2023 Volkswagen Taos problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 160 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Taos year — the 2023 model ranks #2 of 5 Taos years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 41 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
160
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2023 compare to other Taos years?
What are the most common 2023 Volkswagen Taos problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 41 | 26% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 32 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 21 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 14 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 12 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Other | 10 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 9 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 8 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“Hazard warning light came on for low coolant on 1/18/2025. Almost empty of coolant. Bought VW coolant and filled. Brought in to dealer I bought the car from, told it was the head gasket leaking (after $170 charge). Quoted me an estimate of almost $4000. Told me it was not under warranty- my car has…”
“After about 10,000 miles, we started getting a loud squeal noise in the front brake area when taking off from a stop. We have taken the vehicle to the dealership and also spoke to the service department several times. We keep getting told that it is a common noise with the Taos and there is nothing…”
“Vehicle has Bluetooth and stopped working. Took it to the dealer they stated the j494car net module not functioning. This caused the sos system to not work the Bluetooth not to work and the app to track the vehicle not to work. They had to replace the module to get it to work. ”
“Pulling into a parking spot, vehicle had a sudden burst of acceleration, as it was still on the road, resulting in an accident. Vehicle drove over a parking curb, hitting a small tree and a sign. Vehicle felt like there was a lag in response timing of the throttle to acceleration response. No one…”
“I currently lease this vehicle through Volkswagen, and it's been nothing but causing me trouble. The Engine Power Control (EPC) light comes on at random, and it significantly reduces my RPMs to the point where I cannot accelerate properly on the highway or up a hill. I have almost been t-boned…”
2023 Volkswagen Taos — common questions
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 160 complaints put the 2023 model at #2 of 5 Taos years. It is one of the Taos years to avoid.
What are the most common 2023 Taos problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (41 complaints), brakes (32 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints).
Does the 2023 Volkswagen Taos have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos.
Which Volkswagen Taos years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taos years to avoid are 2022, 2023. The cleanest record among Taos years belongs to 2026.
How safe is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.