2021 Volkswagen Taos

Introduction

The 2021 Volkswagen Taos is a compact SUV that offers a potent 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It provides a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and advanced safety features. However, like any vehicle, the Taos has its share of issues.

Engine

1.5-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Oil Consumption Issue
  • Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, smoke from the exhaust, low oil level warnings
  • Solution: Replace piston rings and valve stem seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from the engine, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Symptoms: Loss of engine power, reduced fuel efficiency, rough idle
  • Solution: Intake valve cleaning
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Failure
  • Symptoms: Reduced engine boost pressure, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger wastegate actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V801000

Transmission

Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Fluid Leak
  • Symptoms: Fluid leakage from the transmission
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Shifting Problems
  • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, transmission slipping
  • Solution: Transmission service or replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V013000

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure
  • Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise from the suspension, reduced ride comfort
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearing
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Symptoms: Vehicle is lower in the rear, reduced handling and stability
  • Solution: Replace rear springs or shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issue
  • Symptoms: Dead battery after prolonged parking
  • Solution: Inspect and replace faulty components (e.g., alternator, battery)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
• Screen Freezing or Lagging
  • Symptoms: Infotainment system freezes or lags
  • Solution: Software update or hardware replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
• Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Corrosion
  • Symptoms: Rust or corrosion on door handles
  • Solution: Replace door handles
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per handle
• Rear Bumper Sagging
  • Symptoms: Rear bumper drooping or misaligned
  • Solution: Replace or adjust rear bumper mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Rattling
  • Symptoms: Noise from the sunroof
  • Solution: Adjust or replace sunroof guides
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Loose Dashboard Trim
  • Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noise from the dashboard
  • Solution: Reattach or replace loose trim pieces
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
• Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Volkswagen Taos is a generally reliable vehicle, but it does have its share of issues. The most common problems include oil consumption, timing chain tensioner failure, and transmission fluid leaks. While these issues can be costly to repair, they do not appear to be widespread. Overall, the Taos remains a capable and practical compact SUV for most drivers.