On XXX, I first noticed harsh jerking from the transmission of my 2026 Volkswagen Taos (VIN [XXX], purchased new XXX, ~8,000 miles). On XXX the instrument cluster displayed "transmission in emergency mode," accompanied by severe vibration, RPM fluctuation at low speeds, and a loud grinding/rattling noise. My minor child was in the vehicle at the time and was frightened. After the vehicle sat parked, the warning cleared, but abnormal sounds and vibration remained. I brought the vehicle to Gunther Volkswagen of [XXX], on XXX, where it has remained since awaiting transmission repair (a loaner was provided). I am concerned the transmission could fail or lose motive power again without warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Volkswagen Taos grinding brakes problems
20 of the 510 owner complaints about the Volkswagen Taos describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2022 model year.
- owner complaints
- 20
- worst model year
- 2022
By model year
Often reported together
Wipers 3Jerking 2Premature wear 1Overheating 1Lane assist 1Screen failure 1
What owners say
Brake grinding constantly Infotainment overheating and shutting down Additional money on car insurance due to android auto failure with infotainment system Odometer doubling milage during infotainment failures Wipers going by themselves Windows go down when pressing up SOS BOX making random beeping noises Driver Chair constantly sinking back down Warning lights constantly coming on
Since the first weeks of ownership, my 2024 Volkswagen Taos has exhibited a persistent brake system defect: loud metallic grinding/scraping/squealing noise when braking, vibration when braking, and sensation that brakes are not engaging properly. The defect affects both front and rear brakes. At approximately 9,000 miles, the authorized dealer found the left rear brake caliper stuck and worn out — replaced caliper, pads, and rotors. The problem recurred within 3 weeks. On the second visit (10,673 miles), dealer found brake material contacting rotors but performed no repair. On the third visit (12,766 miles), the Service Manager personally documented the repair order and stated the condition was found “similar with similar vehicles” and the vehicle was “operating as designed” — an admission that this is a known issue in similar Taos vehicles. The defect persists today at over 19,000 miles after 4 dealer visits without resolution. I have video recordings documenting the noise from December 2025 through June 2026. The vehicle is available for inspection.
While driving down the interstate I noticed that the speed in my Taos was not matching what google maps or apple maps was showing. It is very difficult to figure out. I noticed this more than once. Even If I am going below the speed limit that is only shows me not speeding. The interstate I was on was a speed of 70. Normally I am at 75 both map systems were showing 78-80. I would adjust to below 70 and everything matched then. Something in the taos is not accurate and is off. I am always fearful that I am going to get pulled over being to under/over the speed. Even using the digital speedometer in the vehicle, it is not showing the correct speed. This causes me to be at risk for tickets and unnecessary fines. My 2021 Hyundai Elantra did not have this issue. It was digital and alway accurate. The taos is not. From my understanding Volkswagen is aware and don't care. I plan on to sell it before anymore issue come up like my grinding front brakes under 5,000 miles. I am done.
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.
Rear Brake pads needed replacement at first service of 10,000 miles. They were at 2 mm thickness and front brake pads were at 12 mm. After getting brake pads replaced brakes continue to squeak.
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brakes were metal-on-metal after a brake replacement the month prior. There were no warning lights illuminated. The rear driver’s side brake pads were extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the brakes were working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Volkswagen care case# 06671593. 2024 volkswagen taos se fwd current mileage 11,411. Ongoing brake system malfunctions for months on both front and rear which have still not been repaired. Loud grinding, squeaking, gurgling noises and burnt brake pads smell from front brakes. Brakes feel as if they were slipping or engaging too harshly. Finally rear brake pads were replaced by coachella valley volkswagen on 02/04/25 without rear rotors resurfaced or replaced and such affected the vehicles brake performance even worse, almost causing me into a head on collision on my way home after spending the entire day waiting for my vehicle in their service department. The vehicle has had trouble starting up as if it had a ded battery. Gas digital odometers, both numerical and dash symbols often get frozen when fueling up completely. Gas odometer will reflect above 345 miles - 400 miles to the empty and will remain frozen for multiple days. Customer has to base driving off the miles after refueling information screen in orderto drive vehicle. Entire media screen completely freezes when driving on a road trip no matter what device is connected both android or iphone. Customer has had to pull over and completely turn off vehicle around 5 minutes in order to unfreeze media screen. Lane keeping system malfunctions specially at high temperature days. Lane keeping system not available sign appears for most of the day; hourglass next to a white vehicle sign warning appears most of the day during high temperatures, sign turns into yellow / orange warning. Yellow lane assist currently not available warning sign appears in the middle of the dashboard. Yellow exclamation / triangle warning sign appears to the left of the dashboard. Epc warning light has tunrned on and off multiple times to the right side of the dashboard since vehicle had 2287 miles.
We purchased our 2023 Taos in Jan of 2024. The vehicle had approximately 24,500 miles when a grinding noise began terminating from the rear wheels. At the time of appointment at Ontario VW vehicle had 25147 miles. we were told that the rear brakes were bad, at 0%, and the rotors were damaged as well. 1. Brakes on cars do not wear rear wheels first. The dealer admitted not that is not normal wear, but adamantly stated the car is in "normal operational mode". However no one will answer why the brakes failed prematurely or who is responsible (except the customer) 2. there is a warranty extension for this problem. This was not discussed at the dealership at any time. I found the extension and called to speak with a manager 3 days later. When asked Dominic Alessi the service manager stated "We don't market "warranty extensions". He self-admitted that his dealership withholds information to customers and engages in deceptive practices to a customer. He further went on and stated, "We are here to sell and fix cars". I had to ask if there was a customer service aspect. In addition he spoke down to the customer and attempted to employ tactics that are considered unethical, dishonest, and eluding to information that was inapplicable (single side failure of the brake system) 3. I contacted VW corporate. I have an email that clearly states that the vehicle will not be fixed, covered, addressed, or any other service. that I need not contact anyone further. in closing I have a VW Taos bought off the lot, brand new. the rear brakes failed without warning until they were grinding. Brakes on a vehicle that are not designed to wear the rear first. There are supposed to be wear indications (squeaking). Despite design the brakes failed 1147 miles at the dealership after a known problem had a warranty extension. No one will address the failed brakes, the poor interactions with a manager, and unwillingness to do the right thing by a corporation.
After about 10,000 miles, we started getting a loud squeal noise in the front brake area when taking off from a stop. We have taken the vehicle to the dealership and also spoke to the service department several times. We keep getting told that it is a common noise with the Taos and there is nothing wrong or no fix. There is no way a brand-new vehicle should be making this noise.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Volkswagen Taos grinding brakes
Which Volkswagen Taos years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2022 (10 complaints), 2024 (5 complaints) and 2023 (3 complaints).
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