known problems with the Volkswagen Taigo

The Volkswagen Taigo is a stylish and modern compact SUV. It shares technology with other models from the brand, which means that known vulnerabilities can also crop up here. Although the car is generally reliable, there are specific points of attention around the engine, gearbox and electronics that you should know about as an owner or buyer. Read on and discover exactly what to look out for to avoid unexpected costs.

The Taigo is a popular sight on the road. Its combination of a high driving position, a sporty sloping roofline and modern technology appeals to a wide audience. Precisely because many people are considering or already own this car, it is important to give an honest picture of the possible defects. This article is not a hatchet job, but a practical overview. We discuss the most frequently reported complaints and faults so that you know where you stand. Many of these issues are not unique to the Taigo, but fall under the general car problems with Volkswagen that occur more often.

the Taigo’s overall reliability

The Volkswagen Taigo is built on the MQB A0 platform, a base it shares with successful models such as the Polo and the T-Cross. This technical foundation has been developed further over the years and most of the early teething problems have been ironed out. The Taigo’s reliability is therefore comparable with that of its relatives: solid, although it does have its points of attention. The car feels sturdy and with normal use and proper maintenance it is unlikely to let you down. The weak spots are mainly in specific, complex components that Volkswagen uses in many of its cars.

problems with the DSG automatic gearbox

One of the most discussed parts in Volkswagens is the DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The 7-speed DSG version fitted in the Taigo (the DQ200) is known for a number of vulnerabilities. Owners sometimes report jerky or hesitant behaviour at low speeds, for example in traffic jams or when parking. This can be caused by clutch wear or problems with the mechatronics, the brain of the gearbox.

Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Vibrations or jolts when pulling away or changing gear.
• Refusal to select a gear or unexpectedly shifting into neutral.
• Rattling or humming noises coming from the gearbox.
• A warning message on the dashboard referring to the transmission.

Having the gearbox oil changed in good time, in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, is important to extend the service life of the mechatronics. With serious complaints, a visit to a specialist is often unavoidable.

common engine problems (1.0 TSI)

The 1.0 TSI three-cylinder engine is the most common power unit in the Volkswagen Taigo. It is an efficient and lively engine, but it does have some points of attention. Although there are no major, structural issues known that affect the Taigo specifically, there are general matters that can occur with this engine family. One of these is higher than average oil consumption as the mileage increases. It is therefore important to check the oil level regularly and top it up if necessary. Software-related faults can also occur, leading to an irregular engine idle or reduced performance. A software update at the dealer can often resolve this.

electrical faults and software errors

Modern cars like the Taigo are packed with electronics, and that is also a source of potential faults. The infotainment system can sometimes respond slowly or restart itself unexpectedly. It also happens that the connection with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is unstable. These are often software errors that can be fixed with an update. In addition, there are reports of over-sensitive parking sensors that give unnecessary warnings, or malfunctions in driver assistance systems such as Lane Assist or Adaptive Cruise Control. Usually this is due to a sensor that is dirty or needs recalibrating, which can be annoying.

points of attention for the chassis and suspension

The Taigo’s chassis is comfortable and stable, but not immune to wear. In particular, the wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar links can start to cause noises over time, such as creaking or knocking sounds when driving over speed bumps. This is normal wear, but it is good to be alert to it during a test drive with a used example. A worn component in the suspension can negatively affect the handling and cause uneven tyre wear.

interior and build quality

Volkswagen is known for its solid interiors, and the Taigo is no exception. The materials are good quality for its class and the overall build quality is neat. Over time, however, small creaks or rattles can develop, particularly around the dashboard or door panels. This is often caused by plastic parts expanding and contracting with temperature changes. It is rarely a sign of a serious problem, but it can be annoying for some drivers.

preventive maintenance and solutions

Many of the problems mentioned can be prevented or reduced by treating the car with care and taking maintenance seriously. Stick strictly to the service intervals, especially for the engine oil and the DSG gearbox oil. Allow the engine to warm up gently and avoid constant heavy loads. You can sometimes fix minor software issues yourself by resetting the infotainment system. For persistent electrical or mechanical problems, it is important to have an expert look at them in good time to prevent more serious damage.

warranty, recalls and dealer visits

Is your Taigo still covered by the factory warranty? If so, do not hesitate to make an appointment with the dealer in the event of faults or defects. Problems with the DSG or the engine software usually fall under this. It is also sensible to check whether there are any outstanding recalls for your specific model. The manufacturer may issue a recall for safety-related or technical improvements. A dealer can check this for you using the VIN (chassis number). Well-documented maintenance is very important here.

checklist for buying a used Taigo

Are you thinking about buying a used Volkswagen Taigo? Then use this checklist during the viewing and test drive to properly assess the condition of the car.

technical checkpoints:

• DSG automatic gearbox: Pay attention to smooth gear changes, both when accelerating gently and more briskly. Listen out for unusual noises.
• Engine: Check for smooth running and check the oil level. Ask about the service history.
• Electronics: Test all the functions of the infotainment system and driver assistance systems. Check for error messages.
• Chassis: Drive over a speed bump and listen for creaking or knocking noises.
• Tyres: Inspect the tyres for uneven wear, which may indicate alignment or suspension issues.

final verdict on the Volkswagen Taigo

The Volkswagen Taigo is an attractive and practical car with a lot to offer. As a buyer, be aware of the potential weak spots, particularly the DSG automatic gearbox and the electronics. A thorough inspection and a complete service history are your best weapons to avoid a bad purchase and to fully enjoy this compact crossover.