CC (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
EA390 VR6
3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
EA855 BGP/BGQ
2.5L 5-cyl / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volkswagen CC regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (12)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 CC vehicles. Incorrect front seat head restraints (rests) may have been installed, possibly resulting in the seat occupant's head being inadequately restrained in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, CC VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." THE FACTORY INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED AT THE PORT WITH ACCESSORY WHEELS AND TIRES THAT WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER TPMS SENSORS.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 5,000 MY 2009 CC VEHICLES. SOME AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN INCORRECTLY ROUTED RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE WIRING HARNESS, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR WIRES TO BECOME DAMAGED WHEN THE SEAT IS MOVED FULLY UP OR DOWN OR BACK AND FORTH. IF THIS WIRING DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE WILL SWITCH TO A FALLBACK ALGORITHM AND DEACTIVATE THE PASSENGER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC problems?
The 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC has accumulated 981 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Fuel System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volkswagen CC engine is most reliable?
The 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.480000L 5-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC a good used car?
The 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 981 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC have?
The 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC has 981 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC?
There are 12 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen CC?
Before buying a used Volkswagen CC, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Fuel System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the CC have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 981 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.