Last updated: 2026-10-10

Volkswagen Taos

Volkswagen Taos Years to Avoid

5 scored model years (2022–2026) · model average 68/100

Skip the 2022 model year. It has six recalls, the most owner complaints of any year, and reports of coolant loss, stalling, and rear brakes that wear out early. The 2024 model is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints per car sold.

Verdict

Avoid
2022 59/100
Buy
2024 74/100
Model average
68/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Volkswagen Taos Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Volkswagen Taos average of 68/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202259/100Mixed6277Engine (64)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

59
MixedReliability score: 59 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022 Volkswagen Taos

Owners report coolant vanishing with no visible leak, later traced in many cars to a leaking cylinder head gasket. Repair quotes ran near $4,000, and parts backorders left some cars waiting for months. Stalling, sudden power loss, and rear brakes worn to bare metal also appear. Federal recall records list six recalls for this year.

6 recalls277 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (64), Electrical System (44), Service Brakes (41), Power Train (38), Unknown Or Other (24), Fuel Propulsion System (13)

View full 2022reliability report →

What Are Common Volkswagen Taos Problems?

ENGINE

80 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023

2022: Coolant disappears with no visible leak, and the low coolant light keeps coming back.

SERVICE BRAKES

72 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

2022: The rear brake pads wear out far too early, often down to bare metal with no warning light, while the front brakes look nearly new.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

67 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

2022: Most of these reports describe stalling and sudden power loss.

POWER TRAIN

49 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

2022: Head gasket leaks lead this category too.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

43 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2024, 2023

2022: This mixed group repeats the main engine problems.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

18 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023

2022: From a stop, the accelerator does nothing for several seconds, and then the car lunges forward, sometimes spinning the tires.

Best Volkswagen Taos Year to Buy Instead

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Volkswagen Taos

The 2024 model has no recalls in federal records and drew 41 owner complaints, against 277 for 2022. Complaints per car sold are about a tenth of the 2022 rate. Rear brake wear still shows up, so check the pads. Newer 2025 and 2026 cars have simply had less time to collect complaints.

Score: 74/100 (Good)0 recalls41 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Volkswagen Taos has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Volkswagen Taos Years by Generation

Volkswagen Taos Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Volkswagen Taos years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2022 model year. It has six recalls, 277 owner complaints, and the most reports of coolant loss, stalling, and early rear brake wear. Later years have much lower complaint counts, and 2024 is the site pick among the years with a track record.
Which Volkswagen Taos years have transmission problems?
The data does not name a transmission failure pattern. Power train complaints describe a delay when accelerating from a stop followed by a sudden lunge, plus some harsh shifting. The delay shows up in 2024 reports too, so test drive any Taos from a stop.
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos worth buying cheap?
Usually not. The 2022 year sits well below the model's own average. A leaking head gasket quote of about $4,000 can erase a low price, and stalling and rear brake wear add risk. If you still consider one, get the coolant system and rear brakes inspected first.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos a good year?
Yes, 2023 is one of the two highest-rated years. It has no recalls and 87 owner complaints, far below 2022. Service brakes, the electrical system, and the engine drew the most reports, so inspect the rear brake pads before you buy.
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 Volkswagen Taos?
Treat them as unproven. The 2025 model has only 3 owner complaints and the 2026 has none, but that mostly reflects little time on the road. Neither has recalls in federal records. The 2024 model has a longer record and is the safer pick.

How we score every Volkswagen Taos model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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