2010 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.

2010 Volkswagen Touareg

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Common 2010 Volkswagen Touareg problems

The Volkswagen Touareg, a large SUV produced by the German car manufacturer, has been known to have some common problems that affect its reliability and longevity. One of the most significant issues with the Touareg is related to its engine, particularly the 2007 and 2015 models.

The 2007 Touareg's engine issues are primarily related to the tensioner, a critical component of the car's engine. When the tensioner fails, it can cause the engine to fail, leading to severe and costly repairs. The average mileage for this issue is around 79,000 miles, and the average repair cost is approximately $6,900. This issue can be particularly problematic for owners who have purchased a used model, as the repair cost can be significantly higher than the purchase price.

The 2010 Touareg also has fuel issues related to the car's fuel pump system. These problems can cause the car to lose power suddenly, which can be dangerous for the driver and passengers. The fuel pump issue can also lead to fuel leaks, which can be a fire hazard. The repair cost for this issue can vary widely, with one owner reporting a cost of $11,000 to replace all the problematic parts. However, the average repair cost is not known, as only one owner has reported their repair price.

The 2015 Touareg has a different engine issue, with water getting into the air filter and then into the engine. This can cause significant damage to the engine, leading to the need for a total engine rebuild. The average mileage for this issue is around 30,000 to 40,000 miles, and the repair cost can be as high as $4,330. This issue can be particularly problematic for owners who live in areas with a lot of rain or who frequently drive through water.

In addition to engine issues, the Touareg has also been known to have problems with its diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging and carbon build-up. These issues can lead to reduced performance and fuel efficiency, as well as increased emissions. The DPF clogging issue can be particularly problematic for owners who live in urban areas or who frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic.

Another common issue with the Touareg is related to its sensors, which can cause problems with starting the car or with other electronic systems. These issues can be particularly problematic for owners who rely on their car's electronic systems for navigation, entertainment, or safety features.

Despite these common problems, the Touareg has an excellent record in reliability surveys and is rated as the most reliable used large SUV with a score of 89.3% in the 2023 used car reliability survey. However, it is worth noting that 18% of owners were hit with a bill of more than £1500, indicating that even a reliable car can still attract big bills. Volkswagen as a brand finished in a disappointing 20th place out of 31 manufacturers in the used car reliability makers table, indicating that there may be some issues with the brand's overall reliability.

In conclusion, while the Volkswagen Touareg is a comfortable and practical SUV, it is not without its common problems. Owners should be aware of the potential issues with the engine, DPF, sensors, and other electronic systems, and should take steps to maintain their car properly to minimize the risk of these issues. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil in the automatic gearbox every 60,000 kilometers, can help to prevent some of these issues and ensure that the car remains reliable and safe to drive.

2010 Volkswagen Touareg engine

Is Volkswagen Touareg 2010 a good car?

The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg combines extraordinary on-road civility and luxury with real off-road prowess, and it offers an excellent turbodiesel V6. If you don't need three rows of seats or class-leading cargo capacity, the Touareg deserves a look.

What is the disadvantage of Volkswagen Touareg?

One of the most common issues that has plagued the Touareg is electrical issues. Over the years, many owners have complained about power windows, door locks, interior lighting, and infotainment system issues. A common problem that has been reported is the vehicle's wiring harnesses.

Is the Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

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.

Is Touareg expensive to maintain?

The Touareg is a big, heavy, complex 4x4 that was expensive when new and remains just as expensive to fix when older, especially if you use main dealers. And when they are older they are more likely to be suffering from parts wearing out and / or breaking.

2010 Volkswagen Touareg complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2010 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg.

2017-03-08
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.
  • Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.

Negative 2010 Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Waino Ondricka 2025-11-27

    I recently acquired this car from a friend at a great price, but unfortunately, it has had a few issues. While I have had to replace a few parts, such as the drive shaft and heater blower motor, I have encountered some more serious problems with the engine. Despite these issues, I have decided to keep the car and try to fix it, as it is still a good value for the amount of repairs needed. Although there have been some common problems with this make and model, such as window switch issues and headlight intermittence, I believe that with proper maintenance, this car can still be a reliable mode of transportation. Overall, I would recommend being cautious when considering this car, but with some care and attention, it can still be a good investment.Repairs for the oil pressure did not work and it returned. Now, I am having the oil pan removed to have the pick-up tube cleaned and any debris in the bottom of the engine cleared. Unfortunately, VW is notorious for engine debris clogging the pick-up tube with a strainer that is too small. I have spent more on repairs for this car than all my cars combined over the past 20 years. I strongly advise staying away from this car!!! Final update: I sold this car to the Toureg mechanic at the local VW dealer. He informed me that the low oil pressure problem is due to the pin that holds the gear on to the oil pump shearing off, which is a known problem. The oil pump is driven by the timing chain on the rear of the engine, which costs approximately $4000 in labor. My flex pipes on the exhaust also needed replacing. Unfortunately, neither Midas nor the local custom exhaust fabricator would work on the car. The job is estimated at 10 hours for one pipe, and the car has two pipes which cost $750 each, without labor. The final straw was when I was taking the car to the mechanic for the last time to try again to fix the oil pressure issue, I was not aware of the gear issue then, and was told that the high-pressure fuel pump was going. This would have cost another $1000 in labor. I sold the car for $1300 and was happy to get rid of it. Outside of the mechanical issues, the car was in mint condition. I strongly advise staying away from VW!!!

  2. Adonis Windler 2025-09-06

    The brake pad light came on after 42,000 miles. The dealers proposed a cost of $1690 for pads and rotors, even though rotors were required despite no evidence of need. It is worth noting that any part for this car is extremely expensive, including oil changes which run at $130. While it is true that on a BMW this brake job would be free, it is important to consider the overall cost of operating this car.

  3. Stone Koepp 2025-06-24

    I've been having issues with my GPS since I bought the car. It often directs me to exit and do a U-turn, only to bring me back to the same road. This can be frustrating, especially during rush hour. I reported the issue to the dealer I purchased the car from in Georgetown, TX, but was informed that there was no fix available yet. Since then, I've moved to Houston, TX and took my Toureg in for service before the warranty expired. The service team informed me that they've heard of this issue numerous times before and could fix it for $200.00 with new software. I contacted Volkswagen customer service and received the same response. It's disappointing that a $50K vehicle comes with this issue and the company won't take responsibility to fix it. This way of doing business doesn't work for me. Can you imagine how frustrating it would be if it were a bigger problem?

  4. Ludwig Ryan 2025-06-08

    My experience with this late 2007 vehicle with the FSI engine has been very positive over 60,000 miles. The mileage is 16 to 18 on the highway, even at higher than posted speeds. Any issues I have had - which have been generally minor - have been quickly resolved at various service locations. The reliability has been excellent, with no issues noted. The vehicle handles superbly on the road, especially with its 19

  5. Nash Fay 2025-05-12

    This car had some major issues that caused a lot of inconvenience. Unfortunately, the VW dealership was not able to provide the necessary parts in a timely manner. The car also had some electrical problems, such as the headlights going out and issues with the fuel pump and manifold. The gas mileage was not great and the navigation system was outdated and difficult to update. Overall, I would not recommend purchasing this car.

Positive 2010 Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Gussie Gibson 2025-11-27

    I really appreciate the car-like ride and the Lexus-like build quality. The design is fantastic and the confident stance is just amazing.

  2. Jamar Botsford 2025-11-27

    We are thrilled to own and drive the 2007 V8 with every available option! It's amazing how much it can tow, and it weighs about the same as a Suburban or Tahoe, which makes for a superb ride and handling. The factory roof rails run the entire length of the roof, making it a breeze to mount boxes or a bike rack. Prior to the Touareg, we bought a certified used Highlander, but unfortunately, we only owned it for two weeks before we had to force the dealer to buy it back due to some issues with the engine and drivetrain. Despite that, we are extremely happy with our Touareg purchase!

  3. Edwin Ward 2025-10-25

    I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your Touareg! It drives like a car and feels incredibly solid - there's no looseness anywhere. The doors and sunroof shut tightly, and the interior is impressively quiet. That seems to be a hallmark of VW's recent models. The Touareg is a really well-made vehicle. Its power delivery is smooth, but it's a heavy car, so it requires a bit of patience. I've owned three Japanese cars - a Nissan, Infiniti, and a Lexus - as well as four German cars - a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and VW. Personally, I find German cars to be more sturdy, functional, and practical. Some might say that Japanese cars are more refined and sophisticated, but the Touareg exemplifies all of these qualities without losing its German character.

  4. Malcolm Leuschke 2025-09-26

    I'm glad to hear that you bought the Touareg for work-related driving. It's great to know that it's smooth, powerful, and fun to drive. It's impressive that it handles so well for an SUV. It's also great to hear that you're routinely getting 29-31 mpg with the diesel and that it tows your sailboat effortlessly. It's fantastic that you haven't had any problems in the first 20k miles.

  5. Lonnie O'Conner 2025-09-17

    I'm so happy with my new Touareg! It's the first car I've ever owned that I can honestly say I love. My last two new cars were Volvos that I had for less than a year (ouch)! The Touareg has every little gadget and more. It even has features that my husband's 06' BMW 750Li doesn't have, like a backup camera! Driving the V8 Touareg is a blast, especially in Sports Mode on our curvy mountain road. Not only is it fun to drive, but it also has great curb appeal! I've had quite a few people stop and ask me about my Touareg, and I love telling them all about it. I hope that when my lease is up, VW will continue to make the Touareg just as good, if not better!

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Other years of Volkswagen Touareg

volkswagen touareg 2011 photo
Touareg 2011
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Touareg 2012
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volkswagen touareg 2013 photo
Touareg 2013
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volkswagen touareg 2014 photo
Touareg 2014
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Touareg 2015
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volkswagen touareg 2016 photo
Touareg 2016
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