Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The car was purchased new and now has 1,600 miles. On nine different occasions the car has stopped moving (but has not stalled) when trying to accelerate. In two of those instances (accelerating from a red light and entering a roundabout) I nearly had an accident. I've had the car at the dealership twice and I was told that there were no codes and the car was operating normally. I've found an internet post made by someone having the same issue. I'm not a mechanic, but my impression is that the transmission inadvertently temporarily thinks it is in neutral. This is a genuine safety issue.
My 2024 S AWD VW Taos has a serious lag when I need to speed up fast. The car does not go at all if I try to accelerate quickly and has almost caused many accidents. I have needed to quickly get out of the way of other drivers who were not paying attention and tried to accelerate quickly only to have my car not go anywhere. I am afraid to let my children drive this vehicle or even ride with me due to the fact that i cant count on it to work when i need to drive defensively.
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 vehicle was parked, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the Medtronic transmission had failed and needed to be replaced; however, parts were on back order. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 10,185.
The contact rented a 2023 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in drive with the brake pedal depressed and entering the garage, he released the brake pedal and the vehicle rolled and stalled. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had to hold the fob near the WIFI button to start the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle failed to stop immediately while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure but indicated that an intermittent failure of the electronic transmission control module was possible. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 2,000.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Taos years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2022 (52) and 2023 (12) model years. Transmission complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2022.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Taos transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Volkswagen Taos model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Taos transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 6,000 miles; 100% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (1 mentions).
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.