2022 Volkswagen Taos: engine failure

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Engine · SC

Per VW TSB 15-23-01, Volkswagen explicitly admits that the original engine production head gasket design is defective. A leaking head gasket can cause sudden engine overheating, power loss, or catastrophic engine failure while driving. This seems like a major , dangerous issue that should be covered under a recall

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

On 7/9/2026, my 2022 VW Taos was brought to the dealer for being severely underpowered, check engine lights on, and a strong raw fuel smell inside the vehicle. On 7/10/2026, the dealer stated the vehicle was ready, claiming they replaced a turbo charge pipe O-ring. The service advisor verbally stated the vehicle had been successfully test-driven for 5 miles on streets and the highway. However, official paperwork only stated "cleared faults verified no leaks in system, vehicle is now operating as designed." Immediately upon driving home on the highway, as the vehicle reached 70–75 mph under load, a loud whistling noise and a sudden, dangerous loss of propulsion occurred simultaneously. The vehicle was returned to the dealer on 7/10/2026. On 7/13/2026, the vehicle was picked up after a second repair where the dealer admitted the plastic charge pipe (05E-145-673-Q) was actually fractured and had completely blown off the turbocharger during my highway drive, generating fault code P227900 (Intake Air System Leak). Upon reviewing the paperwork from both visits, I discovered the odometer had only increased by exactly 1 mile during the first service visit. The dealer completely failed to road-test the vehicle under actual highway boost loads before certifying it as safe, which directly caused a catastrophic structural engine failure and an emergency safety hazard at 75 mph.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Fuel system · 45,009 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be inspected; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; but the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that an adjustment to the fuel system was performed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent. The contact stated that the failure had occurred with minor children inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed a fuel odor on the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with high and low fuel pump failures. The contact was informed that the high and low fuel pumps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,009.

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · DE

2022 Volkswagen Taos SE 1.5T (DNKA engine, <60,000 miles, <5 years old) developed internal coolant leak from cylinder head gasket. On 11/03/2025 Smith Volkswagen, Wilmington, DE (RO 692953/1) performed coolant system pressure test and confirmed leak coming from cylinder head gasket area at rear of engine below turbo (exactly as shown in Figures 1 & 2 of VW TSB 15-23-01). Dealer noted possible related engine damage that may require complete engine replacement in addition to head gasket. Vehicle available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: loss of coolant can cause sudden engine overheating, power loss, or seizure while driving, creating risk of crash, stranding, or fire. Symptoms began November 2025 with “Check Coolant” warning; reservoir was below MIN. Added coolant once; warning has not returned, but pressure test proved ongoing internal leak. No visible external drips. This exact failure is a known manufacturing defect per Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 15-23-01 (Transaction 2071245/1, issued 08/17/2023), which states: “Original engine production head gasket design can lead to coolant leaks” and was redesigned as of engine DNKA 234 458 (July 27, 2023). Despite VW’s own bulletin documenting the defective gasket in all 2022–2023 Taos/Jetta 1.5T engines built before the fix, VW classifies the TSB as “information only” with no warranty coverage. VW Goodwill offered only 50% assistance on the $4,927 head gasket replacement and nothing toward a potential full engine replacement, leaving owner responsible for thousands of dollars in repairs on a documented factory defect in a low-mileage, young vehicle.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

​This statement is to formally document my ongoing and serious concerns regarding my 2022 Volkswagen Taos, which has been in and out of the Pasadena Volkswagen, California, service department for the past three weeks due to a persistent fuel smell and related fuel system issues. ​Despite the recent maintenance and attempted repairs, the vehicle continues to exhibit these dangerous problems. Most alarmingly, during a recent incident, the vehicle almost completely shut off while I was driving on the freeway. This is a critical safety hazard, and the safety of my family is paramount. I cannot accept driving a vehicle that poses such a risk of breakdown in traffic. ​Adding to my unease with the fuel issues is the fact that this specific vehicle has also previously required repair for seized rear brake calipers. Given the numerous reported complaints about the 2022 VW Taos model and the repeated, severe issues my own vehicle has experienced—from brake failure to dangerous fuel system problems—I am profoundly concerned about its reliability and long-term safety. ​The continuing issues make it difficult, if not impossible, to drive this vehicle without significant anxiety. I request an urgent and definitive resolution to these safety-critical fuel problems.

Filed Jun 24, 2025 · Engine · CA

Light came on for leak detection pump failure upon starting car. Drove to dealer directly immediately upon looking up indicator light. Felt as if care was misfiring Deal found fuel pump in need of recall repair. Dealer also found coolant leak and recommended engine teardown. Diagnostic found block deck warp over permissible range 0.05m. Requiring full engine replacement. No previous indication of issue, leaking, or over heating. No cause of warp known or can be given. 60K miles on car.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Engine · VA

When taking the vehicle in for service at Safford Brown Volkswagen to replace a faulty EVAP module, we were notified that the cylinder head gasket was leaking and would need to be replaced. This leaking coolant and crack in the head gasket can lead to early engine failure. This seems to be a consistent issue due to a faulty part specific to this vehicle year and make. Volkswagen has released a TSB on the issue but is not offering any recalls or free service to fix the faulty part they produced. The TSB was released on 17th of August 2023.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 67,168 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed above 10 MPH, with the check engine and the EPC warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The mechanic linked the failure to failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V214000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 21V651000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and Technical Service Bulletin 1523/01. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not covered under recall and that the vehicle had exceeded the mileage for coverage. The failure mileage was 67,168.

Filed Oct 17, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NC

The radio system constantly blanks out and will not come back on for hours even after trying to turn it off and back on. There are major issues that point to the recalls that are known for the 2022 VE Taos however, there are no recalls for my specific vehicle. The vehicle check engine light is constantly on and there is constantly an issue with the fuel system. The Taos has issues with acceleration and shifting into other gears. The Taos now has a ticking sound and is at the mile range of (50,000- 60,000) which others who have complained about engine failures. This has been a current and ongoing problem with this vehicle and has cause a headache.

Filed Oct 18, 2023 · Engine · FL

Head gasket failure which leads to coolant leak. Engine failure possible. After doing some research I found that the 2022 VW Taos' all have this in common around 13,000 miles. My vehicle will be going to the shop tomorrow morning but through my research I found that people are waiting weeks for head gasket replacements because they're on backorder due to the volume of replacements. Check engine light came on maybe 3 weeks before coolant lights as well as a lag in drive pick up.

Filed Jul 17, 2023 · Engine · NC

Our VW Taos has 7,700 miles. This morning our engine coolant light came on. On engine inspection, our coolant level is less than minimum. This should not be happen on an engine that is less than a year old and with less than 10k miles. Researching the issue, the Taos is having head gasket issues with this new engine. Many, many, many complaints can be found online. Please help us Taos drivers by making VW issue a proper recall.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Engine · CA

Vehicle has coolant leak: head gasket. Dealer says 2 to 3 weeks. There are many more people with the same car same problem. VW is not helping, dealer does not want to help with rental or loaner. I want a new engine. They don't have the tools or the knowledge to take care of the problem.