2022 Volkswagen Taos: sudden loss of power

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 Jun 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

The systems failing are electrical, engine, and fuel/propulsion systems. VW TAOS 2022 purchased Sept. 2023. Two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, I'm driving down the street and the vehicle began to lose power and start slowing down. It eventually cut off. About a week later, I experienced the same issue. I called the dealer and they had me to bring my car in. I was told that they couldn't find the problem, but that the car was misfiring. They "repaired" and returned it to me. As I drove on local streets and the interstate, I have problems with acceleration. The car does not pick up speed like it should and lags behind and then suddenly jerks forward (even after battery rest times during a stop). It rides a bit rough. Occasionally, my dashboard blacks out while I'm driving. My auto-start doesn't always work, even after the fob batteries have been changed. My gas seems to disappear and I find myself gassing up more often than I should be. I would contact the dealership, they'd coordinate service around my scheduled service dates and claim that they could never find or duplicate the problems that I'm having. The problems continue. My engine light came on while I was driving and stayed on. I was told to bring in my car. The dealership kept it from July-Sept 2025, replacing parts and then returned it to me. Two days later the engine light came back on and I had to return to the dealer again for service. After leaving a parking lot (Jun 2026), two blocks down the street the TAOS began to lose power, the engine light is flashing and the EPC code (engine control malfunction) light lit up. I called VW and they dispatched a tow. My TAOS was towed to Checkered Flag VW. My safety (and others) is at risk because the power loss just happens without warning. If a driver is not paying attention, they could run into the back of me or hit me on the side during a lane change due to the slow movement.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · MD

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2022 vehicle with approximately 47,000 miles that experienced a sudden and dangerous mechanical failure while in operation. While driving at approximately 37 mph, a dashboard warning message appeared indicating that the vehicle required attention but could continue to be driven for a short period. Shortly after the warning, the vehicle suddenly lost the ability to maintain proper gear engagement. At one point, no gear was engaged at all, creating a hazardous driving situation. I pulled over and turned the vehicle off. After restarting it, I was able to regain limited operation; however, the vehicle would not shift beyond second gear, significantly limiting its drivability and creating an unsafe condition in traffic. This vehicle has been consistently maintained at an authorized dealership according to all recommended service intervals, with no missed or delayed maintenance. The dealership later informed me that the failure was related to the mechatronic system and SOS system. I was also told that the repair would not be covered under warranty. This incident raises serious safety concerns due to the sudden loss of power and gear function while the vehicle was in motion. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for potential defects that could affect vehicle safety and reliability. I am submitting this complaint so that the issue can be investigated and to help prevent similar incidents from affecting other drivers.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Fuel system · TN

Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Taos Mileage at Incident: 61,170 On April 21, 2026, while driving shortly after leaving my home, the EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light suddenly illuminated and the engine warning light began flashing rapidly. The vehicle immediately began jerking, hesitating, and losing power. It started slowing down unexpectedly while in motion. This created a serious safety hazard. I was forced to reduce speed and maneuver to the side of the road to avoid being rear-ended. The sudden loss of power in traffic placed me and other drivers at risk of a collision. After turning the vehicle off and restarting it, both warning lights disappeared. Notably, on April 3, 2026 (60,428 miles), I had an oil change performed. On April 6, the engine light came on and remained illuminated until April 18, then turned off without repair. Three days later, the EPC failure occurred. The dealership was unable to reproduce the issue but charged $190 for diagnostics and stated the problem was a cracked N80 valve line (small leak), quoting approximately $700 for repair. I am aware of reports involving similar issues affecting thousands of vehicles of this model year. Sudden loss of engine power while driving is a clear safety concern, especially when warning lights appear and disappear intermittently. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Engine · UT

I am reporting a repeated safety-related defect involving exhaust intrusion into the cabin of my 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The vehicle experienced loss of power, coolant loss, and engine warning indicators, and was serviced twice by Volkswagen Southtowne in Sandy, Utah. First Incident – Vehicle Returned as “Safe to Drive” During the first repair visit, the dealer diagnosed issues involving the manifold/exhaust area, head gasket, coolant system, and catalytic converter. After keeping the vehicle for an extended period, the dealership informed me the vehicle was “safe to drive,” although the repair was not fully completed. I relied on this representation. After the vehicle was returned to me, I began experiencing significant physical symptoms only while driving the vehicle, including nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. These symptoms occurred repeatedly during operation and would subside after leaving the vehicle. At the time, I did not understand that these symptoms were caused by exhaust entering the cabin. Second Incident – Defect Confirmed and Additional Repairs Performed Weeks later, the symptoms persisted and I returned the vehicle to the same dealership. At this second visit, the dealer reported coolant leakage and additional gasket failures. They removed the cylinder head, replaced gaskets, and performed additional exhaust-related repairs. I was provided a loaner vehicle during this extended repair. After this second repair, the symptoms while driving stopped. Safety Concern Based on the timing of symptoms, the repair records, and the resolution following the second repair, I believe that exhaust gases were entering the cabin of the vehicle during normal operation for an extended period. This created a significant safety hazard. I was repeatedly assured the vehicle was “safe to drive” when it was not. I unknowingly operated the vehicle while being exposed to exhaust fumes for several months. The condition caused physical illness, impaired my ability.

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 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MD

Vehicle lost power control due to engine malfunction. This was caused by a leak in the coolant head gasket. This is an issue that Volkswagen has already identified with these cars, but has neglected to recall.

Filed Jun 11, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · PA

In April 2024, the VW Taos leaked coolant due to a faulty gasket. Upon being fixed, an EPC light came on and leaked oil. This caused us to have it towed to the dealership for repairs to the oil cap lining. After the car was returned, the light was cleared and no longer leaked oil. In May 2024, the EPC light reappeared and cause a significant reduction when accelerating at 50 mph. When the light came on the vehicle had errors stating that the max rpms are exceeded and the car reduced power. We took the car to VW State College who was unable to find an issue with the car and cleared the light. We were able to drive the vehicle at slow speeds back to Moon Township for diagnostic and testing. The vehicle has remained with VW since late may and as of 6/11/2024, Volkswagen is unable to determine the cause of the EPC light. The second time the EPC light came on, the car stalled out at an intersection causing significant injury risk to the occupants. VW Moon Township has performed the investigations and VW State College was unable to diagnose the EPC light cause. The EPC light did not appear prior to the initial coolant leak.

Filed Feb 23, 2024 · Driver assistance, Engine · AL

This vehicle was purchased new 1/2022 and it has had several issues that occurred: - 2/23 driving down the highway trying to accelerate onto the highway I pressed the gas pedal and it wouldn’t accelerate for about 3-4 seconds then the check engine light came on as well as the car losing power - while driving the car the forward collision indicator has activated without at car being around and stops suddenly - if you put the car in reverse sometime the car will not go into drive so your basically waiting for the car to respond - I barely drive my car it has 19k miles I do not feel safe even driving this vehicle at this point. - when you take it to the dealership they say if it can’t be reproduced they can’t fix the issues no matter if I call and state there is a problem. I’ve been a VW owner since 2005 and this vehicle has given me more problems then any VW I’ve ever owned

Filed Jul 29, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · IL

This is for a 2022 VW Taos SEL. Vehicle is mildly driven commuter vehicle. Purchased NEW from VW in February 2022. It is end of July 2023, vehicle has now 10,300 miles. Issue presented as engine coolant low warning (red symbol) in October 2022, approx 8,000 miles on car. Vehicle has not shown any evidence on enclosed garage of dripping/leaking coolant. Contacted local VW dealership, upon inspection said they observed coolant below minimum and topped it off. Coolant light cam on again in early 2023 not 1000 miles later since first coolant warning. Contacted same VW dealership, upon inspection said same thing, observed coolant below minimum and topped it off. They stated that was likely a technician maybe didn't close the coolant cap fully, as well as "weather" affecting level. 1-2 month later, engine coolant light again. Contacted same VW dealership, upon inspection said they performed an engine pressure check and no issue found, but topped off low coolant. They stated as long as coolant level is maintained car is fine to drive, likely just burning a little coolant, and that inspections haven't revealed any leaks around engine. June 2023, near 10,000 miles, upon first start of day, a little white smoke emitting from exhaust, smells like burnt sugar somewhat, engine coolant shows just below minimum again. White smoke emitted every time start the car next day with same burnt sugar smell. Contacted same VW dealership to schedule appointment and when asked about what can/will be done, they stated there's no recall and that just another pressure check and visible inspection. Vehicle is used now just to drive to grocery, doctor appts... during drive there's noticeable loss of power when pressing on pedal for a car that in first 6 months had tremendous pep. It turns out the dealership only logged/recorded my visits TWICE, and has stated that they need to build more of a history for VW/dealership to escalate action to repair. Issue is head gasket leak.

Filed Nov 8, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · MO

I purchased my VW TAOS on Nov 26, 2021, and since then I have experienced faulty issues 4 times. 2022 Jul twice, Sep once, and Nov once. When merged to the main road the car refuses to accelerate and gives strange sounds in transmission/engine area. The first 2 times I had the issue with loss of power and significant lag in acceleration I could see the "start/stop error" message in the dashboard, and I had to pull over to the side of the road. I drove in the parking lot nearby for few minutes and continued driving when the engine seemed OK, but the automatic engine start/stop system failed to work on traffic lights when car fully stopped. I notified my local dealership about this issue and got an appointment for inspection in August. When examined they recommended changing my fuel to premium and explained that the fault was caused by the quality of gas I put. I followed their instruction and only been pumping Unleaded-91 Premium grade fuel for the last 2 months, but I had a more serious issue in mid-September. In the middle of traffic at 40mph speed a sudden loss of power occurred followed by a check engine light flashing. Again, I had to make an emergency stop from the second lane to pull over into the shoulder. When I notified this to my dealership, they recommended to get the car checked during my first oil change that was supposed to happen a month later because when I consulted with the operator, they said I should observe if the problem is going to reoccur. On 7th of Nov 2022, I got my oil changed for the first time at the dealership and drove my car for a while and it seemed fine. However, by the evening when I tried to drive it back home the same issue with worse noise in the engine area took place and car failed to accelerate in the middle of the traffic where I had to act quickly to pull over to the side of the road causing risky situation to other drivers on the road and myself. I am now convinced that this issue is never going to be fixed.

Filed Aug 13, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

I had a check engine light, epc warning, lane assist deactivated and stop start disabled all at once while on a drive in a remote area without cell service. The car had a dangerous loss of power. I brought it to the dealer and they told me there is no fix as its a common software issue that apparently faulty detects bad gas. All they could do was reset the code and say it may happen again, and recommend higher octane fuel. VW corporate was no help & I opened a buyback case. I don’t trust this car and dont think its safe to drive. This is the second time brought in for a stop start stall issue. Under 4k miles.