THE WEEKLY DRIVER

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, CAR REVIEWS, AND PODCAST

Reliability Database

Volkswagen

Engine Reliability & Known Problems

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

20 Models
80 Engines Rated
34 Generations
34,892 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
38 recommended 30 caution 12 avoid

Compact Sedan

7 models
Arteon
1 generation · 0 engines
2019-2023
Beetle
1 generation · 4 engines
2012-2019
2 recommended 2 caution
Cabrio
1 generation · 1 engine
2000-2002
1 recommended
Eos
1 generation · 1 engine
2007-2016
1 recommended
Golf
5 generations · 15 engines
2000-20062006-20092010-20142015-20212022-2025
4 recommended 10 caution 1 avoid
New Beetle
1 generation · 4 engines
2000-2010
3 recommended 1 avoid
R 32 Special Edition
1 generation · 0 engines
2008

Compact SUV

4 models
Alltrack
1 generation · 1 engine
2017
1 caution
ID.4
1 generation · 0 engines
2021-2025
Taos
1 generation · 1 engine
2022-2025
1 caution
Tiguan
2 generations · 4 engines
2009-20172018-2025
2 recommended 1 caution 1 avoid

Full-Size SUV

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

Midsize Sedan

2 models
CC
1 generation · 3 engines
2009-2017
2 recommended 1 caution
Jetta
4 generations · 18 engines
2000-20052006-20102011-20182019-2025
9 recommended 3 caution 6 avoid

Van

1 model
Eurovan
1 generation · 1 engine
2000-2003
1 recommended

Sports Car

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

Full-Size Sedan

1 model
Passat
2 generations · 10 engines
2000-20052012-2022
7 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid

Minivan

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

Midsize SUV

1 model
Touareg
2 generations · 5 engines
2004-20102011-2017
2 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid
© 2026 The Weekly Driver
RSS Feed About Contact Privacy Policy