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Reliability Database

Volkswagen

Engine Reliability & Known Problems

Based on 34,892 NHTSA complaints. Updated April 2026.

20 Models
114 Engines Rated
34 Generations
34,892 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
42 recommended 36 caution 36 avoid

Compact Sedan

7 models
Arteon
1 generation · 1 engine
2019-2023
1 avoid
Beetle
1 generation · 5 engines
2012-2019
2 recommended 3 caution
Cabrio
1 generation · 2 engines
2000-2002
1 recommended 1 avoid
Eos
1 generation · 2 engines
2007-2016
1 recommended 1 avoid
Golf
5 generations · 20 engines
2000-20062006-20092010-20142015-20212022-2025
4 recommended 11 caution 5 avoid
New Beetle
1 generation · 5 engines
2000-2010
3 recommended 2 avoid
R 32 Special Edition
1 generation · 1 engine
2008
1 avoid

Compact SUV

4 models
Alltrack
1 generation · 2 engines
2017
1 recommended 1 caution
ID.4
1 generation · 1 engine
2021-2025
1 avoid
Taos
1 generation · 2 engines
2022-2025
2 caution
Tiguan
2 generations · 6 engines
2009-20172018-2025
2 recommended 1 caution 3 avoid

Full-Size SUV

2 models
Atlas
1 generation · 5 engines
2018-2025
2 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid
Atlas Cross Sport
1 generation · 4 engines
2020-2025
1 recommended 3 caution

Midsize Sedan

2 models
CC
1 generation · 4 engines
2009-2017
2 recommended 2 caution
Jetta
4 generations · 22 engines
2000-20052006-20102011-20182019-2025
10 recommended 3 caution 9 avoid

Van

1 model
Eurovan
1 generation · 2 engines
2000-2003
1 recommended 1 avoid

Sports Car

1 model
Golf/Gti
5 generations · 8 engines
20022003200420052006
2 recommended 3 caution 3 avoid

Full-Size Sedan

1 model
Passat
2 generations · 12 engines
2000-20052012-2022
7 recommended 2 caution 3 avoid

Minivan

1 model
Routan
1 generation · 3 engines
2009-2014
1 recommended 1 caution 1 avoid

Midsize SUV

1 model
Touareg
2 generations · 7 engines
2004-20102011-2017
2 recommended 2 caution 3 avoid
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