Last updated: 2026-03-14

Volkswagen Taos

1 Volkswagen Taos Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Volkswagen Taos average of 69/100

The Volkswagen Taos years to avoid are 2022 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2022 with a reliability score of 59/100. The best Volkswagen Taos year to buy is 2024 74/100.

Verdict

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos scores significantly below the model average of 69/100. The weakest year is 2022 with a score of 59/100 due to engine (64) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 73/100.

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Volkswagen Taos Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Volkswagen Taos average of 69/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202259/100Mixed6277Engine (64)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

59
MixedReliability score: 59 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has mixed reliability. There are 6 recalls and 277 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (64), Electrical System (44), Service Brakes (41).

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 2022 reliability report →

What Are Common Volkswagen Taos Problems?

Top reported issues across all Volkswagen Taos model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

80 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES

72 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

67 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

POWER TRAIN

49 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

43 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

18 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023

Best Volkswagen Taos Year to Buy Instead

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 87 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (19), Electrical System (17), Engine (16).

Score: 73/100 (Good)0 recalls87 complaints
View full 2023 reliability report →

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Volkswagen Taos year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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All Volkswagen Taos Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Volkswagen Taos Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2022–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Volkswagen Taos years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Volkswagen Taos years: 2022 (score: 59/100). These model years score significantly below the Volkswagen Taos average of 69/100.
What is the best year for the Volkswagen Taos?
The best year for the Volkswagen Taos is 2024, with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 41 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Taos have?
Across all years in our database, the Volkswagen Taos has a total of 6 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Volkswagen Taos worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 74/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 69/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Volkswagen Taos problems?
The most common Volkswagen Taos problems are engine (80 complaints), service brakes (72 complaints), electrical system (67 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Volkswagen Taos reliable long-term?
The Volkswagen Taos has an average reliability score of 69/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Taos a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Volkswagen Taos is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 41 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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