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Having a squeaky clean SUV is one thing, but having a squeaking sport utility vehicle is not ideal. Drivers are complaining that the 2023 Volkswagen Taos is making some silly sounds while accelerating. How common is this issue, and what can drivers do to fix a Volkswagen that is singing an unwanted song?

What’s new with the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?

When Edmunds rated the 2023 Volkswagen Taos, it had many positive things to say. The small SUV in Volkswagen’s lineup has plenty of safety features and technology to satisfy most drivers’ needs. It has sharp handling and a comfortable interior, not to mention a large cargo area for such a small SUV.

Some of the standard safety systems included are active blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping system, and Adaptive cruise control. It also receives blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Taos a four-star overall safety rating, too. Beyond all of this standard information, what is up with the squeaking sound?

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is making some funky noises

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos SUV at sunset
A 2023 Volkswagen Taos | Volkswagen

Most of the time, buying a brand-new vehicle means less stress and upkeep for the first few years of ownership. However, owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos have taken to Car Complaints and similar websites to complain of a squeaking noise.

Filed under miscellaneous complaints, a loud squeaking noise while accelerating is noted. Sometimes this happens while speeding up, but also while the 2023 Volkswagen Taos is stopping. While some might think it is the brakes, it doesn’t seem that is the case.

This happens quite early in the ownership period, and most examples show less than 5,000 miles on the odometer. Some have suggested that it could be a belt making the unpleasant noise. A belt might squeak due to improper tension or just because it needs replacement. There are many resources on YouTube and Volkswagen forums that might give helpful steps to quiet that squeak without going to the dealership.

Take that Taos back to the dealership

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also hosts an area for complaints. At the time of publication, four comments related to forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, and powertrain issues are listed. It doesn’t appear any of the complaints on the NHTSA listing are for squeaking yet.

The best bet is to take a video of the squeaking and go into the local dealership. If a mechanic is willing to go on a drive to hear the issue, it might make it easier to diagnose. Sometimes, it just needs a quick spray of some WD-40, or lubricant can help make the noise quieter. It is a good idea to fix the issue before it worsens and leaves you stranded.

If the issue persists, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos could receive a recall. At this point, taking minor steps to fix the squeaking is the best course of action. Keep an eye on the NHTSA listing for communication from the automaker itself.

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