VW shares Audi powertrains - EA888 turbo, DSG dual-clutch, and ZF transmissions. Dieselgate (2009-2015 TDI vehicles) destroyed buyer trust and removed diesel from the lineup. The gen 2 EA888 oil-consumption issue affected Tiguan, Passat, and CC. DSG mechatronic unit failures are an ongoing concern. Newer MQB-platform vehicles (Golf, Jetta, Tiguan post-2018) are improved. ID.4 EV has had software recalls.
Volkswagen has ranked below the industry average in J.D. Power's dependability study and Consumer Reports for most of the past decade.
EA888 gen 3, DSG or manual. Enthusiast-maintained; the brand bright spot.
New platform, gen 3 engine. Reliable family SUV.
US-built; 3.6L VR6 is durable. Avoid 2.0T trims if towing.
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Dieselgate emissions defeat device. Some bought back; remaining ones have software penalties.
Oil consumption + timing chain tensioner failure.
Mechatronic unit failure, $2,500-3,500 repair.
Dieselgate (2009-2015), EA888 gen 2 oil consumption and timing chain, DSG mechatronic unit, water pump (plastic impeller) failures, and ID.4 software recalls.
Average $676/year per RepairPal. DSG and timing chain repairs push out-of-warranty cost higher. Resale is below average.
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Below average. Newer Mk7 Golfs and MQB-platform vehicles (2018+) are much better than the previous generation.
VW used software to cheat US emissions tests on 2009-2015 TDI diesel vehicles. Resulted in $30B+ in fines and buybacks. Diesel is no longer sold by VW in the US.
Mixed. The DQ250 (wet clutch) is more reliable; the DQ200 (dry clutch) has higher failure rates. Fluid service every 40K is mandatory.
Piston ring design caused excessive oil consumption in 2008-2014 2.0T engines. Class action covered ring replacement.
150-200K is realistic for a well-maintained MQB-platform car. Older PQ35 cars commonly die at 120-150K.
Virtually identical at the drivetrain level since they share engines. Audi has more electronics to fail.