Volkswagen EOS Problems by Year
NHTSA has 425 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Volkswagen EOS, across 10 model years (2007–2016). The 2012 model year has the most complaints (94). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
Volkswagen EOS years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical EOS year: 2009, 2012. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2012 EOS: 94 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2009 EOS: 84 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2010 EOS: 69 complaints, 2 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2015 EOS: 3 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2016 EOS: 4 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2011 EOS: 18 complaints, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Volkswagen EOS problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags problems | 168 | 9 | 6 |
| Power Train problems | 102 | 9 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 51 | 10 | 2 |
| Engine | 48 | 8 | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 32 | 5 | 2 |
| Structure | 19 | 7 | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 13 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 13 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Volkswagen EOS problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
All Volkswagen EOS model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 EOS | 4 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2015 EOS | 3 | 2 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2014 EOS | 40 | 3 | — | Air Bags | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2013 EOS | 26 | 4 | — | Air Bags | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2012 EOS | 94 | 4 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2011 EOS | 18 | 2 | — | Air Bags | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2010 EOS | 69 | 2 | — | Air Bags | More complaints than other years |
| 2009 EOS | 84 | 2 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2008 EOS | 47 | 0 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2007 EOS | 40 | 0 | — | Air Bags | About as many complaints as other years |
More from Volkswagen: all Volkswagen models · Volkswagen VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen EOS years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2009 (84), 2012 (94) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical EOS year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Volkswagen EOS?
Air Bags, with 168 complaints across 9 model years.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen EOS have?
7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.