Volkswagen Touareg problems

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The Volkswagen Touareg (German pronunciation: ) is a car produced by German automaker Volkswagen Group since 2002 at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant. Considered to be the first luxury mid-size SUV from Volkswagen, the vehicle was named after the nomadic Tuareg people, inhabitants of the Saharan interior in North Africa. Originally, the Touareg was developed together with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, and as of October 2020, the Touareg was developed together with the Audi Q8, the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus. This family of vehicles are all unibody SUVs with independent suspension. The first generation (2002–2010) offered five, six, eight, ten and twelve-cylinder engine choices.

Development

The Volkswagen Touareg (internally designated Typ 7L) was developed as a joint venture project by Porsche and the Volkswagen Group, involving the Audi and Volkswagen brands. During the initial development phase of the Typ 7L and the early years of its production, Porsche operated as an independent entity, not affiliated with the Volkswagen Group. The sports car market is known for its fluctuations. In response to these market conditions, Porsche's CEO at the time, Wendelin Wiedeking, sought to diversify the company's product range. This strategy included the introduction of Porsche's first four-door vehicle. A team in Weissach, Germany, of over 300, led by Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert, developed the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. Now it is shared between the Touareg, the Audi Q7, and the Porsche Cayenne. However, there are styling, equipment, performance, and technical differences between them. The Touareg and Cayenne both seat five, while the Q7's stretched wheelbase accommodates a third row for seven passengers.

The Volkswagen Touareg is built at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, alongside the Audi Q7. The Cayenne is assembled by Porsche in Leipzig, Germany, at a facility built for Cayenne production.

Due to the demand and the exchange rates of euros against the US dollar, as well as different pricing and environmental policies in the US, the V6 and V8 engine variants make up most of Volkswagen's American Touareg offering. Compared to other Volkswagen-branded vehicles sold in the US, which are aimed at the mass market, Touaregs came in more upscale trims and competed with other luxury crossover SUVs.

photo of Volkswagen Touareg car production

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Volkswagen Touareg model years

volkswagen touareg 2017 photo
Touareg 2017
Volkswagen

24

1

26

3.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2016 photo
Touareg 2016
Volkswagen

38

2

18

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2015 photo
Touareg 2015
Volkswagen

24

2

15

4.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2014 photo
Touareg 2014
Volkswagen

27

2

33

3.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2013 photo
Touareg 2013
Volkswagen

30

2

20

3.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2012 photo
Touareg 2012
Volkswagen

25

2

21

3.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2011 photo
Touareg 2011
Volkswagen

16

2

18

3.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2010 photo
Touareg 2010
Volkswagen

0

1

33

3.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2009 photo
Touareg 2009
Volkswagen

0

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2008 photo
Touareg 2008
Volkswagen

0

4

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2007 photo
Touareg 2007
Volkswagen

9

3

20

3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2006 photo
Touareg 2006
Volkswagen

36

1

37

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2005 photo
Touareg 2005
Volkswagen

74

2

32

2.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2004 photo
Touareg 2004
Volkswagen

229

4

35

2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Volkswagen Touareg problems

The Volkswagen Touareg has been known for several common problems across various model years, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

Engine problems are the most frequently reported category of issues for the Volkswagen Touareg. These issues include loud noises coming from underneath the car, which is a common complaint for the 2008 model year.

Transmission issues are another common problem for the Touareg. For instance, gearbox oil leaks have been reported in Touaregs manufactured from 1 September to 31 December 2019.

Electrical issues are also prevalent in the Touareg. For example, a problem with the right rear seatbelt buckle could compromise the safety of Touaregs made between 8 August and 5 October 2018, requiring the buckle to be replaced at a Volkswagen dealer.

Brake system issues are another common problem for the Touareg. Premature wear on the brake system is one of the most common brake problems reported by Touareg owners.

In summary, the Volkswagen Touareg has several common problems across various model years, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. These issues can lead to significant repair costs and concerns about the vehicle's reliability.

Volkswagen Touareg

What are the years for the Volkswagen Touareg to avoid?

Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 1st generation (2004–2010).

  • 2nd Generation Touareg. Years 2011–2017 Reliability 20th out of 46 PainRank™ 2.59 Complaints 22.
  • 1st Generation Touareg. Years 2004–2010 Reliability 28th out of 46 PainRank™ 3.81 Complaints 52.

Is the Volkswagen Touareg a reliable car?

That said, the Volkswagen Touareg overall is not known as an exceptionally reliable vehicle. According to withclutch.com, high-quality used Volkswagen Touaregs have a reliability rating of about 56.05, which is not very reliable compared to other subcompact SUVs.

What are the problems with Volkswagen Touareg?

Gearbox problem

As the Volkswagen Touareg is a very capable off-road vehicle, you may end up having trouble with the front differential on this vehicle if you do a lot of off-road driving. Even if you don't this is still a known issue. You will hear an intermittent whining noise coming from around the gearbox area.

What are the disadvantages of the VW Touareg?

A few of the most common issues in the Volkswagen Touareg include the following: Drive shaft bearing support failure. Burning headlight wires.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Touareg years

We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Touareg cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen Touareg model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Touareg model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Touareg years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Volkswagen Touareg car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Touareg , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Touareg vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Touareg model years

A total of 13 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Touareg model years

There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Touareg model years

There were a total of 31 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 532 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Touareg . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Touareg vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Volkswagen Touareg 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
  • VIN: WVGCM77L04D
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: Hello: this is the 2nd VW TOUAREG this year to repair so far, this one is a 2004 model that I have had to replace complete left & right xenon headlamp assembly Very pricy. Wiring insulation turns brittle, cracks & falls off inside the headlamp assembly, This allows the bare wires to touch & short causing fuses to blow shutting off headlamps while driving at night. This I think should be recalled, I have fixed 5 of these TOUAREGs in 4 years for this same problem. THANK YOU 10/24/24
Volkswagen Touareg 2005
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-20
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
  • VIN: WVGZG77L15D
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Volkswagen Touareg 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-13
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-22
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP9GD
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: car has a design flaw. If car sits in the sun the emergency stop braking system will fail due to heat. The camera/computer board is mounted in the ceiling behind the rearview mirror. when the sun is out the system will fail do to heat. This problem is in Volkswagons, Audi's and Porche's with various models. The issue is described in detail in multiple blogs and car clubs. I bought the car used. I think this system is as important for safety as airbags. As a 2 stage safety feature to avoid an accident. This failure also affects the Adaptable Cruise Control. Car color and climate affect this system. Volkswagon has an AEB recall but refuses to acknowledge the design flaw. Problem keeps occurring.
Volkswagen Touareg 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-08
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-18
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP7DD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The weld broke at the rear pre cat connection
Volkswagen Touareg 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-29
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
  • VIN: WVGZG77L96D
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the passenger’s side front side air bag and the passenger’s side rear side air bag independently deployed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled after the air bags had deployed. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Volkswagen Touareg 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-30
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-05
  • VIN: WVGEP9BPXFD
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Collision Avoidance Camera (Part Number: 7P6907217BZ1Y) has failed. The camera is still on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. All front assist/safety systems are unavailable, including cruise control. Systems are designed specifically to prevent collisions. The dealer (Volkswagen of Corpus Christi) has confirmed the issue as of September 4, 2023. The control module is failing all over the world, on various vehicle brands (Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen) and models. A replacement is not available, new or used. This was confirmed by the dealership.
Volkswagen Touareg 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-17
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-20
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP5FD
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
  • Summary: The Driver Assistance System (Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Avoidance, AEB, and Lane Departure/Lane Keeping system) all do not work. The VW dealers have said the Front Collision Avoidance Camera is not working. The system was intermittently working, then stopped working on the interstate highway in the left lane. The car failed to warn/slow/break automatically while the ACC function was activated, forcing me to engage the brakes manually to avoid a collision. The ACC/Front Collision warning light goes on now but did not when it first malfunctioned, and still only goes on intermittently but the system does not work at all. I had two local VW dealers check out the Driver Assist system. One said the entire system is not working. Another said the fault codes are emanating from the Front Collision Avoidance Camera. This is VW part 7P6907217BZ1Y. I ordered the part in November 2023 from a OKC VW dealer online (since it was the best price.) They then told me the part was unavailable/on back order. However, it has been 7 months and there is no ETA on the part availability. The dealer sent me a text message exchange with VW and that is what VW told the dealer. I am concerned VW is no longer making the part as required by 49 U.S.C. 30118-30119 and/or 49 U.S.C. 30120. I am part of VW Touareg owner forums. There are other Touareg (and other VW model) owners who report this same problem, lack of part availability, and no info from VW on whether they are even trying to obtain/supply this part any longer. I believe this is a serious, widespread safety issue based on reading other complaints online by Touareg/VW owners who have ACC/Driver Assist, who face the same dilatory action by VW to perhaps avoid fixing this issue until their legal obligation to manufacture the part expires. The parts and overall ACC/Collision Avoidance systems are very pricey, and this is a direct safety issue. thank you
Volkswagen Touareg 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-12
  • Date Complaint: 2024-03-26
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP9FD
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
  • Summary: Collision avoidance system / cruise control malfunction
Volkswagen Touareg 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-01-24
  • VIN: WVGEP9BPXED
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: The safety computer which checks the different sensors and reports their condition on the i instrument dash indicated air bag sensor failure, This automobile has not been in any accident.. A rear seat belt came apart. The top plastic locking system came apart from the metal part of the locking system, Making the seat belt not useable . The sear belt was not used very much, since we are retired sad my wife does all the driving/ Ergo the rear seat is not use very often. The VW dealer does not believe this type of failure is a future safety condition. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Volkswagen Touareg 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
  • Date Complaint: 2024-01-10
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP8FD
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Question 1: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer 1: Collision Avoidance Camera. The camera can be removed from the vehicle and shipped for inspection. Question 2: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer 2: All front safety feature stop working. Collision avoidance warning, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control. Question 3: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer 3: Yes. This is a well documented failure. Onboard data shows a communication failure with the camera. The car has been diagnosed with a failure in the front AAC camera. This camera is failing all over the world, in numerous years and models. Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and VW Touareg. A replacement is not available, new or used. Question 4: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer 4: Car starts and runs without warning for a time. All of a sudden a warning appears that the Accident Avoidance system is not functioning. I no longer have any front facing safety features. This camera has a high failure rate. If being used and it fails an accident is very possible.
Volkswagen Touareg 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-01-10
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP4GD
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
  • Summary: The windshield camera that is responsible for the imaging used for many of the system on the 2016 Touareg is a high failure item and has been constituently backordered from VW. When this camera fails, the advanced systems that were part of this option fail to operate. This includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The system does provide warning notifications, but they may occur at any time and there is no confidence the system is working. These notifications overtake other system displays making it difficult or even hazardous to navigate vehicle system menus at times. In addition, this vehicle does not offer standard cruise control, which can accelerate driver fatigue due to the loss of this basic and common feature. The original part on this vehicle is not available used in the USA, or from VW USA. There is a company in Aus that repairs them, but in this particular instance, it appears the repaired unit has failed as well now. This system is very expensive to recalibrate, adding to the expense of the repair, especially without new parts available there is little route to be able to remedy this situation permanently for a safety device that is expected and was an added cost option on this model. Much of the diagnostic work has been performed by myself as I am a Master Automotive Technician.
Volkswagen Touareg 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-13
  • Date Complaint: 2024-01-01
  • VIN: WVGRF7BP3HD
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
  • Summary: I purchased a 2017 Volkswagen Touareg V6 in October 2023. A problem with the vehicle revealed itself right away. It was consuming too much oil. Oil splatter is present on the hood, the car doors, the back bumper and built up oil residue is present in both tailpipes. Oil has to be added in about three week intervals. The vehicle is displaying the same issues as the vehicles recalled under recall number 21V321000 and I believe this vehicle should be added. I have taken the car to two shops that have confirmed the over consumption. Please evaluate.
Volkswagen Touareg 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-25
  • Date Complaint: 2023-12-29
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP1DD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: So there’s a campaign to add a bracket to one of the catalytic converters. That’s great except I never knew about it and the thing they added the bracket to prevent happened to me. The exhaust pipe from the catalytic separated from the flange connecting to the manifold. It’s a 2000 dollar part from the dealer. Luckily I found a mechanic who is welding the flange and fixing what I got. Just another example of a car company knowing there’s an issue but not really attempting to fix it, only in a policy no one reads.
Volkswagen Touareg 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-22
  • Date Complaint: 2023-10-03
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP1CD
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an oil odor and smoke odor in the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed oil leaking from underneath the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced but was unable to locate the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Volkswagen Touareg 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-10
  • Date Complaint: 2023-09-10
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP8GD
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: I was driving to lunch one day when my 2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI stalled in the middle of the road and was not able to be restarted due to a failed CP4 HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) this repair was major and everything that the diesel fuel touches was replaced such as fuel pump, lift pump, all fuel lines, fuel filter canister, injectors, fuel rails, etc…

Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen Touareg

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 30 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen Touareg.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Volkswagen Touareg 2017
  • Report Received Date: 2021-05-05
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
  • Consequence: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
  • Model: Volkswagen Touareg 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2018-05-16
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
  • Model: Volkswagen Touareg 2011
  • Report Received Date: 2018-05-16
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
  • Model: Volkswagen Touareg 2012
  • Report Received Date: 2018-05-16
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
  • Model: Volkswagen Touareg 2013
  • Report Received Date: 2018-05-16
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Latest negative Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Horace Rogahn 2025-03-23

    Vehicle year: 2005

    As a mechanic for a used German car dealer, I recently purchased a late build 2005 car for fun. It's worth noting that the mid to late build 2005+ models are good cars, unlike the 2004 models which are known to be lemons. On the positive side, this car has a solid exterior and interior, and the 4.2L Audi engine is excellent. However, there are some negatives to consider, such as the terrible gas mileage, the 6-speed transmission that shifts constantly and hard, the horrific radio, the small interior, and the abundance of electronic gizmos. It's important to keep in mind that this is a tough German car, not a smooth Japanese car. If you're interested in learning more, I recommend checking out the car on VW boards online. While the transmission is the worst aspect of this vehicle, it can be reprogrammed with some success. Overall, I find this car to be nice and somewhat better than some of the Mercedes I work on.

  2. Tom Abernathy 2025-03-21

    Vehicle year: 2010

    Hi there! Just wanted to let you know that the car is currently at the dealer waiting for a new engine. I understand that it can be frustrating, especially with only 4 months left on the lease, but we'll get through this together. Hang in there!

  3. Donavon Jacobi 2025-03-19

    Vehicle year: 2005

    We purchased this SUV so that my wife, who is a nurse, could get to work safely in any weather condition. It has consistently proven its capability to do so even in the most horrible conditions. We have equipped it with a set of winter wheels that have Pirelli Scorpion studless ice and snow tires, which allow it to go just about anywhere. In good weather, it is a fun SUV to drive, and in sport mode, it can outperform most vehicles off the line. You would never know that you have 5,000 pounds under you. After reading other reviews, I am unsure why people have been complaining about tire or brake life. It is important to ensure that the wheels are aligned and to carefully select the tires. Although the initial reliability was poor, it has improved significantly. It is not cheap to fix, with the timing belt costing $1,100!

  4. Xander Stamm 2025-03-14

    Vehicle year: 2014

    I purchased a 2013 Touareg TDI Lux a month ago, but unfortunately, it has been in the shop for 17 days due to an irreparable steering wheel oscillation. Despite the efforts of the local dealer and VWoA, the issue has not been resolved. I have found that other owners have experienced the same problem and have had difficulty finding a satisfactory resolution. If you search for 'Touareg steering problem', you can find more information on this issue. I am hoping for a quick and easy resolution, as I would love to be able to enjoy my new car without any further hassle.

  5. Sylvester Greenfelder 2025-03-13

    Vehicle year: 2007

    It seems like the car may require more frequent brake and tire changes due to its weight, even with careful driving. Additionally, the warranty offered by the manufacturer may not be as comprehensive as some other brands. The car's weight may also impact its pick-up performance. Unfortunately, the customer service experience described was not satisfactory, with the car being sent to the wrong dealer and causing confusion. If you do decide to purchase this car, it may be best to avoid buying from South Motors in Miami.

Latest positive Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Amir Veum 2025-03-29

    Vehicle year: 2013

    I purchased the Treg TDI 2 weeks ago and I am absolutely thrilled with it! I was looking for a high-performance machine that could also return high MPG, and this car delivers on both fronts. I just returned from a 400-mile road trip and I still have more than half a tank of gas left! The engine has a brilliant rumble and the turbo sounds so nice at low speeds. I opted for the saddle brown leather interior, which feels like a baseball glove, and the dashboard wood grain is so luxurious and classy that it makes my previous Lexus GS seem like a toy. This car is incredibly well-built and the construction is solid. It really stands out on the road, even among a sea of RX350's. I can honestly say that this is a dreamy SUV and I'm already looking forward to reviewing it again in 1 year's time!

  2. Ron Senger 2025-03-28

    Vehicle year: 2014

    Review is for my 2013 TDI LUX: It took a while to get used to its numerous quirks, but I absolutely love this vehicle. It has a personality, like your zany friend with the full lips and incredible body. The athletic one who can beat you to the top of the hill in a foot race without breathing hard, and best you in a swim out to the old raft moored in the middle of the lake. However, sometimes this friend can confuse Thursday for Friday, or give you the wrong time and address for the party thrown in your honor, or tell you they absolutely can install the new software upgrade you need, and then on the day tell you they don't have it and you don't really need it. But hey, isn't this a beautiful day? In other words, the entertainment system is pretty dismal. Most of it works, albeit a little clumsily. Streaming music via Bluetooth works well with Android and iPhones, but connecting an iPod is a bit of a pain; it takes six steps, and six more steps as soon as you turn the engine off. Counterintuitively, you do this through the PHONE soft keys. Your HDD and SD inputs store music alphabetically, and there is no way around that other than to mix. This means you cannot listen to albums in their original order. You cannot search for artists, genres, or albums, but only for songs, and then limited to just the five listed on the scroll bar on the touch screen. If you have an extensive collection of tunes, you won't be able to say, So, I like my friend, but some days I wish they were more thoughtful and less selfish and would actively search for ways to be kind and try harder to gain my admiration. On the other hand, my friend is very skilled in their area of expertise. The fit and finish of their work is superb and their Touareg is a joy to drive on the highway. It is also very quiet and surefooted in the rain and snow. The car warms up quickly and has wonderful torque. The seats are extremely comfortable both in the front and rear, with lots of legroom. The corn silk beige interior in mine is beautiful and easy to clean. The car also has decent gas mileage, and the current price for diesel at Costco is $1.83 a gallon. The range is almost 700 miles to a tank. The car is understated but beautiful, and the diesel engine should last half a million miles, if California and the EPA allow me to keep it. Yeah, I could have bought a Lexus or a Mercedes, but I don't think I'd be this enamoured.

  3. Oswaldo Willms 2025-03-27

    Vehicle year: 2014

    Congratulations on your new Touareg! It sounds like a great upgrade from your previous vehicle. The build quality is exceptional and the navi/voice controls are top-notch. The digital info screens are upscale and the leatherette feels and acts just like real leather. The rear seats have tons of room and can slide back 6 inches for even more leg room. The ride is smooth and the power is excellent thanks to the 8-speed transmission. Overall, it's an executive class cruiser! If you test drive other mid-size SUVs and then drive the Touareg, you'll definitely notice the difference.

  4. Quinton Berge 2025-03-22

    Vehicle year: 2014

    Hi there! I'm glad to hear that your Touareg TDI has been treating you well! It sounds like you've had a great experience with it so far. I'm impressed by its sedan-like handling and powerful performance, not to mention its fantastic brakes. And it's great to hear that you're getting better mileage than you expected - 22-23 mpg is really impressive! I'm also happy to hear that it's a quiet ride, which I'm sure makes for a more enjoyable driving experience. And towing your small travel trailer with ease? That's amazing! It sounds like the Touareg TDI is a versatile and reliable vehicle. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

  5. Damion Crist 2025-03-18

    Vehicle year: 2012

    This is an amazing vehicle! It's not only luxurious, but also solidly built, making it a joy to drive and incredibly comfortable. I fell in love with this car shortly after I purchased it and it has never let me down. Recently, I was in an accident involving 4 other cars and received 4 total impacts. Despite this, I only needed 2 bandaids thanks to the amazing safety features of the car. The front airbag deployed, followed by the side curtain airbag, and the vehicle automatically shut off the engine, activated the hazard lights, and cracked the windows for ventilation. I am so grateful to the engineers at VW for designing such a safe car. I have owned this car for over 4 years and have only experienced minor issues, which the dealership has always repaired under warranty. I called the dealership to find me another Touareg because I am completely sold on this vehicle!

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