2026 Volkswagen Taos

3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Sep 12, 2026Hallandale Beach, FLPower train

   On XXX, I first noticed harsh jerking from the transmission of my 2026 Volkswagen Taos (VIN [XXX], purchased new XXX, ~8,000 miles). On XXX the instrument cluster displayed "transmission in emergency mode," accompanied by severe vibration, RPM fluctuation at low speeds, and a loud grinding/rattling noise. My minor child was in the vehicle at the time and was frightened. After the vehicle sat parked, the warning cleared, but abnormal sounds and vibration remained. I brought the vehicle to Gunther Volkswagen of [XXX], on XXX, where it has remained since awaiting transmission repair (a loaner was provided). I am concerned the transmission could fail or lose motive power again without warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11768174
2. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Mckinney, TXVisibility/wiper

   On XXX, a 2026 Volkswagen Taos SEL AWD with approximately 8,931 miles experienced a sudden failure of the front panoramic sunroof glass while traveling at highway speed on [XXX] in [XXX]. The vehicle was purchased new in January 2026. Shortly before the incident, the vehicle displayed a front-assist/visibility warning. Approximately two minutes later, without any known impact or other warning, the driver heard an extremely loud sound similar to a gunshot. The panoramic sunroof glass suddenly shattered, leaving a large opening in the roof. The explosive sound and glass failure severely startled the driver at highway speed. She became extremely distressed while attempting to safely exit the highway. Fortunately, no collision occurred. The vehicle was immediately taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealership, where it remains available for inspection. The dealer recommended replacement of the front sunroof glass for $1,532.03 but declined warranty coverage, verbally stating that because the vehicle was being driven, something “must have” struck the glass. We requested the diagnostic findings and evidence supporting an external-impact determination. The repair recommendation provided contains no diagnostic findings, and the “Observations” section is blank. As of this complaint, we have not been provided a specific impact point, chip, crater, penetration point, photograph, or other physical evidence demonstrating external impact. Volkswagen Customer Care has opened a case. The cause of the glass failure remains disputed/UNKNOWN. There were no known warnings or symptoms indicating an impending sunroof glass failure/explosion. The jagged hole in the sunroof is greater than 50% of the surface area of the sunroof. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11763234
3. Filed Jun 27, 2026Failure Dec 4, 2025Houston, TXBody

   Brand-new 2026 VW Taos purchased Nov 28, 2025. Within 6 days (Dec 4), both front doors became severely misaligned and detached from proper positioning. Visually, the body line from the rear doors is completely uneven.The vehicle had 5 repair attempts for this issue. Four attempts at Volkswagen Cypress between December and January. They made temporary adjustments, but the doors misaligned again on their own. After waiting 3 months, VW Corporate unjustly denied my buyback request on June 1.I sought a second opinion at West Houston Volkswagen on June 16, 2026. Certified technicians explicitly stated mechanical adjustments are impossible because it is a core structural factory assembly defect. They determined the car must go to a body shop. Yesterday, VW contacted me to retain the vehicle for days at a body shop but outrageously refused a complimentary loaner, demanding I pay for a rental car out of pocket.This vehicle platform already faces federal safety recalls for structural and safety component failures. This defect severely compromises structural integrity and safety. I have severe anxiety that the door latches will fail on the highway. Because side airbag sensors are located inside the doors, I fear impact energy will not transmit correctly in a crash or pothole, causing airbags to fail to deploy. I demand a federal investigation into this manufacturing defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11746951