2023 Volkswagen Taos engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026OKElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The infotainment touch screen on my 2023 Volkswagen Taos has completely blacked out and failed, leaving my backup camera entirely inoperable. This has created a severe blind-spot hazard where I cannot safely reverse. On top of this failure, the vehicle has a chronic history of being in and out of the dealership service department for unresolved fuel system problems, specifically regarding the fuel injectors and fuel lines under warranty. The dealership has repeatedly failed…

   NHTSA complaint #11766233 · source
2. Filed Sep 9, 2026VAEngine

   Low coolant warning in red triangle showed up on my 2023 TAOS. Coolant in the reservoir was very low. I notice that there is a Technical Service Bulletin 15-23-01 rather than an official safety recall on 2022 and 2023 Taos 1.5T for head gasket coolant leak. There are many complaints regarding this issue on many message boards. We all fear that this problem will intensify as we all move out of powertrain warranty. Can you please instruct Volkswagen to have a recall on this…

   NHTSA complaint #11763046 · source
3. Filed Jul 24, 2026TXEngine

   head gasket well known issue with no campaign or warranty coverage Volkswagen issued an official TSB 15-23-01 (Head Gasket Leakage) acknowledging that the original factory head gasket design on early Taos models allows coolant to leak. The production line was eventually updated with a redesigned gasket. They denied coverage or even partial reduction in labor.

   NHTSA complaint #11752754 · source
4. Filed May 9, 2026COEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   On April 27, 2025, in [XXX] , the vehicle displayed a low coolant warning in the morning. The owner replenished the coolant as instructed, the warning cleared, and the vehicle was driven to work without incident. Later that day, while traveling southbound on [XXX] at approximately 60 mph, the engine overheat warning activated, forcing the driver to stop and pull over. The vehicle required two separate tows — first to the residence, then to the dealership the following day.…

   NHTSA complaint #11736809 · source
5. Filed Apr 28, 2026NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   This vehicle has a known design flaw which causes the cylinder gasket to leak and require replacement. VW has only issued a Technical Service Notice which was no provided to owners regarding the part that needed replacement. They are correcting the problem with a differently designed part in order to try to cure the design flaw. This can cause catastrophic engine failure. It should have been a recall. I should have been notified and the car should have been repaired at VW’s…

   NHTSA complaint #11734447 · source
6. Filed Feb 28, 2026VAEngine

   I took the vehicle in to the VW dealership for service on 06/30/25 and they found that the head gasket had failed after only 26500 miles. A failed head gasket could lead to engine failure during operation which would create a significant safety issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11721159 · source
7. Filed Feb 23, 2026GAEngineOther / Unknown

   I was told there was a leak in my coolant system that has happened to many other with the 22 and 23 taos. If out of warranty the claim would be almost 5k even though my car is only 2 years old. The work needed to be done is labor intensive and also a issues with the cylinder head gasket.

   NHTSA complaint #11719973 · source
8. Filed Dec 26, 2025LAEngine

   Head gasket failure, car loses combustion, u safe to drive. Engine light has been on for 5 months so far. Dealer has not been able to fix it.

   NHTSA complaint #11707078 · source
9. Filed Oct 16, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The vehicle begins to feel like it is skipping while driving. The EPC light comes on, the dashboard beeps and indicates lane assist is unavailable, check engine sign illuminates. The vehicle will drive for a short time but then jerks and just stops. This has happened at least 3 times. Dealer has already replaced the fuel pump, electrical wiring and some switch that wasn't readying properly. After the fuel pump was replaced, the tank was filled, continue to track down miles…

   NHTSA complaint #11693864 · source
10. Filed Sep 6, 2025MAElectrical SystemEngine

    2023 Taos SE shuts off completely at red lights/when I’m stopped more than 60 seconds. It prompts me to shift into park, put the key to steering column and restart, then shift back into drive and go. Dealer scanned it on two separate occasions and has no explanation. Couldn’t reproduce. Very dangerous as increases risk of crashes and rear ended when a car needs to be restarted mid roadway. The 2022 model had a recall for this exact stalling issue and they claimed to have…

    NHTSA complaint #11685514 · source
11. Filed Aug 26, 2025NYBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    2023 VW Taos leased in June 2023 - needed to replace brakes 2 years (June 2025) into owning the car. Inspection would not pass without them. This is an excessively quick wear that cost me over $600 for a leased vehicle that should be just basic ownership during 3 year lease. August 2025 - Brought in for an oil change and a coolant yellow light on dashboard. Our local mechanic would not touch the coolant issue as he said it seems to be related to a head gasket leak. The 2022…

    NHTSA complaint #11683152 · source
12. Filed Aug 20, 202510,185 miMDEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the head gasket. The head gasket was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Later, while driving 55 MPH, the message "Transmission Failure" was displayed and the transmission shifted to D2, causing the vehicle to decelerate to 25 MPH. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11681775 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology