Volkswagen Volkswagen Problems by Year
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Volkswagen Volkswagen, across 9 model years (1995–2003). The 2000 model year has the most complaints (12). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Volkswagen Volkswagen years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Volkswagen year: 2000. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2000 Volkswagen: 12 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2001 Volkswagen: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1996 Volkswagen: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1998 Volkswagen: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1995 Volkswagen: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2003 Volkswagen: 4 complaints, 0 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 Volkswagen problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 14 | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 13 | 6 | 0 |
| Power Train | 9 | 6 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Equipment | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Tires | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Volkswagen Volkswagen model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Volkswagen | 4 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2002 Volkswagen | 7 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2001 Volkswagen | 9 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2000 Volkswagen | 12 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1999 Volkswagen | 5 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 1998 Volkswagen | 2 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 1997 Volkswagen | 6 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1996 Volkswagen | 9 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1995 Volkswagen | 3 | 0 | — | Equipment |
More from Volkswagen: all Volkswagen models · Volkswagen VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Volkswagen years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2000 (12) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen?
Electrical System, with 14 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Volkswagen have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.