By make

Known Volkswagen problems at the APK

Over all generations together Volkswagen has an A-problem about as often than cars of the same age (rank 20 of 33 makes). 144 times a part fails clearly more often than average on a Volkswagen generation.

Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026

By part

Springs and shock absorbers

Repair: medium
  • Golf VI Variant 2009–2014 · 10.2% at 16+ yrs (national 2.7%)
  • Tiguan I 2007–2015 · 9.1% at 16+ yrs (national 2.7%)
  • Polo V 2009–2018 · 8.0% at 16+ yrs (national 1.6%)
  • Passat B6 2005–2010 · 8.3% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.2%)
  • Passat B7 2011–2014 · 8.1% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.3%)
  • Jetta V 2005–2014 · 8.1% at 16+ yrs (national 2.7%)
  • Golf V Variant 2005–2008 · 7.6% at 16+ yrs (national 2.7%)
  • Golf VII 2012–2021 · 5.9% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Scirocco III 2008–2018 · 6.3% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.3%)
  • Golf VII Variant 2013–2021 · 4.3% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Golf V 2005–2008 · 5.8% at 16+ yrs (national 2.6%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 5.1% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.3%)
  • Golf VI 2009–2018 · 4.1% at 13–15 yrs (national 1.4%)
  • Fox 2005–2013 · 4.6% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.3%)
  • Polo VI 2017–2026 · 2.7% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.5%)
  • Passat B8 2015–2024 · 3.5% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.4%)
  • Golf Sportsvan 2014–2021 · 2.5% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Arteon 2017–2025 · 1.8% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.5%)
  • Golf Plus 2005–2014 · 2.2% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Golf VIII 2019–2026 · 1.0% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.2%)
  • Tiguan II 2016–2025 · 0.7% at 9–10 yrs (national 0.3%)
  • ID.3 2020–2026 · 0.4% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.1%)
  • Golf VIII Variant 2020–2026 · 0.4% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.1%)

Push each corner down firmly: the car should rebound once. Look for oil on the dampers and whether the car sits level.

Brakes

Repair: medium
  • Golf VI Variant 2009–2014 · 6.9% at 11–12 yrs (national 2.9%)
  • Jetta V 2005–2014 · 6.6% at 11–12 yrs (national 2.9%)
  • Touran II 2016–2025 · 3.9% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.7%)
  • Taigo 2021–2026 · 3.7% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.7%)
  • up! 2011–2025 · 5.6% at 11–12 yrs (national 2.8%)
  • Passat B8 2015–2024 · 3.7% at 5–6 yrs (national 1.2%)
  • Polo V 2009–2018 · 5.9% at 13–15 yrs (national 3.9%)
  • Golf VII Variant 2013–2021 · 3.7% at 5–6 yrs (national 1.9%)
  • Arteon 2017–2025 · 4.4% at 7–8 yrs (national 2.6%)
  • Passat B6 2005–2010 · 4.6% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.9%)
  • Polo VI 2017–2026 · 2.0% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.7%)
  • Tiguan II 2016–2025 · 3.1% at 5–6 yrs (national 1.8%)
  • T-Roc 2017–2026 · 3.8% at 7–8 yrs (national 2.5%)
  • Golf VIII 2019–2026 · 1.9% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.7%)
  • T-Cross 2018–2026 · 3.0% at 5–6 yrs (national 1.9%)
  • Tiguan I 2007–2015 · 2.5% at 9–10 yrs (national 1.6%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 2.4% at 9–10 yrs (national 1.6%)

Look through the wheel at the discs: no deep grooves or thick rust edge. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stay straight.

Warning lights

Repair: medium
  • Jetta V 2005–2014 · 14.7% at 16+ yrs (national 5.7%)
  • up! 2011–2025 · 8.2% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.5%)
  • Golf Plus 2005–2014 · 10.8% at 16+ yrs (national 5.7%)
  • Passat B7 2011–2014 · 7.1% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.4%)
  • Golf V 2005–2008 · 10.2% at 16+ yrs (national 5.7%)
  • Passat B6 2005–2010 · 10.2% at 16+ yrs (national 5.7%)
  • Polo V 2009–2018 · 7.0% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.5%)
  • Golf VI Variant 2009–2014 · 6.7% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.5%)
  • Golf V Variant 2005–2008 · 9.2% at 16+ yrs (national 5.7%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 8.9% at 16+ yrs (national 5.6%)
  • Scirocco III 2008–2018 · 8.6% at 16+ yrs (national 5.7%)
  • ID.4 / ID.5 2020–2026 · 2.6% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.5%)
  • Golf VII 2012–2021 · 4.2% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.5%)
  • ID.3 2020–2026 · 2.1% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.5%)
  • Golf VIII 2019–2026 · 1.6% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.5%)
  • Passat B8 2015–2024 · 1.4% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.5%)

Switch on the ignition: all lights come on briefly and go out after starting. If one stays on, ask about the cause.

Control arms / ball joints

Repair: medium
  • Fox 2005–2013 · 7.7% at 13–15 yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Passat B6 2005–2010 · 6.5% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.0%)
  • Golf V Variant 2005–2008 · 6.1% at 16+ yrs (national 2.0%)
  • Tiguan I 2007–2015 · 4.9% at 9–10 yrs (national 0.8%)
  • Passat B7 2011–2014 · 4.7% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.3%)
  • Golf VI 2009–2018 · 4.6% at 16+ yrs (national 2.1%)
  • Golf VI Variant 2009–2014 · 4.6% at 16+ yrs (national 2.1%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 4.4% at 13–15 yrs (national 1.9%)
  • Jetta V 2005–2014 · 3.5% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.3%)
  • Golf V 2005–2008 · 3.8% at 16+ yrs (national 2.0%)
  • Polo IV 2005–2010 · 3.3% at 16+ yrs (national 2.1%)
  • Polo V 2009–2018 · 3.1% at 16+ yrs (national 2.1%)
  • Scirocco III 2008–2018 · 2.1% at 13–15 yrs (national 1.2%)
  • Polo VI 2017–2026 · 0.4% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.1%)

Listen for clunks or knocks over speed bumps on the test drive. The car should not wander when braking.

Structural rust

Repair: large
  • Passat B6 2005–2010 · 4.2% at 13–15 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Passat B7 2011–2014 · 3.5% at 13–15 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Jetta V 2005–2014 · 3.8% at 16+ yrs (national 1.2%)
  • Tiguan I 2007–2015 · 2.6% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.2%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 2.6% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.2%)
  • Scirocco III 2008–2018 · 2.1% at 13–15 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Golf VI Variant 2009–2014 · 1.7% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.2%)
  • Golf VI 2009–2018 · 1.8% at 13–15 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Golf V 2005–2008 · 2.4% at 16+ yrs (national 1.2%)
  • Golf Plus 2005–2014 · 2.3% at 16+ yrs (national 1.2%)
  • Golf V Variant 2005–2008 · 2.1% at 16+ yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Polo IV 2005–2010 · 1.8% at 16+ yrs (national 1.2%)

Look under the sills, in the wheel arches and at the suspension mounts, and press on suspicious spots. Watch for fresh sealant or new underbody coating.

Leaks

Repair: medium
  • Golf VI 2009–2018 · 13.6% at 13–15 yrs (national 5.7%)
  • Golf VI Variant 2009–2014 · 13.0% at 13–15 yrs (national 5.7%)
  • Jetta V 2005–2014 · 12.9% at 13–15 yrs (national 5.6%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 11.0% at 13–15 yrs (national 5.5%)
  • Polo V 2009–2018 · 10.0% at 13–15 yrs (national 5.6%)
  • Passat B6 2005–2010 · 8.8% at 13–15 yrs (national 5.5%)
  • Scirocco III 2008–2018 · 8.2% at 13–15 yrs (national 5.5%)
  • Golf VII 2012–2021 · 4.5% at 11–12 yrs (national 2.6%)
  • Passat B7 2011–2014 · 4.5% at 11–12 yrs (national 2.6%)
  • Passat B8 2015–2024 · 4.0% at 11–12 yrs (national 2.7%)
  • Golf VII Variant 2013–2021 · 2.7% at 9–10 yrs (national 1.5%)

Look under the engine and where the car was parked. Open the bonnet and look for wet, greasy spots.

Drive shafts

Repair: medium
  • Polo IV 2005–2010 · 9.7% at 16+ yrs (national 3.5%)
  • Fox 2005–2013 · 9.3% at 16+ yrs (national 3.4%)
  • Golf V 2005–2008 · 9.3% at 16+ yrs (national 3.4%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 8.5% at 16+ yrs (national 3.5%)
  • Passat B6 2005–2010 · 7.9% at 16+ yrs (national 3.4%)
  • Golf Plus 2005–2014 · 6.9% at 16+ yrs (national 3.5%)
  • Polo V 2009–2018 · 4.7% at 13–15 yrs (national 1.9%)
  • Tiguan I 2007–2015 · 5.7% at 16+ yrs (national 3.6%)
  • Golf VI 2009–2018 · 5.3% at 16+ yrs (national 3.5%)
  • Scirocco III 2008–2018 · 5.1% at 16+ yrs (national 3.4%)

Look behind the front wheels at the rubber boots: no tears or grease around them. Drive a tight turn: no clicking noise.

Steering

Repair: large
  • Polo VI 2017–2026 · 20.5% at 7–8 yrs (national 1.2%)
  • T-Cross 2018–2026 · 7.0% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.6%)
  • Fox 2005–2013 · 6.8% at 13–15 yrs (national 1.2%)
  • Polo V 2009–2018 · 6.8% at 16+ yrs (national 2.0%)
  • Golf V 2005–2008 · 5.8% at 16+ yrs (national 2.1%)
  • Polo IV 2005–2010 · 4.4% at 16+ yrs (national 2.0%)
  • Golf Plus 2005–2014 · 4.1% at 16+ yrs (national 2.1%)
  • Golf V Variant 2005–2008 · 4.0% at 16+ yrs (national 2.0%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 3.7% at 16+ yrs (national 2.1%)

Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.

Wheels and wheel bearings

Repair: medium
  • ID.4 / ID.5 2020–2026 · 2.9% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.2%)
  • ID.3 2020–2026 · 2.3% at 5–6 yrs (national 0.3%)
  • Scirocco III 2008–2018 · 2.7% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.0%)
  • Passat B7 2011–2014 · 2.5% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.0%)
  • Golf VI 2009–2018 · 2.2% at 13–15 yrs (national 1.4%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 1.6% at 11–12 yrs (national 1.0%)
  • Golf VII Variant 2013–2021 · 1.1% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.6%)
  • Golf VII 2012–2021 · 1.0% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.6%)

On the test drive, listen for a humming noise that rises with speed.

Exhaust and emissions

Repair: medium
  • Fox 2005–2013 · 6.3% at 13–15 yrs (national 2.6%)
  • Golf VI Variant 2009–2014 · 1.7% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Passat B8 2015–2024 · 1.0% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Polo V 2009–2018 · 1.0% at 13–15 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Jetta V 2005–2014 · 1.0% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Scirocco III 2008–2018 · 0.8% at 13–15 yrs (national 0.4%)

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

Seat belts, seats and airbags

Repair: medium
  • Fox 2005–2013 · 1.8% at 13–15 yrs (national 0.5%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 1.5% at 9–10 yrs (national 0.5%)
  • Golf VI Variant 2009–2014 · 1.4% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Passat B8 2015–2024 · 1.2% at 11–12 yrs (national 0.4%)
  • Polo VI 2017–2026 · 1.1% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.5%)
  • Taigo 2021–2026 · 0.9% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.5%)

Pull each belt out quickly: it should lock. The airbag light goes out after starting.

Brake lines

Repair: medium
  • Jetta V 2005–2014 · 2.4% at 16+ yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Fox 2005–2013 · 2.3% at 16+ yrs (national 1.2%)
  • Touran I 2005–2015 · 1.8% at 16+ yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Golf Plus 2005–2014 · 1.7% at 16+ yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Polo IV 2005–2010 · 1.6% at 16+ yrs (national 1.1%)
  • Touran II 2016–2025 · 0.6% at 7–8 yrs (national 0.1%)

Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.

Tyres

Repair: small
  • ID.3 2020–2026 · 19.4% at 3–4 yrs (national 12.9%)
  • Polo VI 2017–2026 · 6.9% at 3–4 yrs (national 4.3%)

Check the tread and look for uneven wear: that points to an alignment problem. The DOT code on the tyre tells its age.

Body and doors

Repair: small
  • Passat B6 2005–2010 · 1.4% at 16+ yrs (national 0.5%)
  • ID.4 / ID.5 2020–2026 · 0.4% at 3–4 yrs (national 0.1%)

Open and close all doors and the tailgate. Uneven gaps and colour differences point to accident repair.

Windows and visibility

Repair: small
  • Fox 2005–2013 · 11.0% at 13–15 yrs (national 5.2%)

Look for chips and cracks especially in the driver’s field of view. Test the wipers and washers.

Lights

Repair: small
  • up! 2011–2025 · 9.9% at 3–4 yrs (national 6.2%)

Walk around with the lights, indicators, brake lights and rear fog light on. Look for moisture in the headlights.

All Volkswagen generations in a row

GenerationA-problems vs. the same ageKnown problemsInspected
Arteon2017–202563% less often22,037
T-Roc2017–202660% less often123,213
Golf VIII2019–202659% less often312,033
ID.32020–202657% less often46,735
Golf Sportsvan2014–202144% less often114,172
Tiguan II2016–202544% less often233,643
Golf VII2012–202136% less often476,850
Touran II2016–202535% less often26,281
T-Cross2018–202628% less often210,315
ID.4 / ID.52020–202623% less often35,172
Golf VIII Variant2020–202615% less often11,390
Passat B82015–202413% less often623,409
Golf VII Variant2013–202113% less often418,814
Polo IV2005–201010% less often526,835
up!2011–20256% less often3102,548
Polo V2009–20185% less often8126,630
Fox2005–2013about as often814,555
Golf Plus2005–2014about as often621,909
Scirocco III2008–20189% more often84,391
Golf VI2009–201811% more often636,140
Golf V2005–200812% more often69,042
Passat B62005–201016% more often87,584
Golf V Variant2005–200817% more often5948
Touran I2005–201527% more often1116,356
Polo VI2017–202628% more often644,322
Taigo2021–202631% more often22,900
Tiguan I2007–201538% more often520,098
Jetta V2005–201444% more often84,357
Passat B72011–201455% more often68,850
Golf VI Variant2009–201463% more often87,375

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Frequently asked questions

Which problems are common on Volkswagen cars?

At the APK springs and shock absorbers stands out for Volkswagen: on 23 of 33 generations it is clearly more common than on cars of the same age. Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know