Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2023 Volkswagen TaosRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 110 owner complaints for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos. Most complaints involve engine (43) and service brakes (33). The EPA rates it 28–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28–31mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
110
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
110 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2023 – Oct 2026
- Engine43
- Service brakes33
- Electrical system25
- Fuel/propulsion system12
- Power train12
- Vehicle speed control9
- Forward collision avoidance8
- Lane departure3
- Wheels3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
43 reports
“The infotainment touch screen on my 2023 Volkswagen Taos has completely blacked out and failed, leaving my backup camera entirely inoperable. This has created a severe blind-spot hazard where I cannot safely reverse. On top of this failure, the vehicle has a chronic history of being in and out of the dealership service department for unresolved fuel system problems, specifically regarding the fuel injectors and fuel lines under warranty. The dealership has repeatedly failed to permanently fix this fuel defect. Now, the car actively loses engine acceleration and drops into a dangerous slow crawl ('limp mode') at busy intersections when the air conditioning is running, forcing me to turn off the climate control just to move safely. Combined, these recurring powertrain and electrical defects create an immediate, severe safety hazard for myself and my young children while driving.”
Service brakes
33 reports
“Brake Recall for VW 2023 Taos - Nov 2024 (10 or 11K Mileage). Brake pads changed. Continued to hear Brake Squeeking: taken in 10/15/2025, 11/14/2024, 1/3/2025, 5/17/2025. 12 mm at initial recall dropped to 7 mm at 17,900 miles. Upon leaving dealership, tech states VW uses "refurbished brake pads." Dealer washed pads, and sent me home. I have all invoices, they are larger in size. Unable to attach”
Electrical system
25 reports
“I bought the vehicle 3 years ago and currently it is at the shop to have the engine wiring harnes repaired. A few weeks ago, my dashboard started glitching. On 9/19/2026, my vehicle would not start. The check engine, EPC, low battery voltage, and traction light came on. I had to call someone to give me a jump so that my vehicle would start. It was impossible for the vehicle to keep a charge and it kept acting up in traffic. The dealership now wants to charge me about $650 for a new battery. I believe that the faulty engine wiring harness caused the battery to die prematurely and I should not have to pay for it.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8) · Automatic (AM-S7)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taos Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 31 | $1,950 | 286 |
| Taos 4motion Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,150 | 322 |
- 31mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Volkswagen Taos SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.7%
Overall
4 / 5
Volkswagen Taos SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 17.4%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2023 Taos questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Taos have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Volkswagen Taos problems?
Owners filed 110 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (43), service brakes (33), electrical system (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Volkswagen Taos get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Volkswagen Taos at 28–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Volkswagen Taos 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026