Current Volkswagen models
Atlas2018–2026 · 2,011 complaintsAvoid: 2024, 2021Tiguan2009–2026 · 2,329 complaintsAvoid: 2022, 2018, 2025Jetta1995–2026 · 9,704 complaintsAvoid: 2019, 2011, 2012ID.42021–2026 · 1,018 complaintsAvoid: 2023Taos2022–2025 · 499 complaintsNo years flaggedAtlas Cross Sport2020–2026 · 490 complaintsAvoid: 2024
Older and discontinued models
Golf1995–2023 · 1,307 complaintsAvoid: 2022, 2015, 2017GTI1995–2024 · 1,394 complaintsAvoid: 2019, 2009, 2024Passat1995–2022 · 7,567 complaintsAvoid: 2013, 2014, 2012Golf Sportwagen2015–2019 · 171 complaintsNo years flaggedBeetle1998–2019 · 2,630 complaintsAvoid: 2004, 2005, 2003Golf Alltrack2017–2019 · 100 complaintsNo years flaggedGolf R2016–2024 · 70 complaintsNo years flaggedTouareg2004–2017 · 646 complaintsAvoid: 2004, 2005, 2016Arteon2019–2023 · 41 complaintsAvoid: 2023CC2009–2017 · 982 complaintsAvoid: 2010, 2012, 2013E-Golf2015–2019 · 51 complaintsNo years flaggedEos2007–2016 · 425 complaintsAvoid: 2012, 2009, 2010Routan2009–2013 · 779 complaintsAvoid: 2009, 2010New Beetle1998–2004 · 190 complaintsAvoid: 2000, 2001Jetta Sportwagen2009–2014 · 169 complaintsAvoid: 2014Cabrio1995–2002 · 162 complaintsAvoid: 2001, 1999Rabbit2006–2009 · 152 complaintsAvoid: 2009, 2007Eurovan1995–2003 · 133 complaintsAvoid: 2002, 2000R322004–2008 · 128 complaintsNo years flaggedJetta Hybrid2013–2014 · 99 complaintsNo years flaggedTouareg Hybrid2011–2012 · 0 complaintsNo years flagged
Volkswagen model years to avoid
- 2004 Volkswagen Touareg6.9× complaints · transmission
- 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan6.0× complaints · engine
- 2019 Volkswagen GTI5.0× complaints · engine
- 2009 Volkswagen GTI3.6× complaints · brake
- 2013 Volkswagen Passat3.5× complaints · airbag
- 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan3.4× complaints · engine
- 1999 Volkswagen Passat3.3× complaints · brake
- 2004 Volkswagen Beetle3.3× complaints · transmission
- 2012 Volkswagen Eos3.2× complaints · airbag
- 2002 Volkswagen Passat3.2× complaints · electrical
- 2022 Volkswagen Golf3.1× complaints · transmission
- 2003 Volkswagen Passat3.1× complaints · fuel system
Latest Volkswagen recalls
- 2023–2026 Volkswagen ID.4: electrical system – traction battery
- 2019–2021 Audi Q3, 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas and 1 more: steering
- 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan: electrical system – software
- 2024–2026 Volkswagen Atlas, 2024–2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: back over prevention – software
- 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan: back over prevention – software
- 2025 Volkswagen Taos: fuel system, gasoline – pressure sensor
- 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, 2025 Volkswagen Taos: electrical system – instrument cluster/panel
- 2025–2026 Volkswagen Jetta: electrical system – wiring
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen model years should you avoid?
By owner complaints compared at the same age, the worst Volkswagen model years include the 2004 Touareg, the 2022 Tiguan, the 2019 GTI, the 2009 GTI and the 2013 Passat.
How many Volkswagen recalls are there?
NHTSA lists 253 recalls for Volkswagen vehicles from 1995 onward, the latest on September 30, 2026. See the latest Volkswagen recalls.
What Volkswagen model gets the most complaints?
In the last ten model years, the Atlas has drawn the most complaints (2,011) — partly because it is one of the brand's best sellers. Compare years on the Volkswagen Atlas page.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.