Before you buy
Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.
Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.
Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.
Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Electrical System owner reports: 6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Fuel/Propulsion System owner reports: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention fuel/propulsion system.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Service Brakes owner reports: 7 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera recall: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Seats recall: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Airbags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module recall: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera recall: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer service campaign: Working with Service Campaigns that have Over-the-Air (OTA) Capability
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: The Rear Brake Pad Limited Warranty Extension has been revised to include model year 2025 for Certain Volkswagen Jetta and Certain Volkswagen Taos vehicles.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized Volkswagen Dealer for 8.5 years or 85,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.
Warning signs: 6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.
Warning signs: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention fuel/propulsion system.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.
Warning signs: 7 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2021.
Warning signs: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2021.
Warning signs: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2021.
Warning signs: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2021 through 2022.
Warning signs: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2021 through 2022.
Warning signs: Working with Service Campaigns that have Over-the-Air (OTA) Capability
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.
Warning signs: These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2022.
Warning signs: The Rear Brake Pad Limited Warranty Extension has been revised to include model year 2025 for Certain Volkswagen Jetta and Certain Volkswagen Taos vehicles.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.
Warning signs: This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.
Warning signs: For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized Volkswagen Dealer for 8.5 years or 85,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“Volkswagen corporate deployed a mandatory over-the-air (OTA) software update to the MIB3 infotainment system. The update failed mid-installation, entirely bricking the J794 information module. This failure completely disabled vital driver information systems, including the digital dash compass, all audio alerts, and driver notification tones while the vehicle is in motion. This represents an immediate, manufacturer-initiated distraction and safety hazard that disables cabin instrumentation.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“EPC light comes on and vehicle starts losing power while driving, you lose all acceleration. Check engine light has also illuminated I have taken in to have repairs done on this same issue 4 times in a span of owing this car for 7 months, this vehicle has become unreliable and a safety hazard while driving. They have replaced battery replaced ignition coils replaced EVAP valve reset my computer software updated my computers. I have spent a ton of money on this car for a repair that is unrepairable. And it currently sits in the VW dealership shop again because it is become a safety hazard to drive with myself let alone putting my child's life at risk driving on highways.”
The records describe a possible fatal outcome.
“While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking assistance. Additionally, no forward collision warning or audible/visual alert was provided prior to impact. A red warning indicator illuminated immediately before the collision; however, there was insufficient time to take additional evasive action. As a result, my vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in front of me. The apparent failure of the braking assistance and forward collision warning systems placed both myself and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk, resulting in a motor vehicle collision. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility (UNKNOWN). The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives as part of the accident investigation. Prior to the incident, I had not observed any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the braking or forward collision systems. The only warning observed was the red indicator light that appeared immediately before the collision.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Long Wheelbase and Jetta vehicles. Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks. The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles. The air bag control module was welded in the incorrect position. Incorrect positioning of the air bag control module can cause the vehicle's air bags to deploy improperly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the vehicle's air bags can deploy unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CK.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“Working with Service Campaigns that have Over-the-Air (OTA) Capability ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“The Rear Brake Pad Limited Warranty Extension has been revised to include model year 2025 for Certain Volkswagen Jetta and Certain Volkswagen Taos vehicles.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen*, 2013 VW Jetta Sedan and GLI*, 2009-2016 VW Eos*, 2008-2010 VW Passat*, 2009-2017 VW CC*, 2009-2018 VW Tiguan*, Certain model year 2015-2018 VW Golf*, 2015-2021 VW GTI*, 2015-2019 VW Golf R*, 2015-2019 VW Golf SportWagen and Alltrack*, 2019-2024 VW Jetta GLI*, 2019-2021 VW Arteon*, 2018-2023 VW Atlas*, and 2020-2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport*”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized Volkswagen Dealer for 8.5 years or 85,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.”
The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.
Check this year at your mileage