2022 Volkswagen Taos: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Brakes · AZ

Since we bought the vehicle new in 2022, it has had an ongoing brake noise at low speeds. It sounds like a screeching or grinding, and I only hear it when I press the brake pedal. It is most noticeable right after startup when driving slowly. The main issue I am reporting is uneven rear brake pad wear, which may indicate the rear brake system is not applying evenly or not functioning correctly. The component involved is the rear brake system (rear brake pads and related parts). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A Volkswagen dealership confirmed an uneven wear condition. On 12/31/2025, the dealership performed an inspection and recorded that the left rear brake pad measured 3 mm while the right rear measured 8 mm. They recommended replacing the rear brake pads but did not diagnose or repair the cause of why one rear side is wearing much faster than the other. In prior visits, the dealership stated the noise was related to the type/quality of brake pads used. When I contacted the dealership again about the ongoing noise and the uneven wear, they stated they did not have a solution to correct the underlying problem and referred me to Volkswagen Customer Care, indicating they cannot get the brakes functioning beyond replacing pads. Volkswagen Customer Care then advised me I would need to work through the dealership. I believe this creates a safety risk because uneven rear brake wear may mean the brakes are not working the same on both sides, which could affect stopping distance or braking stability, and could lead to brake problems if one side wears out much sooner than the other. There have been no warning lights or messages. The symptoms began soon after purchase in 2022 and have continued over time.

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Brakes · 21,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the brake pads. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the brake pads were replaced. The contact stated that the brake pads were replaced recently; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a second time, and it was determined that the brake pads were worn. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while searching online, she became aware of the failure with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

Filed Nov 19, 2023 · GA

There is a serious acceleration problem. When trying to enter into traffic either turning left or right or going straight from stopped position, there is serious lag/hesitation to the vehicle accelerating. After pressing the throttle for a couple of seconds with very little movement, it will then jerk and squeal the tires. There have been many times when we have come close to being hit by this problem while pulling into traffic. I have had this vehicle back to the dealer twice. The first time they said there was no issue. The second time, I talked to the service manager (a personal friend) and he admitted there was an issue with acceleration. However, Volkswagen had no solution. No one else has looked at this vehicle. No warning lamps or lights. I have another appointment with my dealer for the latest recall and will address this with them again. Please, please, please discuss this with Volkswagen and get them to fix this issue. Other than the lag/hesitation in acceleration, I very much like this vehicle.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Brakes · 31,950 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact assumed that the sound was coming from the driver's side front wheel. The contact stated that while stopping or accelerating, the sound was evident. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the front brake pads had 95% wear life remaining however, the rear brake pads were significantly worn and was metal-on-metal. The mechanic informed the contact that the automatic braking system was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 31,950.

Filed Jul 5, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · CO

At 6578 miles, the Taos was confirmed to have a warped right rear caliper requiring replacement of the part. Confirmed failure of mfg part. Vehicle was at the dealership for over two weeks for repair. The car had been making a grinding noise at lower speeds. At ~13,000 miles, the coolant reservoir was nearly empty (only 5 weeks after a routine oil change service). The car was giving low coolant warnings. Took car into the dealership and confirmed the engine head gasket had failed and evidence of coolant was found on the outside of the engine. Car is currently still at the dealer awaiting the replacement part and repair. Extremely disappointing that a vehicle with 13K miles has had these types of major issues. The dealer in Fort Collins, CO couldn't get the car for another 4 weeks to diagnose and the technician told my husband that he would just top off the coolant and keep an eye on it. They denied any issues with the engine gasket. When I called the Greeley dealership they knew immediately what the issue was and indicated they had repaired several Taos vehicles for this issue with the engine gasket.

Filed Mar 23, 2023 · Electrical, Visibility · CA

1.) My navigation freezes atleast 3x in a 1 hour drive. I have to reset it every time it freezes. 2.) Rearview camera sometimes blacks out. 3.) Rear wiper blade makes a really loud noise when on. 4.) Driver side wheel makes a grinding noise when I turn right. 5.) Passenger window switch is loose. When trying to switch window up the entire connector comes out.

Filed Mar 19, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL

My car has lagged two different times and would not accelerate causing me to get off the road and turn the car off. The two occurances were about 6-8 months apart from eachother. The engine recorded multiple misfires and the second time it happened I was able to get a video of it. The dealership said that I ran out of gas the first time, even though I had a quarter of a tank and said that it went into lower power mode. The second time it happened they didn't know what was wrong with it because they couldn't reproduce the problem. I have also had problems with the sudden collision light coming on even though there is nothing in front of me. At times the car breaks on its own if I'm using the cruise control, making sudden stops. I have told the dealership this problem as well, but they didn't know what to do because they couldn't reproduce the problem. The final problem I'm having is with the brakes. My car has about 33, 000 miles on it and I had it in for service early February for an oil change. When it was in they said I needed new tires, but said nothing about my rear brakes needing to be changed. I then took my car in to get new tires about a month later and the company said that my rear brakes were going to need to be replaced soon. After traveling just under 800 miles, my brakes started to grind and were showing that they needed to immediately be changed. My front brakes are like brand new brakes. Multiple mechanics have expressed that my brakes shouldn't have worn so quickly and that if anything it should be the front brakes, not the back. I recently called VW to ask if there was a problem with the brakes and they said no. However, after investigating more online, I found that it is a problem in other Taos vehicles.

Filed Mar 16, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Vehicle when new was grinding brakes and smell like they were burning. brought to dealer no issue found. Vehicle did this numerous times like calipers were sticking and not releasing. Vehicle had excessive oil burn. 1/2 quart down with 1000 miles. Vehicle was over filled when brought back to dealer.. no warning light. Oil was change a 2nd time with no issues. Brought vehicle back to dealer on 2/16/23 for oil change. After 2 weeks oil light came on for excessive oil. brought back to dealer again for them to drain some oil out. Now having issues with filling car with gas. Pump keeps clicking off, which could be EVAC system. This car has only 9000 miles and shouldn't have this issues.

Filed Jan 1, 2023 · Brakes · AZ

The rear brakes on my 2022 VW Taos are making grinding noises and now I have to get my brakes replaced. They should not need replacing this soon. This is a known issue.

Filed Dec 21, 2022 · Brakes · MD

Rear brake pads were worn to the metal at 20,000 miles. Front brakes were perfect. Had NTB look at them after VW told me my brakes were squeaky because of the weather. NTB agreed this was not normal for a brand new car. They said the front pads would be worn as well if it were because of driving behaviors. I contacted VW and informed them a lot of VW Taos owners are having this issue. They did nothing.