The U.S. subcompact SUV market has become increasingly competitive over the last decade, with almost every mainstream automotive brand having an entry. In 2022, VW tossed its hat into the ring with the launch of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. While this small crossover earns high marks for a roomy cabin and engaging driving dynamics, the Taos gets dinged for reliability issues, especially in early model years. Trouble areas included faulty infotainment systems and electrical issues.

These don’t appear to be random troubles. In J.D. Power’s 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, the German automaker ranked last among the more than two dozen brands analyzed. The research revealed that the typical VW has an average of 301 problems, compared to 204 for the average vehicle. Consumer Reports isn’t optimistic either, giving the Taos poor or below-average reliability ratings, depending on the model year.

If a Taos is on your shopping list, you’ll want to proceed carefully. Some model years are best avoided, while others present a more moderate risk. We’ll explain the differences and also highlight common trouble spots, repair costs, and recall history. If you do decide to buy a Taos, or already own one, you’ll learn whether an extended car warranty makes financial sense.

The Brand-Wide Problem That Frames the Taos

The Volkswagen Taos competes against vehicles like the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek, which generally have higher reliability scores from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. At the heart of many of the Taos’ dependability issues is Volkswagen’s MIB3 infotainment platform. It’s the company’s third-generation system, designed for a more modern digital passenger experience.

MIB3 is also used in the Tiguan, Atlas, Jetta, and many other VW vehicles, which explains why Consumer Reports continues to cite in-car electronics as an ongoing weak area for the brand. This trouble spot may seem less of an issue for buyers focused on engine and transmission reliability, but diagnosing faulty digital controls can be time-consuming and expensive if the car is out of warranty. A pre-purchase inspection is always recommended before buying any used car, but keep in mind that even an experienced mechanic may not be able to detect intermittent electronic problems.

In-Car Electronics: The Primary Complaint Category

We’ve already pointed out that in-car electronics are the Taos’ main weakness. Let’s get into more detail. Consumer Reports points out that these trouble areas include the infotainment system (which covers entertainment, navigation, and phone connectivity), backup cameras/sensors, and other integrated components.

Among the more frequently discussed Volkswagen Taos issues are:

• Frozen infotainment displays
• Black or blank touchscreens
• Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto disconnecting
• Backup camera failures
• Slow system startup
• Intermittent warning messages

One Taos owner reported to CarComplaints about a “radio system constantly blanks out and will not come back on for hours, even after trying to turn it off and back on.” While others add “Complete radio/GPS randomly shuts off. GPS is always saying these VWs are in different locations than they are,” or “When I use reverse, the camera will freeze or black out, and I am not able to see where I am going in reverse.”

These are common car problems that many Taos owners face. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has similar reports on file. Typical fixes include software updates. Volkswagen has issued numerous technical service bulletins (TSBs) addressing these issues.

Premature Brake Wear

While the Taos is perhaps most infamous for electronic glitches, numerous owners have reported premature brake wear. In the typical car, brake pads and rotors last 25,000 to 40,000 miles. But that’s not always the case with the Taos. Reports on file with NHTSA and CarComplaints repeatedly note that the rear brakes on the Taos don’t even last half the average lifespan. One Taos owner stated, “With 9100 miles, the rear brakes were completely worn, and the brake discs corroded and were also replaced.”

What can make this issue especially frustrating is that brake pads and rotors aren’t usually covered by Volkswagen’s factory warranty or most extended warranties. The company has issued several TSBs to correct the issue, but owners are still on the hook for repairs. CarComplaints calls this a “fairly significant” problem with an average repair cost of $650. It’s an issue that typically falls under maintenance instead of a mechanical defect.

This Taos brake problem creates another strong incentive for a pre-purchase inspection. An experienced technician should be able to easily assess the car’s brakes. Available service records can also be useful, helping you determine when new brakes might be needed.

Electrical System and Recall Issues

The Taos’ electrical issues go beyond the infotainment screen. According to NHTSA data, about 20% of owner complaints for the 2022 Taos involve the electrical system. The 2023 and 2024 editions have a similar proportion of owner reports on this matter, albeit with a lower overall complaint volume. All these complaints overlap with tales of intermittent electrical faults involving warning lights, sensors, and driver-assistance systems. Some of these issues have been addressed through recalls and TSBs.

Speaking of recalls, the 2022 edition is the most-recalled Taos model year to date, with six safety campaigns administered through NHTSA. Here’s an overview:

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is the only other model year (as of this writing) with vehicle safety recalls. The two campaigns cover a fuel pressure sensor that could leak fuel after certain rear-end crashes (26V258000, covering 2025-2026 models) and an instrument panel that may fail to display critical warning lights or gauges (26V185000, covering 2025 models only). To date, there have been no recalls for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos.

Worst Model Year: 2022

With only four model years on the market to date, it’s not that difficult to identify the model year that deserves the most scrutiny: the 2022 Taos. It’s the first year of production, which appears to be accompanied by various electrical gremlins. Six recalls, which aren’t necessarily connected to reliability, also indicate that VW didn’t quite get the car right during that first year. This is further evidenced by the fact that the recalls didn’t extend to more recent model years. In addition, Consumer Reports gives this edition a reliability score of 5 out of 100, among the worst for any 2022 vehicle it has ranked.

The laundry list of warning signs continues with owner reports of premature brake wear, rough-shifting transmissions, and engine failures. As a buyer, it’s best to approach the 2022 Taos with caution. Checking service records, verifying recall repairs, and obtaining a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection are mandatory. In addition, be sure the test drive includes ample time to check every electronic feature in the cabin.

Better Model Years: 2024-2025

While the 2024 Volkswagen Taos and 2025 Volkswagen Taos aren’t perfect from a reliability standpoint (both fall into the below-average range), they represent stronger choices for used car shoppers. Complaint volume has fallen considerably from the 2022–2023 Taos (although these vehicles are still new, so the full extent of owner reports may take a few more years).  The 2025 Taos received a refreshed exterior and a more reliable 8-speed transmission for the front-wheel-drive variants (previously, this was only available with all-wheel-drive models).

These editions benefited from numerous software updates and component improvements. That said, the MIB3 platform still underlies the Taos infotainment system, so owners may still experience glitches. Of course, check the service history and take advantage of a pre-purchase inspection.

What to Inspect Before Buying a Used Taos

A structured approach to buying a used Volkswagen Taos can reduce ownership surprises later. Follow these steps before signing any paperwork:

Initial Research

• Check the VIN for open recalls.
• Review the maintenance records.
• Look for completed recall repairs.
• Research common Taos problems.

In-Cabin

• Test the infotainment system.
• Pair your smartphone.
• Check Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Verify Bluetooth operation.
• Test the backup camera.
• Check driver-assistance features (as practical).

Test Drive

• Listen for brake noise.
• Check for hesitation when accelerating.
• Watch for rough or delayed shifts.
• Evaluate overall braking performance.

Before Purchase

• Inspect rear brake pad thickness.
• Confirm that any recall work is complete.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection.
• Review the mechanic’s findings before buying.

How an Extended Warranty Fits the Taos Ownership Equation

Although the Taos may be small in size, its repair bills may not be. Even simple components, such as electronic control modules and sensors, can be expensive to replace. Dealing with electrical issues can require extended diagnostic time. Add in the risk of engine or transmission trouble, and owning an out-of-warranty Taos can be a financial gamble.

An extended warranty or vehicle service contract (sometimes called an auto protection plan) can provide peace of mind and protection against surprise repair bills. Endurance offers tiered coverage, starting with an essential powertrain plan that covers the engine, transmission, and drive axles. Mid-tier programs expand safeguards by protecting the air conditioning, steering, braking, electrical, suspension, and other critical systems. Endurance Supreme offers the fewest exclusions and is most similar to a new car warranty.

All Endurance plans include the option to select any licensed facility for covered repairs, 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption protection, rental car assistance, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For additional research, consult our Volkswagen Reliability Guide and our Volkswagen extended warranty resource.

Protecting Your Volkswagen Taos with Endurance

The Volkswagen Taos’ reliability record is mixed, at best. But owning one doesn’t have to be filled with concern about high repair bills. An Endurance Warranty plan can step in when the factory warranty expires.

To learn about your options, request a FREE quote or visit the Endurance online store for instant pricing and plan information. Endurance plan advisors can also review custom coverage options, including specialized plans for commercial-use vehicles. Just call (800) 253-8203.

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