Considering everything that has happened in the past decade for Volkswagen, there is probably a lot that can be said about and thought of when it comes to its cars. Don’t get us wrong, they do make good cars regardless of what you might think, but we admit they are not perfect. As such, here are the most complained about Volkswagen cars according to Carcomplaints.com.

Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta has been the brand’s compact four-door offering since 1979 and is currently in its seventh generation. Throughout the years, it’s gone through many changes including different engines that ranged from diesels to hybrids. As you can imagine, with great changes come possible issues, which is why there are 1,247 complaints filed for the Jetta.

Car Complaints lists the 2009 model year as the worst year to get and with 99 complaints filed – most of them citing “engine failure” or “brake problems” – we can see why. Most of the complaints regarding engine failure stem from broken turbos and stalled engines, while the brake issues pertain to failing ABS modules.

Volkswagen Passat

The Passat is Volkswagen’s mid-size sedan offering that competes with segment stalwarts like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It’s been in the lineup since the early 80s and is currently in its eighth generation. And while most of the newer Passat models are pretty reliable, it’s the earlier models that you may need to watch out for.

According to Car Complaints, the 2002 model year is the worst Passat year as it was plagued with engine problems. Taking a closer look at the 66 complaints filed under that section, it turns out that those Passats had issues with oil sludge damaging the engine, leading to the engine needing to be replaced.

Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle was the brand’s most recognized nameplates and one of the most favored cars in the lineup. While it has been discontinued, you can still get your hands on older models, but you might want to stay away from the 2004 model year, which Car Complaints lists as the worst year.

There are currently 34 complaints listed for that year alone with most of them citing transmissions issues as the main culprit. There are multiple reports of the transmission slipping cross member bolts braking, and the transmission downshifting unexpectedly.

Volkswagen CC

Last on the list is the Volkswagen CC, which currently has 177 complaints. The CC was the brand’s sporty sedan offering that provided a more athletic solution to the Passat sedate driving characteristics and style. However, if you’re in the market for one then Car Complaints lists the 2012 model as the worst one. There are 19 complaints filed for “engine problems” under that model year, most of which are relegated to the check engine light coming on multiple times and a sudden loss of engine power. It looks like that model was victim to failing timing chain tensioners and timing chains as well.

Volkswagen car complaints

The Volkswagen cars here are the most complained about models on Carcomplaints.com. Just note that these complaints aren’t percentages based on the cars sold, instead, they are the actual number of complaints for each model year. Also, the reason these cars have the most complaints is due to them being the most popular Volkswagen car models