Volkswagen Transmission Problems by Model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Owners have filed 1,624 transmission complaints with NHTSA across the 5 Volkswagen models we track that have at least 50 each. The most come from the Volkswagen Jetta (955). Per 1,000 sold, the highest rate is the Volkswagen Jetta at 0.32 and the lowest is the Volkswagen Passat at 0.09, against a 0.28 median across all 53 rated models.
Volkswagen models by transmission complaints
| Model | Transmission complaints | Per 1,000 sold | Share of all complaints | Worst years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Jetta | 955 | 0.32 | 17.1% | 2013, 2019 and 2009 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 196 | — | 9.1% | 2018, 2022 and 2009 |
| Volkswagen GTI | 183 | — | 29.3% | 2019, 2008 and 2009 |
| Volkswagen Passat | 171 | 0.09 | 6% | 2014, 2010 and 2013 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 119 | — | 10.9% | 2011, 2015 and 2019 |
Per 1,000 sold appears only where published U.S. sales exist for at least three model years. Data fetched July 2026 to November 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Volkswagen have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 1,624 transmission complaints with NHTSA across the 5 Volkswagen models we track that have at least 50 each. The most come from the Volkswagen Jetta (955). Per 1,000 sold, the highest rate is the Volkswagen Jetta at 0.32 and the lowest is the Volkswagen Passat at 0.09, against a 0.28 median across all 53 rated models.
Which Volkswagen models have the most transmission complaints?
the Volkswagen Jetta (955), the Volkswagen Tiguan (196) and the Volkswagen GTI (183), by owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Raw counts favor high-selling models, so compare the per-1,000-sold column too.
Which Volkswagen has the fewest transmission complaints per 1,000 sold?
The Volkswagen Passat, at 0.09 transmission complaints per 1,000 sold across its rated years. That is a complaint rate, not a failure rate.
Sources
- NHTSA complaints by vehicle (owner complaints API) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report a vehicle safety problem — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration