2025 Volkswagen Taos: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

My 2025 Volkswagen Taos is exhibiting active symptoms of a known safety recall involving electrical system malfunctions. The vehicle experienced multiple failures including the instrument cluster going blank, screens shutting off, and a false start condition where the dashboard illuminated with multiple warning lights. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing to a Volkswagen dealership. The dealership confirmed that the symptoms are consistent with the current recall but stated there is no available remedy at this time. They insist the vehicle be returned to me after only charging the battery, without any repair addressing the recall condition. I refused. I do not consider the vehicle safe to operate given the ongoing electrical failures and lack of an available fix. This complaint is being filed because a recalled vehicle is actively experiencing the defect, and the manufacturer is unable to provide a repair or safe interim solution.

NHTSA #11734340

I rented this car from Enterprise. When I pulled out of the rental car facility, the car lurched forward. I applied the brakes. The car slowed down but did not stop and I rolled out into the street to the right. Enterprise is on the top of the hill and Pacific Coast Highway is at the bottom. The trolley and train tracks are close by. It is my habit to tap the brakes before any tracks even when there are no warning signals. When I tapped the brakes on the Taos, there was no response. Once I was over the tracks, I applied the brakes again and again, with no response. The car was rolling faster and faster down the hill. I determined it would be dangerous to attempt a right turn on Pacific Coast Highway with oncoming traffic and likely against the traffic light, or to cross the highway. I decided the safest course of action was to drive into a fenced, but empty, lot on the corner. I tried shoving the gear into park but it had no effect. The car stopped when it hit a fence post on the corner lot. Interestingly, the vehicle did not warn of any impending collision. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA #11740764

Driving south on [XXX] and was hit on the front driver side by a vehicle that jumped lanes while traveling north bound on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11726285

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.

NHTSA #11726132

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.

NHTSA #11719215

The speedometer on the new 2025 Volkswagen Taos undervalues the speed by 5%. For example, if the SUV speedometer says 40 mph the actual speed of the vehicle is 42 mph. This seems to be a known problem on new Taos vehicles but is not being addressed by Volkswagen. They are saying legally a 10% variance is allowed and the vehicle passes electrical tests. This problem has been reported to corporate and two dealerships and has a case number. Speed was noticed by driver after going the speed limit on a street near a baseball field with a sign and flashing speedometer. Waze and Google Maps gps also confirm the 5% variance. This problem causes unintentional speeding, reduced reaction time and stopping distance, difficulty matching traffic flow and misjudgment of vehicle control.

NHTSA #11713931

While driving with my ACC activated to 71MPH, I was pulled over by Mass state police and told that my speed was between 76-81MPH. I've since confirmed the statement of the officer to be accurate by comparing the displayed vehicle speed is lower than what's displayed on apps such as Waze and google maps. Citation [XXX] was issued by the officer INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11720642