Volkswagen Taos loss of power problems

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 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

The vehicle suffered a recurring mechanical failure of the fuel injectors and a flooded EVAP charcoal canister, causing the engine to run lean (Fault P2177) and lose power. This defect creates an unreasonable safety risk as it can cause the engine to stall or lose motive power unexpectedly at highway speeds. Furthermore, the fuel system defect led to a flooded EVAP system, which poses a potential fire hazard and fuel vapor accumulation. Volkswagen Technical Assistance confirmed the mechanical failure of all four injectors . The defect was initially misdiagnosed as 'fuel contamination,' which delayed the critical safety repair for over 25 days and resulted in a total electrical system failure (battery death) while the vehicle was inoperable.

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 Mar 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

Incident 1: Noticed hard starting one morning. After stopping for gas various engine warning lights illuminated (including EPC light). Took to VW dealer few days later, found trouble codes stored (P0148). Fuel pump replaced few days after diagnosis. Incident 2: Driving on highway for ~10 mins. Experienced total power loss, warning lights came on (including EPC). Had to pull over on left shoulder creating hazard. Engine died and would not restart after stopping. Required police intervention to move vehicle safely to right side of road. Returned to dealer for diagnosis. After 7 calendar days only found 'bad fuel line clamp causing pressure drop.' Claimed fuel line clamp replaced and road tested to validate repair. Incident 3: Driving on highway for ~10 mins again; experienced total power loss, EPC light illuminated along with other warnings. Warning appeared that engine limited to 4000 RPM. Was able to cut across 3 lanes of traffic, creating safety hazard, to safely stop in parking lot. Once speed dropped below ~20 mph engine died completely and would not restarted. Towed to dealer for 2nd time now waiting on diagnosis.

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 May 12, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

I have brough my vehicle into the dealership on 3 separate occasions, all of which were the same safety issue - the engine would stall while accelerating and would shut off. However the 3rd incident was the most dangerous. On [XXX], I was driving southbound on [XXX] with my [XXX] daughter, en route to her pediatric appointment. After merging onto the freeway via the on-ramp, I accelerated to approximately 65 MPH and was traveling in the middle lane when the vehicle suddenly stalled. The engine shut off without warning, and the car began to coast in neutral, rapidly decelerating. Simultaneously, multiple dashboard alerts appeared, including the Check Engine light and the high wind warning indicator. As the car lost power, I had to carefully navigate around other vehicles to safely maneuver toward the shoulder of the freeway. Once stopped on the side of the road, I placed the vehicle in park, turned it off, and attempted to restart it. The engine did turn back on, but the Check Engine light remained illuminated. Out of concern for safety, I returned the vehicle to the dealership for service less than 24 hours after picking it up, following the most recent repair and extended test drive performed by Volkswagen stating the vehicle was in working order. My safety and my daughter's were at risk because I was driving on the freeway at speed of 65MPH and the engine stalled making power steering and acceleration challenging as I was trying to get to the shoulder of the freeway. I was almost hit by cars behind me. This is the 3rd time this has been taken to the dealership for inspection and each time they cannot find an issue. The only times it has happened on the road and this is the first time it has happened on the freeway. Additionally, this car is new and has never been in my possession more than 24 hours before going back to the dealership for repairs due to the engine stalling. I have not driven the car for 2 consecutive days without this happening. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A