In XXX, car shook, took it to first Fiesta ABQ, who identified a low battery charge. However, the car continued to shake end of XXX and we then, took this to Rudolph volkswagon, [XXX], that blamed it on bad fuel (invoice attached). Check engine sign turned off for a day, and came back on on our major trip up north from [XXX] to [XXX]. This Dealership told us that we would be safe on the road from [XXX] to [XXX]. Yes, we made it but by sheer luck. third Attempt, took this car to [XXX], VW and they were able to change: CHANGED THE ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER AND REFILLED THE ENGINE WITH 4.2 QUARTS OF 0W20 SYNTHETIC OIL WITH A SPIN ON OIL FILTER AND REPLACED THE DRAIN PLUG AND DRAIN PLUG CRUSH WASHER. RESET THE SERVICE INTERVAL DISPLAY. CHECKED AND TOPPED OFF ALL FLUIDS LEVELS. REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID, BLED AND TOPPED OFF THE SYSTEM. MULTI-POINT INSPECTION COMPLETED NO RECOMMENDATIONS AT THIS TIME PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MULTIPOINT INSPECTION A VIDEO MULTIPOINT INSPECTION WAS PROVIDED. RESET THE MAINTENANCE INDICATOR AND APPLIED A MAINTENANCE REMINDER STICKER ON THE VEHICLE Hose was finally replaced. Out of pocket costs app $400. Since there were numerous efforts I will list the final work done on the car however, I have all invoices needed since June 2025. I have too many invoices to upload. Your upload cannot handle size Also note all dealerships notified. No one takes accountability. Ref: XXX 2 Lemon law first hired: 1st one wasted my time; 2nd one stated VW did not take accountability and refused to deal with me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11763999
7. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Rockville, VAEngine

   Low coolant warning in red triangle showed up on my 2023 TAOS. Coolant in the reservoir was very low. I notice that there is a Technical Service Bulletin 15-23-01 rather than an official safety recall on 2022 and 2023 Taos 1.5T for head gasket coolant leak. There are many complaints regarding this issue on many message boards. We all fear that this problem will intensify as we all move out of powertrain warranty. Can you please instruct Volkswagen to have a recall on this issue? Thanks!

   NHTSA complaint 11763046
8. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure Aug 21, 2025Pensacola, FLVehicle speed control

   At highway speeds, the speedometer does not show actual moving speed. I’ve noticed it will be ranging 5-10 mph difference. Car will display 65 mph but police radar and gps will say a speed in the 70s. Everything stock.

   NHTSA complaint 11759606
9. Filed Jul 24, 2026Failure Jul 7, 2026Flower mound, TXEngine

   head gasket well known issue with no campaign or warranty coverage Volkswagen issued an official TSB 15-23-01 (Head Gasket Leakage) acknowledging that the original factory head gasket design on early Taos models allows coolant to leak. The production line was eventually updated with a redesigned gasket. They denied coverage or even partial reduction in labor.

   NHTSA complaint 11752754
10. Filed Jul 9, 2026Failure Jul 9, 2026Mount Pleasant, SCFuel/propulsion system

    I purchased a 2023 VW Taos SE about a year ago (May 2025) as CPO less than 7k miles. It is still under the warranty; however, I already had to bring this Taos to the VW dealership for 3x. First was A/C was not cool enough. They found a leak. In June 2026, I had to bring due to the engine light being on. They found out EVAP fuel leak detection pump being faulty. And less than 1 month later (July 2026), once again the engine light came on.  This time apparently EVAP canister is the problem and needs to be replaced . My Taos is currently at the dealership.   I am reporting this, in case other Taos owners have similar experiences. Thank you.

    NHTSA complaint 11749355
11. Filed Jul 4, 2026Failure Jun 1, 2026Baltimore, MDService brakes

    am reporting a recurring rear brake issue with my vehicle. The rear brake pads and rotors have required replacement approximately every 20,000 miles, which appears abnormal given that the front brake pads have never required replacement and are still measuring approximately 8 mm. The rear brakes have worn prematurely and unevenly compared with the front brakes despite normal driving conditions. I am concerned this may indicate a defect involving the rear braking system, electronic parking brake, brake bias, calipers, or related components. The recurring premature rear brake wear has created repeated repair costs and raises concern that the braking system may not be functioning as designed. I would like this documented for safety review.

    NHTSA complaint 11748314
12. Filed Jun 22, 2026Failure Apr 22, 2026Mckinney, TXService brakes

    The brakes have prematurely worn to 1mm at 20,000 miles. Volkswagen is aware and has issued a TSB regarding the premature wear, however they failed to notify us during the first 2 service appointments that the wear on the brakes were due to be replaced. I feel this was intentional as they did not want to replace under the TSB and they waited until the wear was too severe and past the TSB date. Volkswagen waited to tell my 17 year old daughter that the brakes were worn and needed replacement at that point. Volkswagen is aware of the premature wear on the brakes and has put people at risk like my 17 year old daughter by not extending the warranty for longer than 2yr/24k miles or whichever comes first. This should be a minimum of 40k miles as rear brakes should not wear in that time frame on any vehicle. I also do not believe I was made aware of the issue or TSB at the time of vehicle purchase which fell well before the end date/mileage of the TSB.

    NHTSA complaint 11745599
13. Filed Jun 20, 2026Failure Jun 16, 2026Saugerties, NYAir bags

    Only when lighter weight adults are in the front seat - if they move around at all the airbag sensor goes off. Meaning the airbags won’t deploy if we get into an accident. Seems like a major flaw! Even if while they are moving around an alarm went off why would it not reset once the person stopped moving around? It stays off for sometime afterward and beeps constantly. This has happened repeatedly and was told to keep cell phones off the seats. Believe me, we make sure the phones NEVER touch the seats any longer but it still happens and for a bit I just gave up reporting it to service but it happened again when I picked up my daughter from jfk on Tuesday

    NHTSA complaint 11745367
14. Filed Jun 16, 2026Failure Jun 15, 2026Waukesha, WIPower train

    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
15. Filed May 18, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2025Ranchos de Taos, NMElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking, Service brakes

    In two separate instances the Autonomous Emergency Brake system was activated. Luckily there i didn't cause an accident. There was no one in front of me either times. Thats the worst of all the issues the vehicle has.

    NHTSA complaint 11738657
16. Filed May 18, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Round lake, ILAir bagsCrash1 injured

    Air bags did not deploy after a direct driver side hit, and I was injured because of the accident. Car was declared a total loss by the insurance. The car is being held by State Farm if inspection needs to happen. I was hurt because of the car accident, and I fear for my life or my child’s life if they would have been in the car. I want to prevent any future injuries. I was driving 50 MPH on route 60 when I was hit on my side. There was no warning light on prior to the failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11738648
17. Filed May 9, 2026Failure Apr 27, 2026Fountain, COEngine, Power train

    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
18. Filed May 6, 2026Failure Nov 19, 2025Harrisburg, PAElectrical system, Power train, Vehicle speed control

    ​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
19. Filed Apr 28, 2026Failure Apr 28, 2026New York, NYEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    This vehicle has a known design flaw which causes the cylinder gasket to leak and require replacement. VW has only issued a Technical Service Notice which was no provided to owners regarding the part that needed replacement. They are correcting the problem with a differently designed part in order to try to cure the design flaw. This can cause catastrophic engine failure. It should have been a recall. I should have been notified and the car should have been repaired at VW’s expense. They have explained since your agency didn’t issue a recall, they dot need to inform the public. Now they are expecting me to pay $3000 to correct their design error and also pay for rental car while it is under repair. This is a major violation of the lemon law, and yet there are numerous verified complaints. Issue a recall on the 2023 Taos, they are clearly scamming owners and leaving them in danger with a vehicle that has a faulty engine part. Owners like me, should have their car repaired by the responsible party, VW

    NHTSA complaint 11734447
20. Filed Apr 21, 2026Failure Feb 1, 2026Aubrey, TXElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Service brakes

    Whole dash goes black while driving. Also fuel system is not up to par. Rear brakes fail after 6months on my third time changing them since I purchase the car.

    NHTSA complaint 11732878