The Worst Problems for Every Volkswagen Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common VW problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. Front Assist Problems

    VW's collision avoidance technology is detecting objects that don't exist. When that happens it slams on the brakes and ends up putting unsuspecting occupants in harm's way. A lawsuit wants the automaker to do more than simply suggest that …

    Continue reading article "Front Assist Problems" Red warning light of VW's collision avoidance technology

  2. Excessive Oil Consumption

    Volkswagen wants you to know that burning through a quart of oil every 1,000 miles is within their 'acceptable' range. We have a different definition of acceptable. VW has settled an oil consumption lawsuit in the past, is there any hope fo…

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" VW warning light about adding 1 quart of oil

  3. Oil Sludge in the 1.8L Turbo Engine

    From 1997-2005, VW manufactured a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine with a tiny 3.7 quart oil capacity. That’s simply not a lot of oil to compensate for the amount of heat this engine generates. Complaints sparked a class-action lawsuit with an…

    Continue reading article "Oil Sludge in the 1.8L Turbo Engine" An oil pan covered in sludge

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues view all problems

What Breaks the Most view all topics

Years to Avoid view all years

The Least Reliable VW Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

Key Numbers

  1. 28 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 52 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 32 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 3,790 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 15,171 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 317 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

Recent VW News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. In case you missed it during your eggnog and sugar cookie hangover (no judgement), VW announced the 2012-2014 Beetle needs to be recalled to replace their dangerously defective Takata airbag inflators.

    The script is very much the same as previous Takata recalls. The propellant inside the inflators becomes extremely volatile due to heat and humidity exposure over time to the point that, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator actually explodes and sends shards of metal out into the cabin.…

    keep reading article "2012-2014 Beetle Recalled to Replace Takata Airbag Inflators"

  5. A new class-action says VW's front assist technology applies the brakes randomly and without warning.

    Customers who complain are typically given two not-so-great options, live with it and document the malfunctions or disable the feature entirely.

    The Missouri-based class-action says that's unacceptable and wants VW to take ownership of the problem. That includes covering any related repairs or costs associated with the system malfunctioning under warranty.

    keep reading article "Volkswagen's Front-Assist Emergency Braking Can Activate For No Reason, Says Lawsuit"

See More News

Having car trouble?

Tell Us What's Wrong With Your Vehicle

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint