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Reliability and problems of Volkswagen cars

We have documented 16 engines and 4 gearboxes across 34 generations of 20 models from Volkswagen. The ones that give the most problems, according to our risk index, are the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI, the 1.9 TDI and the DSG7 DQ200 gearbox. The lowest-risk one is the 09G (Aisin) gearbox (low risk).

5.5 out of 10Average rating of its 24 models with solid evidence: ranked 14 of 23 makes. See the make ranking

60 recalls and campaigns documented in 25 models. See the Volkswagen recalls

How we work

The Volkswagen engines that give the most trouble

From highest to lowest risk according to our index, which weights the severity and frequency of their documented faults. The same engine is often fitted to cars from several makes. How we calculate it

  1. 11.2 and 1.4 TSIVolkswagen Caddy III, Golf VI, Golf VII, Jetta VI, Passat B6, Passat B7, Polo V, Scirocco III, Tiguan I, Tiguan II, Touran I and Touran IIMost serious fault:Critical severity84Very high risk
  2. 21.9 TDIVolkswagen Caddy III, Golf IV, Golf V, Passat B5, Passat B6 and Touran IMost serious fault:Critical severity66High risk
  3. 3DSG7 DQ200 gearboxVolkswagen Caddy III, Golf VI, Golf VII, Golf VIII, Passat B7, Passat B8, Polo V, Polo VI, T-Cross, T-Roc, Touran I and Touran IIMost serious fault:High severity59High risk
  4. 41.2 12VVolkswagen Polo IV and Polo VMost serious fault:Critical severity57High risk
  5. 52.0 TSI / TFSIVolkswagen Arteon, Golf VI, Golf VII, Golf VIII, Passat B6, Passat B7, Passat B8, T-Roc, Tiguan I and Tiguan IIMost serious fault:Critical severity54High risk
  6. 63.0 TDI V6Volkswagen Phaeton and Touareg IMost serious fault:Critical severity52High risk
  7. 72.0 TDIVolkswagen Golf V, Golf VI, Golf VII, Golf VIII, Jetta VI, Passat B6, Passat B7, Passat B8, Scirocco III, T-Roc, Tiguan I, Tiguan II, Touran I and Touran IIMost serious fault:Critical severity48Moderate risk
  8. 81.2 TDIVolkswagen Polo VMost serious fault:High severity45Moderate risk
  9. 91.6 TDIVolkswagen Caddy III, Golf VI, Golf VII, Jetta VI, Polo V, Polo VI, T-Roc, Touran I and Touran IIMost serious fault:High severity45Moderate risk
  10. 102.5 TDI R5Volkswagen Crafter I, Touareg I and Transporter T5Most serious fault:Critical severity45Moderate risk
  11. 11VW 2.0 TFSI EA113Volkswagen Golf V, Jetta V and Passat B6Most serious fault:High severity41Moderate risk
  12. 121.4 16v and 1.6 MPI/FSIVolkswagen Golf IV, Golf V, Golf VI, Polo IV and Polo VMost serious fault:High severity38Moderate risk
  13. 131.4 TDIVolkswagen Polo IV and Polo VMost serious fault:High severity38Moderate risk
  14. 14DSG6 DQ250 gearboxVolkswagen Golf V, Golf VI, Golf VII, Passat B6, Passat B7, Scirocco III and Tiguan IMost serious fault:High severity36Moderate risk
  15. 15DSG7 DQ381/DQ500 gearboxVolkswagen Arteon, Golf VII, Golf VIII, Passat B8, Tiguan II, Transporter T5 and Transporter T6Most serious fault:High severity36Moderate risk
  16. 161.8 T 20vVolkswagen Bora, Golf IV and Passat B5Most serious fault:High severity32Moderate risk
  17. 172.0 FSIVolkswagen Golf V, Passat B6 and Touran IMost serious fault:Medium severity32Moderate risk
  18. 181.0 TSI / 1.5 TSIVolkswagen Caddy V, Golf VII, Golf VIII, Passat B8, Polo V, Polo VI, T-Cross, T-Roc, Taigo, Tiguan II, Touran II and up!Most serious fault:Medium severity23Low risk
  19. 191.0 MPIVolkswagen Polo V, Polo VI and up!Most serious fault:Medium severity19Low risk
  20. 2009G (Aisin) gearboxVolkswagen Golf V, Golf VI, Jetta VI, Passat B6, Tiguan I and Touran IMost serious fault:High severity14Low risk

Volkswagen models by generation

With the engines we have documented on each one. Open yours to see its faults, the verdict for each version and what to check before buying.

Volkswagen ID.3

Volkswagen ID.4

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