In the European service world, Volkswagen wheel-bearing and hub failures land on our lifts with regularity. 57 complaints across 13 year-model entries (2009–2022) 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. 5 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $400; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Drive it across the conditions it will actually see — heat, cold, highway, stop-and-go. Pattern complaints surface under load, not in the dealer parking lot.
ProblemsByVin VOLKSWAGEN / WHEELS
13 model-year entries · 2009–2022
Volkswagen wheels problems
57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Volkswagen vehicles for wheels issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See wheels across all makes →
Complaints
57
Recalls
3
Year-models
13
Avg fix
$400
4crashes
1fire
5injuries
Worst-affected Volkswagen model-years for wheels Top 13 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
2012 Volkswagen CC
7 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2009 Volkswagen Routan
7 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
5 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2013 Volkswagen Passat
5 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2011 Volkswagen Jetta
5 complaints · ~$400 severe
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
4 complaints · ~$400 severe
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$400 severe
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
4 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2012 Volkswagen Jetta
4 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
3 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$400 moderate
2015 Volkswagen Golf
3 complaints · ~$400 severe
2014 Volkswagen Passat
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
2010 Volkswagen Routan
3 complaints · ~$400 moderate
Active recalls — Volkswagen wheels 4 on file
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
Incorrect wheel bolts can allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wheel bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44BW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 5, 2025.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels, and as necessary, replace the wheels, lug bolts ,and wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc
The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40P1. Note: The affected owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repairs have been made.
Common questions
How many Volkswagen wheels complaints are on file with NHTSA?
57 complaints across 13 model-year entries from 2009 to 2022. 3 active recall campaigns cover wheels issues across the Volkswagen lineup.
Which Volkswagen model has the most wheels complaints?
The 2012 Volkswagen CC leads with 7 complaints in this category. Next: 2009 Routan (7) and 2021 ID.4 (5).
What does it cost to fix Volkswagen wheels problems?
Independent shops average $400 for wheels 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 wheels recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover wheels on Volkswagen vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
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.