THE WEEKLY DRIVER

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, CAR REVIEWS, AND PODCAST

Reliability Database

Volkswagen

Engine Reliability & Known Problems

Based on 26,632 NHTSA complaints. Updated July 2026.

19 Models
170 Engines Rated
39 Generations
26,632 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
57 recommended 71 caution 42 avoid

Compact

4 models
Beetle
3 generations · 14 engines
200920102012-2019
8 recommended 6 caution
Cabrio
1 generation · 2 engines
2000-2002
2 avoid
Eos
1 generation · 3 engines
2007-2016
1 recommended 1 caution 1 avoid
New Beetle
1 generation · 2 engines
2000-2010
1 recommended 1 avoid

Midsize Sedan

3 models
Arteon
1 generation · 1 engine
2019-2023
1 caution
CC
1 generation · 3 engines
2009-2017
3 recommended
Passat
8 generations · 36 engines
2000-20052006200720082009201020112012-2022
14 recommended 12 caution 10 avoid

Midsize SUV

3 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
Touareg
2 generations · 14 engines
2004-20102011-2017
7 recommended 4 caution 3 avoid

Compact SUV

2 models
ID.4
1 generation · 1 engine
2021-2025
1 avoid
Tiguan
3 generations · 7 engines
2009-20172018-20242025-2026
3 recommended 3 caution 1 avoid

Compact Sedan

2 models
Jetta
4 generations · 36 engines
2000-20052006-20102011-20182019-2025
9 recommended 14 caution 13 avoid
R 32 Special Edition
1 generation · 1 engine
2008
1 caution

Full-Size Van

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

Compact Hatchback

1 model
Golf
5 generations · 28 engines
2000-20062006-20092010-20142015-20212022-2025
4 recommended 16 caution 8 avoid

Sports Car

1 model
Golf/Gti
2 generations · 2 engines
20022003
2 caution

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
2 recommended 1 caution
© 2026 The Weekly Driver
RSS Feed About Contact Privacy Policy