2022 Volkswagen Taos Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine15233.2%
- Fuel system6313.8%
- Brakes6313.8%
- Electrical6013.1%
- Powertrain (other)4910.7%
- Driver assistance347.4%
- Body & structure92.0%
- Airbags81.7%
- Visibility40.9%
- Steering40.9%
- Exterior lighting30.7%
- Suspension30.7%
- Seat belts20.4%
- Other / unspecified20.4%
- Interior & seats10.2%
- Transmission10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Electronic parking brake engaged randomly when getting gas and would not disengage letting me leave the pump
leaking head gasket
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
No back up camera. Entire display screen went black. Software crash? Tried rebooting by holding down buttons, locking and walking away. Nothing still black. No words on the screen. This concerns me because of the kids that play in the yard and my older kids that back out with the car. It will cost me $200 just to perform a scan for faulty codes. And then, if it’s a dead control module, just the part is $900. Can’t afford this, but need the back up camera. Car is no longer under warranty. Shouldn’t this be a safety recall? The side panels next to the speedometer won’t load anything either. Anything except the speed won’t come up in the middle, just loops and says “starting compass” then “compass is not available”. No setting on the display screen, no radio or phone, etc. just black. The speed, mi. to empty, temp., and cruise control work. Along with the gas gage and temp. gage. I read it may need a USB update using an OTIS machine? Infotainment update.? TSB-91-23-03?
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The infotainment system on my 2022 Volkswagen Taos began displaying a persistent "frozen software update" notification approximately six days prior to June 28, 2026. This condition disabled normal use of the radio and, most significantly, the vehicle's backup camera — a federally required safety feature. The vehicle was brought to an authorized VW dealership for a scheduled 110,000-mile service completed on June 27, 2026, with resolution of this software freeze as the primary concern. The issue remained unresolved following that visit. Prior guidance to leave the vehicle running while parked to allow the update to complete was followed with no change in the condition. The vehicle was returned to the dealership on the evening of June 28, 2026, with an additional appointment scheduled for the morning of June 30, 2026, specifically to address the unresolved defect. As of this filing, the backup camera and radio functions remain impaired due to this unresolved software failure, despite a dealer service visit.
The car does not accelerate when the gas is pressed. It will delay, jerk or accelerate slower than it's supposed to.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
2022 VW Blue Taos. January 2026, paint was feeling from driver side door and hood. The vehicle was under corrosion warranty. The dealership saw the photos taken, stated there was no corrosion and it appeared to be an adhesion issue, which would not be covered under warranty. Volkswagen CARES states the same. The issue has progressed in the areas, leaving large spots of exposed body.
My 2022 Taos has major paint defects where the paint is just peeling off. I took it to dealer around 40k miles and told them about it and they said it was out of warranty already and nothing they could do for me. After doing research I see many other people with same car and same complaint online so I took it to a body shop and they confirmed what everyone online is saying that my vehicle appears to never have gotten primer before it was painted in the areas that the paint is chipping away
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car is telling me things are not available such as airbags, blind spot, the rear warning and the tire pressure monitoring system. As well as is has the fuel injector problem that VW has already extended the warranty on.
A/c drain clogged resulting in a backup of water to start leaking into the vehicle and steadily dripping onto the airbag module. The dealer did replicate the issue and are repairing. The airbag light illuminated and then the seatbelt light and chime began a couple of days later. Poorly placed safety device module.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The aft panoramic sunroof shattered while the car was parked. Thankfully, the "spider webbing" kept the glass from falling in the back seat, and the car was not driving then. I called and scheduled a dealer appointment that day and dropped the car off last week. There were no indication prior.
1.) My navigation freezes atleast 3x in a 1 hour drive. I have to reset it every time it freezes. 2.) Rearview camera sometimes blacks out. 3.) Rear wiper blade makes a really loud noise when on. 4.) Driver side wheel makes a grinding noise when I turn right. 5.) Passenger window switch is loose. When trying to switch window up the entire connector comes out.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
while driving a 2022 VW Taos started experiencing a strong wobble in the front driver side tire. It started on a 2.5 hour drive back from dropping my son off at college. While accelerating from 0-40 MPH the wobble would be very strong. After reaching 45 MPH it leveled off. It would wobble more turning or moving to the left than the right side. It was frightening to drive my hour long commute and worry if my tire was going to fall of or, worse yet, would I crash. I could not get in to the VW dealership for a few days prior to this starting. I did not have any lights or warning signs prior to this. When I first spoke about the problem to a few places they were suggested the lug nuts were loose, or perhaps a tire bearing went bad. I took it to my VW dealer and they said the issue was the steering rack and I was originally quoted $7,500 to fix it. Steve at my dealership was great and moved mountains to get the price lowered and my car repaired. However I find it hard to believe that 4 year old car with 80,000 miles on it should have this kind of major repair. I had to rent a car for a few days and then VW was able to provide me with loaner. I have had issues with my 2022 VW since I purchased it during Covid and just wonder if that is that is part of the issue. Cheaper parts being used - perhaps not tested or as reliable. I just wanted to report this and see if any other 2022 VW TAOS's were experiencing the same issue and if a TSB should be issued or a recall. I had one thing fixed in the past and then a recall was issued but I was denied reimbursement since I did not use VW parts to fix the problem. I am trying to avoid that from happening again. I have owned VW's for over 20 years and I appreciate their dependability, gas mileage and longevity as I drive a lot. thank you.
It’s happened 2x in owning the 22 Vw Taos. The car will start be good for about 5 seconds, then car shakes like the engines misfiring, check engine light flashes, steering does become locked a little and difficult. Once you start up again it’s fine. Happened in Nov 2024 and today 3/8/2024
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear Brake and Rotors- At about 14,500 miles the vehicle started making this screeching noise. Rear brake pads and rotors wearing out prematurely. There is no indication through the health reports sent by VW or Carfax (VW affiliated) that is nothing wrong (all healthy). I took to dealership. The customer service rep at Rudolph VW in El Paso, TX told me that "the front brakes were great and the rear brakes were at about 6/10 and to come back in a few months before the 20,000 miles warranty ran out. That VW was aware about the supplier but could not do anything at this point". This is a safety issue and its a Warranty covered issue as is under 20,000 miles. I never had a vehicle with this issue. I fear for my life. I am at about 16,500. I don't know I f am going to make it to 20,000. Another issue I have with this vehicle is that the engine light came on as I was driving. I called it in and they simply said oh yes that's usual. This is a new vehicle! I am about to take it in this week.
Digital Dash goes dark at times, so dark you cant see the speed or any of the gages. You have to pull over shut the car off and wait approx. 40 seconds and then restart, it may or may not do it again.I have read on the vw forum that a lot of Taos owners are having this problem. No help from VW
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle has ongoing acceleration delay and jerking under normal driving, along with repeated premature rear brake wear and a major coolant leak that required head gasket replacement. The most recent incident occurred on August 8, 2025, immediately after picking up the vehicle from a service visit for the acceleration concern. Two separate throttle delays with a sudden jerk forward occurred at approximately 5:47 PM and 5:50 PM in moderate city traffic at 79°F. These incidents put my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk, as delayed acceleration can prevent safe merging, crossing, or passing. Within the first 25,000 miles of ownership, the vehicle has also required one rear brake replacement and a second replacement was recommended due to premature wear, which could reduce braking performance and stopping distance. Additionally, a coolant leak ultimately required head gasket replacement. Suspension components, including a knuckle, have also been replaced under warranty. The acceleration problem has been reported to authorized Volkswagen dealers, but was documented as “could not reproduce” despite occurring minutes after pickup. Coolant leak and brake issues have been confirmed and repaired or recommended for repair by dealers. There were no warning lights or error messages prior to the acceleration incidents.
Shocks are leaking after 15,000 miles and 30 months - shocks should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles. VW has release a Technical Service Bulletin due to this issue. Leaking shocks are a safety issue. Transaction No: 2043146/2 40-16-01 - Strut or Shock Absorber Leak Assessment Release date: 2/20/23
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting this complaint because the driver's seat belt does not fit me properly despite using all available factory adjustments. I am an adult female who is 5 feet 2 inches tall. The driver's seat is adjusted to its highest position, and the shoulder belt height adjuster is set to its lowest position. Even with these adjustments, the shoulder belt crosses and rubs against my neck instead of resting across the middle of my shoulder and chest. This has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle. The discomfort has become increasingly severe over time and now causes me to repeatedly reposition the belt while driving because it presses against my neck. I am concerned that the restraint system does not properly accommodate shorter adult drivers. While the seat belt remains fastened, the fit is poor enough that it creates a distraction during vehicle operation and raises concerns about occupant protection in a crash. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate whether the seat belt geometry in the 2022 Volkswagen Taos provides an appropriate fit for shorter drivers and whether similar complaints have been reported by other owners.
A/c drain clogged resulting in a backup of water to start leaking into the vehicle and steadily dripping onto the airbag module. The dealer did replicate the issue and are repairing. The airbag light illuminated and then the seatbelt light and chime began a couple of days later. Poorly placed safety device module.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned Rear brake rotors and rear brake pads. Both rear rotors have been diagnosed as requiring replacement along with rear brake pads. The front rotors and pads are reported to be in normal condition. The vehicle and all replaced components are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk Degraded rear braking performance increases stopping distance and could lead to brake vibration, uneven braking, or reduced control during emergency braking, posing a potential safety risk to the driver and others. Confirmation or reproduction of the problem The issue has been confirmed by a dealership service department, which recommended replacement of the rear rotors and rear brake pads. The vehicle has approximately 16,000 miles and is just over 4 years old. During the service visit, dealership staff stated that this type of rear brake wear occurs frequently with these vehicles. The dealership also indicated that Volkswagen previously replaced rear rotors and pads under warranty for similar issues at approximately 24,000 miles or 2 years, but that this coverage is no longer available. Because this vehicle was driven significantly less than average, it did not reach those mileage thresholds within that earlier timeframe. Inspections performed The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership service center. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. Additional details / driving conditions The vehicle has been driven very infrequently, with low-mileage trips on flat roads in Charleston, South Carolina. There has been no aggressive driving, towing, mountainous driving, or heavy stop-and-go use. The front brakes remain in normal condition. Given the low mileage, light usage, and prior warranty replacements for similar conditions, rear rotor and pad replacement at this mileage appears premature and abnormal.
1.) My navigation freezes atleast 3x in a 1 hour drive. I have to reset it every time it freezes. 2.) Rearview camera sometimes blacks out. 3.) Rear wiper blade makes a really loud noise when on. 4.) Driver side wheel makes a grinding noise when I turn right. 5.) Passenger window switch is loose. When trying to switch window up the entire connector comes out.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I just returned my leased 2017 Tiguan and leased a 2022 Taos. The Taos does not have a front passenger seat height adjustment. When I test drove the Taos, the tall vw salesperson was sitting in the front passenger seat while I was driving and my girlfriend was sitting in the back seat. The VW salesperson did not tell me that there is no front passenger seat height adjustment. My girlfriend cannot see over the dashboard when sitting in the front passenger seat. I purchased a seat cushion that raises her 4 inches but now the front passenger airbag light will not turn off so if we are in a car accident the driver airbag will deploy but the front passenger seat airbag will not deploy. I need to have the front passenger seat replaced with a front passenger seat that has a manual height adjustment or I need a different car. Can you please help me? I have been a lifetime loyal customer of VW Porsche Audi and do not understand why a manual front passenger seat height adjustment would not be included in any of your products. The VW salespeople need to make sure that customers know that there is no front passenger seat height adjustment prior to purchasing the Taos S and the Taos SE. The Tiguan S models that I had all had front passenger seat height adjustment. Can you please help me? Thank you.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated while coming to a stop sign, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that the transmission was leaking transmission fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the transmission was repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The dealer referenced an unstated TSB for a head gasket failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .