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Reliability Database

Volkswagen

Engine Reliability & Known Problems

Based on 25,379 NHTSA complaints. Updated May 2026.

20 Models
144 Engines Rated
34 Generations
25,379 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
48 recommended 59 caution 37 avoid

Compact

4 models
Beetle
1 generation · 8 engines
2012-2019
6 recommended 2 caution
Cabrio
1 generation · 2 engines
2000-2002
1 caution 1 avoid
Eos
1 generation · 3 engines
2007-2016
2 recommended 1 caution
New Beetle
1 generation · 2 engines
2000-2010
1 recommended 1 avoid

Compact SUV

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

Midsize Sedan

3 models
Arteon
1 generation · 1 engine
2019-2023
1 caution
CC
1 generation · 3 engines
2009-2017
3 recommended
Passat
2 generations · 15 engines
2000-20052012-2022
5 recommended 5 caution 5 avoid

Midsize SUV

3 models
Atlas
1 generation · 5 engines
2018-2025
3 recommended 2 caution
Atlas Cross Sport
1 generation · 4 engines
2020-2025
2 recommended 2 caution
Touareg
2 generations · 14 engines
2004-20102011-2017
8 recommended 4 caution 2 avoid

Compact Sedan

2 models
Jetta
4 generations · 36 engines
2000-20052006-20102011-20182019-2025
8 recommended 12 caution 16 avoid
R 32 Special Edition
1 generation · 1 engine
2008
1 caution

Full-Size Van

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

Compact Hatchback

1 model
Golf
5 generations · 28 engines
2000-20062006-20092010-20142015-20212022-2025
5 recommended 17 caution 6 avoid

Sports Car

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

Minivan

1 model
Routan
1 generation · 6 engines
2009-2014
2 recommended 4 caution

Subcompact SUV

1 model
Taos
1 generation · 3 engines
2022-2025
1 recommended 2 caution
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