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ProblemsByVinVOLKSWAGEN / BODY
52 model-year entries · 2005–2024
Volkswagen body problems
410 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Volkswagen vehicles for body issues.
4 active recall campaigns. See body across all makes →
Complaints
410
Recalls
4
Year-models
52
Avg fix
$1,500
12crashes
2fires
25injuries
Editorial perspective by Frank DeSantis · European brand specialist
In the European service world, Volkswagen body and structural failures land on our lifts with regularity. 410 complaints across 52 year-model entries (2005–2024) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 25 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Across the 101 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 42,527 miles. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $1,500; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. For trucks especially, get under it with a flashlight. Frame rust on rust-belt vehicles tells you everything you need to know about how it was kept.
Worst-affected Volkswagen model-years for body Top 25 by complaint volume
On certain special edition triple white sedan vehicles, an incorrect adhesive may have been used to attach the roof spoiler to the rear glass of the vehicle
If this happens, the spoiler could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the roof spoiler on these vehicles. The recall began on february 29, 2008. Owners may contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
The incorrect roof reinforcement may decrease the roof's structural integrity or impact deployment of the side curtain air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will be replace the roof reinforcement, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51H5.
In a fire, fabric that is not fire retardant may further fuel a fire, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will apply flame retardant to the sunshade fabric, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60G3.
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while driving increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen dealers will inspect and replace the door handles as necessary, and update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 27, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57J9. This recall expands previous recall numbers 23V-312 and 23V-213. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-312 and 23V-213 will need to have the new remedy completed.
A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, and inspect the door handles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 19, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall are 57J5 and 57J8. This recall was replaced by recall number 24V-651
Volkswagen is recalling 14,416 my 2007-2009 touareg vehicles
If this happens, the spoiler could cause injury by striking persons outside the vehicle or could become an obstacle to other drivers, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install reinforcement wedges to the roof edge spoiler free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during august 2009. Owner may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Common questions
How many Volkswagen body complaints are on file with NHTSA?
410 complaints across 52 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. 4 active recall campaigns cover body issues across the Volkswagen lineup.
Which Volkswagen model has the most body complaints?
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 leads with 37 complaints in this category. Next: 2018 Tiguan (29) and 2013 Passat (24).
What does it cost to fix Volkswagen body problems?
Independent shops average $1,500 for body repairs across the Volkswagen lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Volkswagen body recalls?
Yes — 7 active recall campaigns cover body on Volkswagen vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Volkswagen.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.