The Volkswagen CC is a luxury midsize car that was produced from 2009 to 2017.
It boasts a premium interior, competent performance, and a fun driving experience.
In this article, we’ll be checking out all of the best and worst model years of the CC.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Volkswagen CC Are:
The best Volkswagen CC model years are 2017, 2016, and 2015. The worst model years of this model are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2010, 2011, and 2009. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Volkswagen CC?
2017 Volkswagen CC
The 2017 CC marks the last model ever manufactured. In comparison to its predecessors, this version is equipped with standard features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning, specifically for the R-Line Executive trim.
It has a striking exterior style, upscale features, and a smooth turbocharged engine.
For both the Sport and R-Line Executive trims, this model is fitted with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (200 horsepower, 207 pound-feet of torque).
Fuel consumption, according to the EPA, is at 25 MPG for combined city and highway driving.
According to reviews, the aspects most appreciated by owners include:
- Appearance
- Seats
- Comfort
- Interior
- Value for money
- Technology
Notable safety features include Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Forward Collision Warning, and Intelligent Crash Response.
- Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2017 CC, Edmunds Review:
“My Sport model CC with 2.0L Turbo engine and 6 speed DSG auto transmission is equipped with no extras and still it’s equipped very well with uncomplicated controls and it handles better (and is less expensive) than competitive Toyota models…”
2016 Volkswagen CC
The 2016 VW CC is a great choice for owners desiring a sleek design, comfortable interior, and engaging driving experience without the premium price tag of luxury brands.
It is available in 6 trim levels: Trend, Sport, R-Line, R-Line Executive, R-Line Executive with Carbon, and V6 4Motion Executive.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is used for most trims, producing 200 hp, with a six-speed manual or optional automated manual transmission.
The 4Motion Executive features a 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic. Performance is adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds for the four-cylinder and 6.8 seconds for the V6.
Fuel economy ranges from 25 mpg combined for the four-cylinder models to 20 mpg for the 4Motion Executive. Safety features include standard airbags and a rearview camera, with advanced safety options limited to the 4Motion Executive.
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2016 CC, Kelley Blue Book Review:
“The sleek lines and beautiful 2 tone interior and all the extras on this lovely VW, and you can’t ever go wrong with long term reliability with VW and fun driving… I have babied this car and kept it regularly maintained inside and out, from cosmetic to engine to wheel items. Low mileage when I purchased it and I’ve kept the same on it and have LOTS of fun miles left…”
2015 Volkswagen CC
The 2015 CC, while essentially unchanged compared to its immediate predecessor, is a better and more reliable vehicle overall.
It has a well-built and attractive interior, ample standard features, and a handful of optional safety and entertainment packages that enhance the premium experience of the model.
Notable features include:
- Two-tone color scheme
- Built-in navigation
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power front seats with adjustable lumbar
There are 4 trims available for this model year: Sport, R-Line, Executive, and 4Motion Executive.
With the exception of the top-spec 4Motion Executive, all variants are fitted with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower.
The 4Motion Executive, on the other hand, has a 3.6-liter V6 (280 horsepower).
EPA tests indicate the 4Motion Executive achieves up to 20 mpg in combined city and highway driving, while other versions can attain up to 25 mpg in the same conditions.
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 75 / 100
2015 CC, Kelley Blue Book Review:
“This car offers everything you could possibly want in a car! It’s luxurious, comfortable, economical and quick! Making a right or left turn from a stop I find it difficult to NOT smoke the tires! Absolutely the most enjoyable vehicle I’ve ever owned! Denver to Keene New Hampshire on three tanks of fuel!”
Consumer Scores For Best Volkswagen CC Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2017 Volkswagen CC | 4.2 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2016 Volkswagen CC | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2015 Volkswagen CC | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 75 / 100 |
Related: 12 Most Common Volkswagen CC Problems (Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Volkswagen CC?
2012, 2013, and 2014 Volkswagen CC
The 2012 CC leads the way as the most problematic model produced based on NHTSA data. The 2013 and 2014 models shared similar issues.
The main complaints regarding these models are predominantly airbag-related, arising from the notorious Takata recall.
Specifically, owners had issues with the following:
- Airbag clock spring failure
- Non-deployment of airbags in accidents
- Electrical and sensor problems after airbag replacement
In addition to the problems mentioned, the most significant and commonly reported issue related to airbags is the significant delay in replacing airbag parts.
“Takata recall. All VW shops in the area claim they do not have parts to fix this car, meaning I have to drive an unsafe car.” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2012 CC had a total of 55 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 331 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2013 CC had a total of 22 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 188 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2014 CC had a total of 12 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 99 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Engine failure
- Cupping of tires
- Fuel pump defects
- Water pump leak
- Transmission fails intermittently
- Heater core clogged
- Stalls while driving
- Excessive oil consumption
- Transmission shifts erratically
2010 and 2011 Volkswagen CC
The 2010 CC is the second-most problematic model year. It is paired with the 2011 model because of a similar set of complaints and issues based on online reports.
Aside from numerous airbag-related reports (similar to that of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 models), this pair of models experienced numerous critical engine and transmission problems.
On the engine front, owners had to deal with failure to start, vehicle stalling, and misfiring while accelerating.
“Engine misfires when accelerating to speed. Dealer found one bad coil but I was advised to replace all 4 coils and plugs because the others coils were going to failure shortly. After the repair car’s performance and gas mileage dropped and on long trips the mileage and performance continued to fall the longer to run…” – CarProblemZoo.com
With regard to the transmission, the DSG gearbox was unreliable, leading to issues such as jerking, overheating, and issues with the mechatronic unit (a vital and very expensive component of the vehicle’s powertrain).
“Hesitation and jittering, vibration, surging when accelerating after a stop. There is no rhyme or reason to when the car is going to act up and not accelerate as it is supposed to. Especially dangerous while in traffic or at an intersection. The car does not shift gears smoothly, it is a constant jerking while driving. The car also rolls up to 6″ when you put it in park even when on a flat level surface…” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2010 CC had a total of 57 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 329 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2011 CC had a total of 27 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 121 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Check engine light on
- Engine stalls/dies while driving
- Transmission failure
- Timing chain failure
- Transmission errors triggering limp mode
2009 Volkswagen CC
The 2009 CC is the fourth most problematic model year ever (based on total reports and complaints online), behind the 2012, 2013, and 2010 models.
It had a variety of engine-related complaints and issues. The most prominent ones included the following:
- Sudden loss of power
- Fuel pump module failure
- Timing chain issues
- Fuel pressure sensor failure
- Engine starting and stalling issues
These issues have rendered the model a severe safety concern when driven, made even more threatening by the frequency in which these issues occurred.
“I have a 2009 CC that after driving for a long time 1-1 1/2 hrs the car bogs down and dies at low speed or coming to a stop. This has happened at least a dozen times since the first occurrence. This is a very dangerous safety issue. I went to the dealer and they replaced a fuel pump. In 2 – 3 days this exact same problem happened again…” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2009 CC had a total of 31 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 185 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Engine failure
- Engine stalls/dies while driving
- Fuel pump broken
Related: 7 Most Common Volkswagen Passat Problems (Explained)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volkswagen CC | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| 2016 Volkswagen CC | 2 | 38 | 6 |
| 2015 Volkswagen CC | 4 | 46 | 4 |
| 2014 Volkswagen CC | 12 | 99 | 5 |
| 2013 Volkswagen CC | 22 | 188 | 5 |
| 2012 Volkswagen CC | 55 | 331 | 6 |
| 2011 Volkswagen CC | 27 | 121 | 4 |
| 2010 Volkswagen CC | 57 | 329 | 4 |
| 2009 Volkswagen CC | 31 | 185 | 4 |
What Problems Do Volkswagen CC Have?
- Timing chain issues
- Carbon buildup
- Intake manifold problems
- Water pump failure
- Fuel pump defects
- Leaking rear main seal
- Faulty fuel injectors
- DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) problems
- Turbocharger issues
- Trunk wiring harness defects
- Sagging headliner
- Frameless window problems
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Volkswagen CC?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Lexus GS | 8.6 | $25,294 – $45,847 | City: 16 – 22 /Highway: 24 – 32 |
| Lexus GS Hybrid | 8.6 | $34,757 – $37,512 | City: 29 /Highway: 34 |
| BMW 5-Series | 8.2 | $20,339 – $28,712 | City: 15 – 24 /Highway: 24 – 34 |
| Audi A6 | 8.1 | $15,622 – $26,038 | City: 18 – 24 /Highway: 27 – 34 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 8.0 | $22,414 – $31,352 | City: NA /Highway: NA |
| Cadillac CTS | 7.9 | $19,519 – $50,824 | City: 14 – 22 /Highway: 21 – 30 |
| Volvo S90 | 7.9 | $20,903 – $23,215 | City: 22 – 23 /Highway: 31 – 34 |
| Acura TLX | 7.7 | $16,748 – $22,950 | City: 21 – 24 /Highway: 31 – 35 |
| Jaguar XF | 7.6 | $17,138 – $24,250 | City: 20 – 31 /Highway: 28 – 42 |
| Volkswagen CC | 7.6 | $14,306 – $26,979 | City: 22 /Highway: 31 |
| Infiniti Q70 | 7.3 | $19,209 – $32,015 | City: 16 – 28 /Highway: 23 – 33 |
| Lincoln MKZ | 7.2 | $17,361 – $24,543 | City: 17 – 41 /Highway: 26 – 38 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: 11 Most Common Volkswagen Arteon Problems (Explained)
References
- https://www.kbb.com/volkswagen/cc/
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2017/volkswagen/cc
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Volkswagen/CC/
- https://www.carproblemzoo.com/volkswagen/cc/
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/
