2022 Volkswagen Taos Engine Problems

A recurring fuel-odor and drivability problem began while the vehicle was under manufacturer warranty and was never permanently resolved. In September 2022, a Volkswagen dealer documented code P2421 for an EVAP system vent valve stuck open and performed a software update. In June 2024, another Volkswagen dealer documented a strong fuel smell intermittently entering the passenger compartment but found no leak and made no repair. In April 2025, the vehicle was reported to sputter when accelerating from a stop. In July 2025, fuel odor at startup, poor fuel economy, and slow acceleration were again reported, but no leak was found and the vehicle was declared to be operating normally. In June 2026, the vehicle developed an EPC warning and codes P0316 and P0302, resulting in diagnosis of a cylinder 2 injector problem. In September 2026, another repair facility documented continued gas smell, hesitation, possible misfire, cold-start code P0316, and a damaged intake-pipe O-ring causing an air leak. Fuel odor and drivability concerns continued. On September 22, 2026, Volkswagen Customer CARE advised that the vehicle should not be driven until the fuel-leak concern is resolved and instructed that it be towed to an authorized Volkswagen dealership. My concern is that a potentially safety-related fuel/EVAP and drivability defect was repeatedly reported over several years but was never permanently identified or corrected. That wording tracks the records in your packet: the 2022 P2421 EVAP finding, 2024 cabin fuel odor, 2025 sputtering, 2026 P0316/P0302, the damaged intake O-ring, and VW’s later do-not-drive warning.

NHTSA ID

11766229

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

This vehicle has a known manufacturer defect of the head gasket, causing coolant to leak out, and possible engine overheating. This issue was announced in a service bulletin by Volkswagen in 2023 but a recall was not issued. I did not find out about this until after my warranty expired, and the dealership recommended a $5,000 replacement.

NHTSA ID

11764661

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

I bought my 2022 VW Taos with only 16,000 miles and one previous owner. In 2023. In 2025 with only 42,000 miles the head gaskets were leaking and needed replaced. This was a COMMON issue that somehow isn’t a recall? Yet 90% of complaints on this list, including mine are for this exact reason. It was under warranty and was fixed, however in 2026 with only 68,000 miles my ECP, ABS, check engine light, and emergency transmission light all are on. My car is currently stuck in 2nd gear as a precaution to not destroy the transmission. The mechanism needed to fix this was quoted to me as being 1,500 to 2,000 JUST FOR THE PART! Not including labor and other fixes to go along with it. This isn’t cheap, reliable or safe. And the car is pretty much a waste at this point.

NHTSA ID

11764104

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

My 2022 Toas AWD stalls while driving at speed, mimicking the failing fuel pump recall #23V-214 but the VIN is not included on the recall list.

NHTSA ID

11760725

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

On July 30, 2026, while driving my 2022 Volkswagen Taos out of my apartment parking lot, the EPC and check engine lights illuminated. The vehicle shook, lagged, stalled, and could not accelerate normally. I parked and turned it off. An authorized Volkswagen dealer diagnosed a faulty spark plug. On August 12, the same failure recurred. The EPC and check engine lights illuminated, the vehicle shook, and it again lost acceleration. The dealer attributed the misfire to poor fuel caused by Arizona monsoon and dust-storm conditions and added a fuel additive. However, the only major dust storm around these dates occurred on August 19, after the first two incidents. No fuel-test results were provided to support this explanation. On August 20, the failure occurred a third time while I was driving on a major road. The vehicle shook and experienced a severe loss of propulsion and acceleration. The check engine light remained on after the engine was turned off. I had to restart the vehicle three times before I could move it into a parking lot. I was less than one mile from entering a highway, and the sudden loss of acceleration in traffic created a serious collision risk. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. On August 21, the dealer again attributed the misfire to poor fuel. It added fuel-system cleaner, filled the tank with 91-octane fuel, and test-drove the vehicle, but the misfire remained. The technician then reported that three spark plugs were fouled and required replacement. The same dangerous loss-of-power condition occurred three times within 22 days despite two prior repair attempts. The cause of the repeated misfires and fouled plugs remains unidentified. The vehicle is at the Volkswagen dealership and is available for inspection. There was no crash, fire, or injury.

NHTSA ID

11758707

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

Per VW TSB 15-23-01, Volkswagen explicitly admits that the original engine production head gasket design is defective. A leaking head gasket can cause sudden engine overheating, power loss, or catastrophic engine failure while driving. This seems like a major , dangerous issue that should be covered under a recall

NHTSA ID

11755980

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

On 7/9/2026, my 2022 VW Taos was brought to the dealer for being severely underpowered, check engine lights on, and a strong raw fuel smell inside the vehicle. On 7/10/2026, the dealer stated the vehicle was ready, claiming they replaced a turbo charge pipe O-ring. The service advisor verbally stated the vehicle had been successfully test-driven for 5 miles on streets and the highway. However, official paperwork only stated "cleared faults verified no leaks in system, vehicle is now operating as designed." Immediately upon driving home on the highway, as the vehicle reached 70–75 mph under load, a loud whistling noise and a sudden, dangerous loss of propulsion occurred simultaneously. The vehicle was returned to the dealer on 7/10/2026. On 7/13/2026, the vehicle was picked up after a second repair where the dealer admitted the plastic charge pipe (05E-145-673-Q) was actually fractured and had completely blown off the turbocharger during my highway drive, generating fault code P227900 (Intake Air System Leak). Upon reviewing the paperwork from both visits, I discovered the odometer had only increased by exactly 1 mile during the first service visit. The dealer completely failed to road-test the vehicle under actual highway boost loads before certifying it as safe, which directly caused a catastrophic structural engine failure and an emergency safety hazard at 75 mph.

NHTSA ID

11750349

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

While driving at highway speeds, the a low coolant caution light came on. We immediately pulled over before the engine overheated and added coolant and brought the vehicle in for repairs. This Taos currently has 43,000 miles and needs its head gasket replaced for the SECOND time. The first head gasket was replaced on 12/23 with 16,000 miles under a technical bulletin by VW. This is a know issue for this vehicle. With a head gasket failure, this can lead to engine overheating and seizing. This needs to be a recall.

NHTSA ID

11749254

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

The engine coolant is leaking and the cylinder head gasket is leaking at the back of the engine. This requires full replacement. This is a known issue with Technical Service Bulletin 15-23-01 from Volkswagen back in 2023, and both VW and our Dealership are refusing to cover the costs of replacement.

NHTSA ID

11747011

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V687000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact associated the failure with the recall. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights and the EPC and engine temperature warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11746041

Incident

May 28, 2026

Mileage

25,000 mi

The systems failing are electrical, engine, and fuel/propulsion systems. VW TAOS 2022 purchased Sept. 2023. Two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, I'm driving down the street and the vehicle began to lose power and start slowing down. It eventually cut off. About a week later, I experienced the same issue. I called the dealer and they had me to bring my car in. I was told that they couldn't find the problem, but that the car was misfiring. They "repaired" and returned it to me. As I drove on local streets and the interstate, I have problems with acceleration. The car does not pick up speed like it should and lags behind and then suddenly jerks forward (even after battery rest times during a stop). It rides a bit rough. Occasionally, my dashboard blacks out while I'm driving. My auto-start doesn't always work, even after the fob batteries have been changed. My gas seems to disappear and I find myself gassing up more often than I should be. I would contact the dealership, they'd coordinate service around my scheduled service dates and claim that they could never find or duplicate the problems that I'm having. The problems continue. My engine light came on while I was driving and stayed on. I was told to bring in my car. The dealership kept it from July-Sept 2025, replacing parts and then returned it to me. Two days later the engine light came back on and I had to return to the dealer again for service. After leaving a parking lot (Jun 2026), two blocks down the street the TAOS began to lose power, the engine light is flashing and the EPC code (engine control malfunction) light lit up. I called VW and they dispatched a tow. My TAOS was towed to Checkered Flag VW. My safety (and others) is at risk because the power loss just happens without warning. If a driver is not paying attention, they could run into the back of me or hit me on the side during a lane change due to the slow movement.

NHTSA ID

11743911

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

The EVAP line has a fault, stuck open, affects nothing whatsoever. But has every single light on the dash on. It tells me the brakes don't work, the air bags don't work, the cruise doesn't work. Everything. The confusing thing is some things actually work and some don't. The brakes work, the cruise doesn't. The auto detection doesn't work. What's worse, you can't replace that part. No one sells it. This is absolutely horrendous and very dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11743340

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Had my car in at a Volkswagen dealership for its routine maintenance they called me back, letting me know that I had the head gasket leak and that coolant was leaking.

NHTSA ID

11741341

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Head gasket failure is a known issue for this model. Some owners report failure at 12k miles in for quite some time. I am now faced with this known issue VW has had time to remedy. If it is a known failure why not take care of it especially if it spans across 3 models 2022 - 2024. I should not have to absorb this type of repair 4 years 57k miles in on my vehicle. Of course, everything pops up right as warranties expire. I was refused even dealer “good faith” for being 7,000 miles over the threshold VW powertrain warranty of 4 years 50k miles. Now to find $4638.83 for parts plus whatever labor will be.

NHTSA ID

11740807

Incident

May 29, 2026

The vehicle has intermittent hesitation/delayed acceleration from a stop and during low-speed stop-and-go driving. At times, engine RPM increases before the vehicle responds or accelerates normally. This creates a safety concern when entering traffic, turning, merging, or accelerating from a stopped position because the vehicle does not always respond predictably to throttle input. The concern was reported to a Volkswagen dealer in writing during a prior repair process and was later formally documented on a repair order as hesitation on acceleration. The vehicle has prior Volkswagen repair history involving a coolant warning/low coolant concern, head gasket repair, and later camshaft seal/belt cover repair. After the most recent repair, the delayed acceleration/hesitation concern remained unresolved. The vehicle is currently under review with Volkswagen Customer Care, but the safety-related drivability concern has not yet been fully resolved. Supporting documents include the 2025 written report of jerking from a stop, the 2026 repair order documenting hesitation on acceleration, and post-repair emails showing the issue remained unresolved. After I notified the dealer in writing that the hesitation/delayed acceleration concern remained after the most recent repair, I did not receive a documented response or resolution, and the concern remains unresolved with Volkswagen Customer Care.

NHTSA ID

11740065

Incident

Jun 30, 2025

The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11736017

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

Mileage

35,000 mi

This vehicle has ongoing drivability issues that have not been resolved despite multiple repair attempts involving engine-related components and repairs. The issue began in November 2024 while the vehicle was under warranty with coolant and engine warnings. At that time, I reported coolant loss, warning messages, hesitation during acceleration, and abnormal vehicle vibration. I was initially told no issue existed. Shortly after warranty expiration, the vehicle required a major head gasket repair in 2025 after continuing to exhibit the same coolant-related issues. In 2026, the vehicle required an additional engine-related repair involving a camshaft seal in the same area of the engine that had previously been dismantled and rebuilt. Despite these repairs, the same drivability symptoms remain. The vehicle intermittently hesitates during acceleration, particularly from a stop or during merging conditions, where engine RPM increases significantly before the vehicle responds. The vehicle also exhibits significant steering wheel and seat vibration at highway speeds and during extended driving. These conditions create a potential safety concern because the vehicle does not consistently respond as expected during acceleration and becomes unstable and uncomfortable to operate at highway speeds. The hesitation creates concern when entering traffic, crossing intersections, or attempting to accelerate in situations requiring predictable vehicle response. The issue has been repeatedly presented to the dealership and repair attempts have been performed, including major engine work, but the condition remains unresolved. The repairs were treated as separate isolated issues rather than a continuation of the original condition first reported under warranty. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately 43 days across these repairs. No loaner vehicle was provided during those periods. The vehicle remains in its current condition with unresolved issues.

NHTSA ID

11735956

Incident

Nov 20, 2024

Only 41,000 miles and head gasket is leaking

NHTSA ID

11734080

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

Head gasket failure at 42,000 miles. Transmission leak from filter and pan. VW dealership diagnosed.

NHTSA ID

11733009

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the low coolant warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred approximately ten times. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: (15-23-01) Head Gasket Leakage; however, the VIN was not included in the bulletin. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,500.

NHTSA ID

11730469

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

Mileage

72,500 mi

Vin # [XXX] Evap system hose-canister parts regulator valve. Check engine light stays on and this started in June 2025. Gorman McCracken Volkswagen Longview Texas diagnosed. February 1,2025 Low engine coolant light continues to come on. We have had to add coolant for the last two weeks. About 3 gallons used. The back up camera and navigation screen goes black often and has to be reset. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11719840

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, the low coolant warning light illuminated. The coolant reservoir was topped off, and the warning light disappeared. The contact referenced a Technical Service Bulletin with NHTSA ID Number: 10241177 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and associated the failure with the TSB. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,100.

NHTSA ID

11719146

Incident

Nov 23, 2025

Mileage

87,100 mi

I purchased a 2022 Volkswagen Taos from TOM‘s VW, Union, New Jersey on Sep 23, 2023. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had approximately 19000 miles. Unfortunately, I experienced the engine light illuminating after starting the car at the end of October 2024. I brought this issue to Tom's VW's attention in Nov, 2024 - 1) I made an appointment with Tom's VW, and the first time I went to the dealership was on Nov 2, 2024. Since then, we have come to Tom's VW dealership to fix the same issue at least 6 times, the latest one was on May 15, 2025. 2) The car has been kept in the dealership's shop since it was drop off at the dealership on May 15, 2025. It's still kept in the dealership's shop now. 3) Several times we were told the problem was resolved and we could pick up the car, but the problem would usually reappear the next day. We immediately called Tom's VW to inform them and ask if it was safe to drive the car before it was delivered to Tom's VW again, since the problem involved the engine. However, we were told there was no safety issue. This concerns the engine, and the problem remains unresolved after a year, with no explanation for the cause of the engine light illuminating. We've been repeatedly told there's no safety issue and we can continue driving. Given this situation, I strongly suspect a serious engine-related quality problem with the car, and that the dealer's advice—that we can continue driving—poses a safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11707893

Incident

Nov 2, 2024

I am reporting a repeated safety-related defect involving exhaust intrusion into the cabin of my 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The vehicle experienced loss of power, coolant loss, and engine warning indicators, and was serviced twice by Volkswagen Southtowne in Sandy, Utah. First Incident – Vehicle Returned as “Safe to Drive” During the first repair visit, the dealer diagnosed issues involving the manifold/exhaust area, head gasket, coolant system, and catalytic converter. After keeping the vehicle for an extended period, the dealership informed me the vehicle was “safe to drive,” although the repair was not fully completed. I relied on this representation. After the vehicle was returned to me, I began experiencing significant physical symptoms only while driving the vehicle, including nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. These symptoms occurred repeatedly during operation and would subside after leaving the vehicle. At the time, I did not understand that these symptoms were caused by exhaust entering the cabin. Second Incident – Defect Confirmed and Additional Repairs Performed Weeks later, the symptoms persisted and I returned the vehicle to the same dealership. At this second visit, the dealer reported coolant leakage and additional gasket failures. They removed the cylinder head, replaced gaskets, and performed additional exhaust-related repairs. I was provided a loaner vehicle during this extended repair. After this second repair, the symptoms while driving stopped. Safety Concern Based on the timing of symptoms, the repair records, and the resolution following the second repair, I believe that exhaust gases were entering the cabin of the vehicle during normal operation for an extended period. This created a significant safety hazard. I was repeatedly assured the vehicle was “safe to drive” when it was not. I unknowingly operated the vehicle while being exposed to exhaust fumes for several months. The condition caused physical illness, impaired my ability.

NHTSA ID

11704557

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

2022 Volkswagen Taos SE 1.5T (DNKA engine, <60,000 miles, <5 years old) developed internal coolant leak from cylinder head gasket. On 11/03/2025 Smith Volkswagen, Wilmington, DE (RO 692953/1) performed coolant system pressure test and confirmed leak coming from cylinder head gasket area at rear of engine below turbo (exactly as shown in Figures 1 & 2 of VW TSB 15-23-01). Dealer noted possible related engine damage that may require complete engine replacement in addition to head gasket. Vehicle available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: loss of coolant can cause sudden engine overheating, power loss, or seizure while driving, creating risk of crash, stranding, or fire. Symptoms began November 2025 with “Check Coolant” warning; reservoir was below MIN. Added coolant once; warning has not returned, but pressure test proved ongoing internal leak. No visible external drips. This exact failure is a known manufacturing defect per Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 15-23-01 (Transaction 2071245/1, issued 08/17/2023), which states: “Original engine production head gasket design can lead to coolant leaks” and was redesigned as of engine DNKA 234 458 (July 27, 2023). Despite VW’s own bulletin documenting the defective gasket in all 2022–2023 Taos/Jetta 1.5T engines built before the fix, VW classifies the TSB as “information only” with no warranty coverage. VW Goodwill offered only 50% assistance on the $4,927 head gasket replacement and nothing toward a potential full engine replacement, leaving owner responsible for thousands of dollars in repairs on a documented factory defect in a low-mileage, young vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11703443

Incident

Oct 20, 2025