NHTSA Complaint #11596248 — 2023 VOLKSWAGEN TAOS

The component that appears to have malfunctioned is the vehicle's turbocharger or acceleration system. This issue is reproducible upon request for inspection. The malfunction poses a significant safety risk as it creates a delay in the vehicle's response when turning, leaving the vehicle momentarily stranded in the middle of the opposite lane. This puts the driver and other road users at risk of collision. The problem has been confirmed by my dealership. They attributed it to turbo lag and advised against using Sam's Club gas. Despite following their advice, the issue has persisted. The vehicle has yet to inspected by my dealership. There have been no inspections by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives as of now. There have been no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The acceleration lag was initially subtle but has progressively become more severe over time. Whenever I attempt to make a normal right or left turn, my car hesitates for approximately three seconds before abruptly accelerating into the intended lane. This delay leaves me temporarily stuck in the middle of the opposite lane, creating a hazardous situation. The dealership diagnosed it as turbo lag and recommended against using Sam's Club gas, but the issue persists and has worsened. Now, the car exhibits significant acceleration lag after stopping for more than three seconds, followed by a sudden surge of speed. This behavior is particularly dangerous at intersections and during turns.