How Long Do Volkswagen Taos Last? (12 Important Facts)

Making its debut for the 2022 model year, the Taos is a subcompact SUV and the smallest in VW’s SUV lineup.

It features bold styling and offers plenty of space and impressive fuel economy.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at the Taos’ average lifespan.

Here is the short answer to how long the Volkswagen Taos lasts:

The Volkswagen Taos is expected to last 200,000 miles on average providing it’s maintained properly and driven conservatively. Based on driving 15,000 miles per year, a VW Taos should last over 13 years before breaking down or repair costs become uneconomical.

How Many Miles Can a Volkswagen Taos Last?

The Taos is still a baby having only recently been released, so there’s no historical data to take into account here.

Having said that, based on what we know about Volkswagens, it’s safe to assume a lifespan of around 200,000 miles.

Sure, it could well last longer and some may even get close to double that figure – but for the average owner after that many miles you’ll probably want an upgrade.

Reliability won’t be what it once was and you may find yourself forking out for repairs increasingly often, and if you need a replacement engine or transmission, these could outweigh the value of the vehicle.

The Taos features a new turbocharged 1.5-liter engine which is essentially a modified version of the 1.4-liter unit found in the Jetta, these engines are more than capable of hitting high numbers.

Keep in mind, the lifespan of your Taos is heavily dependent on ownership habits and if you want to get the most life from it it’s essential to have the car properly maintained at the factory recommended intervals.

Driving style will also play a key role – smooth use of the gas and brake pedals will keep wear and tear on parts to a minimum, ensuring your Taos spends more time on the road and less in the shop.

The VW Taos comes with a 4 yr/50,000-mile basic and 4 yr/50,000-mile powertrain warranty.

What Problems Does the Volkswagen Taos Have?

The VW Taos hasn’t been around long enough for all of its flaws to be showcased, however we’ve done some digging to find out what some of its common issues are.

Fuel System

VW has recalled certain Taos vehicles due to a faulty fuel line connector which may cause fuel to leak.

This is dangerous due to the fire risks posed, should the vehicle be exposed to an ignition source.

Recalls are to be expected, especially on new cars but some owners have lodged complaints because VW has taken too long to source the required part and has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

Modular Infotainment Platform

On the NHTSA website there are a few complaints about the Taos’ Modular Infotainment Platform otherwise known as the MIB.

This is essentially the screen used for the radio and navigation etc.

Owners have complained that the MIB goes blank whilst driving, this is especially frustrating when the driver is dependent on the navigation system.

Materials

Despite a modern aesthetic, some owners and auto experts have critiqued the Taos for its poor quality cabin materials.

One particularly negative review on the Kelley Blue Book described the interior as “very cheap” whilst CarAndDriver.com described it as “chintzy”.

Stalling

There are a handful of complaints on the NHTSA website regarding stalling issues:

• The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would intermittently stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal.
• The contact stated that shortly after accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle suddenly stalled.
• The contact stated when she exited the highway at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle completely stalled in the middle of the road.

Related: 11 Most Common Volkswagen Taos Problems (Explained)

What is High Mileage for a Volkswagen Taos?

A VW Taos with over 100,000 miles is considered high mileage; most parts will have some wear and tear and both the basic and powertrain warranty will have long since expired. Purchasing a high mileage Taos won’t necessarily equate to a bad outcome.

It is important to note that any car that has averaged more than 15,000 miles per year should also be considered a high mileage vehicle and thus a riskier purchase.

A well-kept Taos with over 100,000 miles might be a better option than one with half the mileage that’s had many owners and led a tough life or has no service history.

If you’re buying a used VW consider the following:

1. How long you are planning on keeping the car. If it’s a long time, evaluate whether the short-term savings outweigh spending extra on something more reliable.
2. Inspect the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the car was maintained and cared for.
3. Inspect engine for obvious leaks and obvious damage. If the engine looks immaculately clean, it means it was washed. The question is why? Most likely to hide oil leaks and similar nasty problems.
4. Check the car’s VIN and get a full history report. Was it a taxi or rental car? Recalls? How many owners? Real mileage? Stolen? Any accidents? If you’re buying a used VW, always check the VIN – you never know what the car has been through.

How Long Does the Volkswagen Taos Last Compared to Similar Car Models?

In this section, we’ll compare the VW Taos to its closest competitors.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Honda HR-V

The HR-V is a popular subcompact SUV from Japanese automaker Honda.

The Honda HR-V can last 250,000 – 300,000 miles or 17 – 20 years, longer than what is expected of the Volkswagen Taos. 

If you’re looking for a long-lasting, reliable subcompact then the HR-V will be hard to beat.

Both models have been praised for their spacious interiors and criticized for their lackluster engines.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-3

The Mazda CX-3 is fun, small SUV that was first launched in the US in 2015.

The Mazda CX-3 is should last 200,000 – 250,000 miles or 13- 17 years, a bit longer than what is expected of the Volkswagen Taos. 

The CX-3 will be more fun to drive, cheaper and more reliable although it is somewhat lacking in cargo space.

If you love German-made cars and need a bit more cargo room then the VW is the obvious choice, otherwise, we’d recommend the Mazda.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Jeep Renegade

The Renegade is the smallest vehicle in Jeeps lineup although it’s still equipped with 4×4 capability.

The Jeep Renegade can last 150,000 miles or 10 years, slightly less than what is expected of the Volkswagen Taos. 

Choosing between the two vehicles will come down to personal taste as they are very different aesthetically.  

If you need something that’s great off-road then the Renegade is a top pick, however it can’t compete with the Taos’ fuel economy.

Related: How Long Do Jeep Renegade Last?

Comparison Chart

Is the Volkswagen Taos Reliable?

The Volkswagen Taos has only been out a short while, however in terms of reliability, so far it has scored favorable reviews from owners and mixed reviews from auto experts. It would be safe to assume that the VW Taos will offer average reliability compared to other cars in the segment.

Volkswagen aren’t best known for reliability, Consumer Reports ranks them 24th of 28 car brands whilst Repair Pal ranks them 12th out of 32 car brands, however some of their models are far more reliable than others.

Consumer Reports has given the Taos a predicted score of 2/5 which they base on survey data, technical knowledge and Volkswagen’s brand history and its small SUVs.

On the other hand, the Kelley Blue Book gave the Taos a more optimistic reliability score of 4.1/5.0 which is based on owner feedback.

First model years are usually more problematic as they experience teething issues, and the 2022 Taos has already been recalled 3 times for:

• Suspension issues
• Fuel leakage
• Engine stalling

Recalls are normal on most vehicles though, just make sure that these issues have been addressed before handing over your hard-earned cash.

As with longevity, the reliability of your Volkswagen Taos will also depend on keeping up to date with the service schedule and adopting good driving habits.

Reliability Compared to Other Subcompact SUVs

Pros and Cons for the Volkswagen Taos

Pros

• Spacious back seat
• Lots of cargo storage
• Excellent fuel economy
• Bold exterior design
• Good handling

Cons

• More expensive compared to some rivals
• Sluggish acceleration
• Low on standard driver aids
• Cheap interior materials

What About Recalls for These Models?

The Volkswagen Taos has had a total of 3 recall campaigns in 2022.

You can check if your Volkswagen Taos has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on VW’s recall site or the NHTSA recall database.

Volkswagen Taos Model Year List

First Generation (2022)

• 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Are Volkswagen Taos Expensive to Maintain?

A Volkswagen Taos is expected to cost an average of $530 per year in repairs and maintenance. This is higher than the average of $466 for midsize SUVs and the average for all vehicles in different segments, which is estimated at $652.

How Long Do VW Taos Brakes Last?

Volkswagen Taos brake pads should last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles under normal use. This can vary, and depends on driving style, traffic conditions and climate.

1. Stop-and-go traffic will cause the brake pads to wear out much sooner.
2. Brake pad replacement, which includes parts and labor, should cost roughly $225.
3. Full and complete stops from a high speed are the #1 cause of premature brake pad wear.

How Long Do VW Taos Tires Last?

Volkswagen Taos tires should last between 3 to 5 years based on driving 15,000 miles per year. However, they can wear out much sooner. This depends on various factors, such as driving habits, climate, and road conditions.

1. Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
2. Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
3. Have the wheels alignment every 6 months.

How Long Do VW Taos Engines Last?

The Volkswagen Taos is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine that should last 200,000 miles or more.

1. Use smooth driving habits to reduce wear and tear on engine components
2. Have the oil changed on a regular basis to keep things running as they should.

How Long Do VW Taos Transmissions Last?

The 8-speed automatic transmission used on the Volkswagen Taos should last 200,000 miles or more.

Maintenance and conservative driving are the keys to getting the most life from your transmission.

How Long Do VW Taos Batteries Last?

The Volkswagen Taos battery should last between 3 – 5 years. A vehicle’s battery life varies depending on many factors such as climate, driving habits, and battery type, among many others.

• Keep your battery tightly fastened as the vibrations can loosen the connections, potentially resulting in short circuits and internal damage.
• Quick car rides prevent the battery from fully charging.
• Keep your Volkswagen Taos stored indoors to protect it from extreme temperature changes.
• Clean the terminals (toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water mixture) and keep them free from corrosion and build-up.

How Long Do VW Taos Spark Plugs Last?

Volkswagen Taos spark plugs should last 100,000 miles, these should be inspected and if required, replaced whenever you take your car in for routine servicing.

Signs of a fouled spark plug include:

• Reduced gas mileage
• Lack of acceleration
• Rough idling
• Hard starts
• Engine misfires

Related: How Long Do VW Tiguan Last?

What About Insurance Costs?

The average cost of full comprehensive coverage for a Volkswagen Taos is $1,420 per year or around $118 per month. 

Insurance costs can vary depending on many factors; be sure to shop around to find the best deal.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Volkswagen Taos

1. Use smooth, conservative driving habits.
2. Stay up to date with the factory-recommended maintenance intervals.
3. Use good quality parts and fluids.
4. Address any repairs or problems straight away to prevent them from compounding.
5. Keep your Taos clean both inside and out, this will help keep rust and rot at bay.
6. Check your fluids and make sure they are at the correct level such as engine oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid.
7. Keep your Taos stored in a garage away from harsh weather.
8. Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your Volkswagen Taos needs and what quantity, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

Related: How Long Do Volkswagen Atlas Last?

Resources

1. https://caredge.com/volkswagen/maintenance 
2. https://www.carcomplaints.com/Volkswagen/Taos/2022/ 
3. https://www.carproblemzoo.com/recalls/volkswagen-taos.php 
4. https://www.nalleyvw.com/vw-taos-brake-pads.htm
5. https://www.cars.com/research/volkswagen-taos-2022/recalls/ 
6. https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/volkswagen/volkswagen-taos-insurance/ 
7. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/taos/2022/reliability/
8. https://www.kbb.com/volkswagen/taos/ 
9. https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/volkswagen/taos 
10. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/VOLKSWAGEN/TAOS/SUV/AWD