Are Volkswagens Expensive to Maintain? [VW Maintenance Cost]

Volkswagen is known worldwide for having highly reliable cars. But many people believe that they are costly to maintain. Are Volkswagens expensive to maintain?

Volkswagens have lower maintenance costs compared to other vehicles in their class. Based on a report released by RepairPal, the estimated annual cost of a VW vehicle is $676, which is roughly $56 per month. Volkswagen has always been known as a leader in affordable reliability.

Read on to learn more about the maintenance costs of Volkswagen vehicles.

Are Volkswagens Expensive to Maintain? [VW Maintenance Cost]

are volkswagens expensive to maintain

Volkswagens are low-maintenance vehicles. Their costs are significantly cheaper compared to other vehicles in their class.

According to a report released by RepairPal, the estimated annual cost of a VW vehicle is $676. This is roughly $56 per month. The company has always been a well-known leader in affordable reliability.

Volkswagen Maintenance Service Packages

The company introduced a shortened factory warranty in 2020. From six years or 72,000 miles, it has now become four years or 50,000 miles. Then, VW also introduced its Carefree Maintenance program, covering maintenance costs for two years of 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Your Volkswagen’s 10,000-mile and 20,000-mile services are free with the Carefree Maintenance program. So, if you have recently bought a VW, you can significantly save money on its maintenance.

Volkswagen offers Prepaid Maintenance packages too. The different plans are the following:

  1. Volkswagen Care Basic
  2. Volkswagen Care Extra
  3. Volkswagen Care Packages 1-5

Let me give a brief description of them:

1. Volkswagen Care Basic

The Volkswagen Care Basic package is specifically for VW models 2019 and below. The Carefree Maintenance package is designed for VW models 2020 and up.

This package covers maintenance services at 10,000 miles and 20,000 miles.

2. Volkswagen Care Extra

This package covers maintenance services at 30,000 miles.

3. Volkswagen Care Packages 1-5

Volkswagen also offers this package. This features five packages covering maintenance services from 30,000 miles to 80,000 miles.

Introducing prepaid maintenance allows Volkswagen owners to save some money spent on dealership services.

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Volkswagen Maintenance Cost

Estimated Maintenance Cost

The estimated maintenance cost for a Volkswagen vehicle is $676 per year. This is about $56 per month. But bear in mind that the exact cost varies depending on several factors, including:

  • Make and model,
  • Engine type, and
  • Location.

Lower Maintenance Costs Than Other Vehicles

As of 2021, a report released by RepairPal shows that VW models have lower maintenance costs than other vehicles. Also, it has lower maintenance costs compared to past years.

Most Common Maintenance Services

Typically, the costs of maintenance services are the same across various automotive brands. The most common maintenance services for Volkswagen vehicles are the following:

  1. Oil Change
  2. Tire Rotation
  3. Spark Plug Replacement
  4. Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Let’s take a look at their costs too:

1. Oil Change

An oil change is one of the services that form part of Volkswagen’s maintenance services. This service helps reduce or remove excess dirt that can damage your car’s engine.

The cost of an oil change service for a Volkswagen vehicle ranges between $128 and $154.

2. Tire Rotation

Tires are designed to be highly durable, but they wear over time. If you bring your Volkswagen vehicle to a VW service center for its maintenance check, they will inspect if your tires need to be rotated.

Routinely rotating tires can help extend tire life. It also results in a smoother ride and significantly increases your safety.

For Volkswagen tire rotation services, the cost ranges between $58 and $74.

3. Spark Plug Replacement

Spark plug replacement forms part of any preventive maintenance service. This helps you save money resulting from costly repairs. Do not drive your Volkswagen car with misfiring spark plugs. This will stress your car’s catalytic converter and can lead to serious damage.

The cost of spark plug replacement varies. It depends on your Volkswagen model and the extent of the spark plug replacement service that your car needs. The costs range between $184 and $252.

4. Cabin Air Filter Replacement

You must regularly replace your cabin air filter to ensure that smog and dirt will not go inside your Volkswagen car.

Like other types of maintenance services, the cost of cabin air filter replacement varies. It typically costs $64 to $108:

Maintenance ServiceCost
Oil change$128 to $154
Tire rotation$58 to $74
Spark plug replacement$184 to $252
Cabin air filter replacement$64 to $108
Volkswagen Maintenance Services and Costs

The maintenance costs for Volkswagen cars are relatively cheaper than those of its rivals. But in case you still find them costly, it is because VW uses specialized tools to perform maintenance services.

And since specialized tools are needed, VW technicians also have technical skills. So, maintenance costs include parts, tools, and skills.

Maintenance Cost for 2021 Volkswagen Vehicles

are volkswagens more expensive to maintain
2021 Jetti

There was a time when the maintenance costs for Volkswagen vehicles were costly. But in 2021, Volkswagen decided to lower its rates. Their maintenance costs are even lower than some Asian brands.

2021 Jetti Has the Lowest Maintenance Cost Among Other Compact Sedans in the Study

Vincentric conducted a study about maintenance costs in 2021. Results show that the 2021 Jetti has the lowest maintenance cost among all other compact sedans included in the study.

2021 Arteon and Passat Have Lower Maintenance Costs Than Other Brands

It also shows that the 2021 Arteon and Passat have lower maintenance costs than their Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota counterparts.

2021 Atlas Cross Sport Has the Lowest Maintenance Cost in the Midsize SUV Category

The same study also shows that the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport has the lowest maintenance cost in the midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) category. As for the 2021 Tiguan, its maintenance cost is lower than its Subaru, Toyota, and Honda counterparts.

Maintenance Cost for Used Volkswagen Vehicles

If you recently bought a used Volkswagen car, your car is not exempted from getting its preventive maintenance service. It should strictly follow its schedule since it is not a brand new car. It needs extra tender, loving care if you want it to last for many years.

According to RepairPal, you might have to spend roughly $3,400 for maintenance costs over five years. This does not only consist of scheduled maintenance. But it also includes unscheduled repairs.

Maintenance costs for used Volkswagen cars greatly vary. Several factors to consider, such as your driving habits and how often you use your car.

Are Volkswagen Parts Expensive

Volkswagen vehicles are well known for their durability and reliability. But then again, their parts will eventually wear out. That’s why preventive maintenance is of utmost importance. For sure, you are asking, are Volkswagen parts expensive?

Repair costs depend on the frequency and severity of repairs. They highly depend on your driving habits and how you take care of your car. But no matter how careful you drive, you will eventually encounter car issues.

Let’s look at several Volkswagen models and the common repairs for each:

  1. Volkswagen Jetta
  2. Volkswagen Golf
  3. Volkswagen Passat

1. Volkswagen Jetta

The two common repair types in Volkswagen Jetta are head gasket replacement and strut bearing replacement.

Head Gasket

Head gasket replacement is required if the gasket’s body loses load and then leaks coolant into the oil ports. If this happens, it will affect the oil’s lubricity. This can then lead to serious engine damage.

The head gasket replacement cost for the VW Jetta ranges between $926 and $1,218.

Strut-bearing

Strut bearings wear out, and several symptoms will alert you if they need immediate replacement. These are uneven tire wear, poor wheel alignment, and excessive vibration through the steering or suspension.

You will also hear creaking, squeaking, and knocking noises when hitting bumps or low-speed steering moves.

The cost of the strut-bearing replacement for the VW Jetta ranges between $233 and $285.

2. Volkswagen Golf

Let’s talk about oil pump replacement and window switch replacement costs for the Volkswagen Golf.

Oil Pump

Oil pump replacement is likely to happen after 60,000 to 70,000 miles. But that is if you properly maintain and regularly service your VW Golf. Typically, you can replace the oil pump as soon as it shows wearing signs.

The oil pump replacement cost for the VW Golf ranges between $465 and $643.

Window Switch

Window switch replacement occurs if the windows of your VW Golf won’t raise or lower. This most likely means that the issue lies in the window switch.

Window switch replacement for the VW Golf costs $114 to $213.

3. Volkswagen Passat

Replacement of the ignition coil and the timing belt is common in the Volkswagen Passat.

Ignition Coil

The ignition coil is important because it helps the car’s battery ignite the fuel and start the engine. If you need to replace the ignition coil of your VW Passat, you might have to spend $295 to $638.

Timing Belt

According to your car manufacturer’s recommendation, the timing belt needs to be replaced. You can find this in your owner’s manual. Typically, you should replace it every 60,000 to 10,000 miles. 

The cost of replacing the timing belt of the VW ranges between $698 and $840:

Volkswagen ModelRepairCost
Volkswagen JettaHead gasket replacement$926 to $1,218
Volkswagen JettaStrut bearing replacement$233 to $285
Volkswagen GolfOil pump replacement$465 to $643
Volkswagen GolfWindow switch replacement$144 to $213
Volkswagen PassatIgnition coil replacement$295 to $638
Volkswagen PassatTiming belt replacement$698 to $840
Volkswagen Models, Repairs, and Costs

Again, are Volkswagens expensive to maintain? According to studies, Volkswagen’s maintenance cost is below average than other brands. Specifically, they compared 30 different automakers over ten years and found that Volkswagen service costs are more affordable than 21 other brands.

Volkswagen Models and Their Annual Repair Costs

are volkswagen cars expensive to maintain

There are different Volkswagen models, and their annual repair costs differ from each other too.

For example, the Volkswagen CC has an estimated annual repair cost of $880, while the Volkswagen Tiguan has an estimated cost of $730.

The rough estimate for the annual repair cost of the VW Passat is $639, while it roughly costs $630 for the VW Golf. The estimated repair costs for the VW Beetle and the VW Jetta are $612 and $609:

Volkswagen ModelAnnual Repair Costs
CC$880
Tiguan$730
Passat$639
Golf$630
Beetle$612
Jetta$609
Volkswagen Models and Their Annual Repair Costs

How Much Is a Service Check for a Volkswagen?

Let’s look at the general cost of a service check for Volkswagen vehicles:

1. Oil Change

An oil change can roughly cost $115, while tire rotation and balance can cost about $69. The estimated cost for wheel alignment (non-adaptive cruise control) is $199.

2. Brake Inspection

Brake inspection costs $62.50. The estimated costs are $565 each for the front and rear brakes. In terms of brake fluid replacement, it is about $142, and the cost of ABS Light Diagnosis is roughly $140.

3. Check Engine Light

The Check Engine Light diagnosis more or less costs $140, while engine coolant replacement costs $235 on average. For transmission fluid or oil replacement, the rough estimate is $485.

4. 30,000-mile Service

As for the 30,000-mile service, the cost is about $335. The package includes tire rotation, brake flush, and oil change:

Maintenance ServicesCost
Oil Change$115.00
Tire Rotation & Balance$69.00
Wheel Alignment
(Non-Adaptive Cruise Control)
$199.00
Brake Inspection$62.50
Front Brakes$565.00
Rear Brakes$565.00
Brake Fluid Replacement$142.00
ABS Light Diagnosis$140.00
Check Engine Light Diagnosis$140.00
Engine Coolant Replacement$235.00
Replace Transmission Fluid or Oil$485.00
30,000-Mile Service
(Includes oil change, brake flush, and tire rotation)
$335.00

Frequently Asked Questions – How Much Is Volkswagen’s Maintenance Cost?

Here are some frequently asked questions about Volkswagen’s maintenance costs:

Do Volkswagens Have High Maintenance Costs?

The average maintenance cost of Volkswagen vehicles is $7,800 for the first ten years. This is less costly than other automotive brands like:

  • Kia,
  • Jeep,
  • Chevrolet, and
  • Ford.

Is Volkswagen Low Maintenance?

According to an independent study, Volkswagen vehicles have the lowest maintenance cost among the cars in their class. Volkswagen is considered a leader in affordable reliability.

Do Volkswagens Break Down a Lot?

Based on a reliability rating released by RepairPal, Volkswagen scores 3.5 out of 5.0. Out of 32 automotive brands, VW ranks number 12.

How Expensive Is It to Maintain a VW Jetta?

For its first ten years of service, the maintenance and repair costs for the Volkswagen Jetta are $5,622. It is lower than other vehicle brands’ repair and maintenance costs by $1,217. This includes a 17% chance that the VW Jetta will need a significant repair.

How Much Does VW Scheduled Maintenance Cost?

The maintenance cost for a Volkswagen vehicle is roughly $676 per year. This is based on the figures released by RepairPal. Such cost can translate to $56 per month.

However, some factors will significantly affect the cost. Some of these include the location, the model and make of your car and the engine type.

Are Volkswagens Expensive to Repair in the US?

It is not cheap to repair Volkswagen vehicles. But it is less costly compared to its rivals such as:

  • Kia,
  • Jeep,
  • Chevrolet, and
  • Ford.

Its maintenance service costs $7,800 for the first ten years.

What Does a Volkswagen Service Include?

There are several services included in the service package of Volkswagen. These include the following:

  • Oil and filter change
  • Replacement of pollen filter
  • Vehicle inspection
  • Report to include the exhaust system, driveshafts, hoses, steering, braking system, drive belts, coolant levels, battery, locks, glass, bodywork, instruments, and lights
  • Full vehicle road test

What Is a VW Inspection Service?

The inspection service of Volkswagen consists of all maintenance work essential to maintaining your VW vehicle’s safety. This is in terms of traffic safety and operational safety.

What Is VW 30k Service?

There are several services included in the 30,000-mile package offered by Volkswagen. Some of these include the following:

  • Oil and filter change
  • Fluid check and replenishment, including brake, power steering, transmission, coolant, and windshield wiper
  • Braking system inspection
  • Cabin, fuel, and engine filter inspection and replacement
  • Tire inspection with balancing and alignment services
  • Tire rotation
  • Maintenance interval reset
  • Clutch fluid exchange for manual transmissions
  • Headlight and turn signals inspection
  • Model-specified services as needed

How Much Is a 30000 Mile Service VW?

The cost of the 30,000-mile service offered by Volkswagen ranges between $169 and $247.

How Often Should a Volkswagen Be Serviced?

The recommendation of Volkswagen engineers concerning the maintenance service schedule is 10,000-mile intervals.

What Does VW Do in a Major Service?

Volkswagen offers major maintenance services to ensure the strong performance of your VW vehicle. The suggested service interval is every 20,000 miles, roughly two years of service.

Conclusion – Are VWs Expensive to Maintain? [VW Maintenance Cost]

To conclude, Volkswagens are low-maintenance vehicles. Their costs are significantly cheaper compared to other vehicles in their class. According to a report released by RepairPal, the estimated annual cost of a VW vehicle is $676.

This is about $56 per month. Volkswagen (VW) has always been a well-known leader in affordable reliability.

If you buy a Volkswagen, you may find the price costly. But it has always been known for its durability and reliability. What’s excellent about VW is that its repair and maintenance costs are less expensive than its rivals. Suffice to say that a Volkswagen vehicle is a good buy.

Volkswagens have lower maintenance costs than other vehicles in their class. Based on RepairPal, the annual price of a VW vehicle is $676.

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