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. Moises Greenholt 2025-04-04

    This car has been quite expensive to maintain. I've had to use full synthetic oil, premium fuel (I average 17 mpg), and the maintenance costs have been high. Although it's a very comfortable car, the headaches and repairs just weren't worth it. I had to pay $300 for an O2 sensor, $900 for a crank case vent valve, $373 for a mass air flow sensor, and now the Cats need replacing... which will cost $1600. Additionally, the value of Touaregs and Volkswagen in general has decreased due to the emissions scandals--it makes no difference whether your vehicle is a TDI or not. In the end, I decided to sell the car, took out an unsecured loan to cover the negative equity ($6200), and purchased a Jeep. I haven't looked back since.

  2. Tom Abernathy 2025-03-21

    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. Walker Hilpert 2025-01-18

    Hello! I drive a lot of miles each year, and I really liked this car when it was under about 30,000 miles. I think that most of the people who are writing these reviews don't have 54,000 miles on a car this new. However, I have to say that once I put quite a few miles on it, it turned into a bit of a nightmare. First of all, this car goes through head and taillights like crazy. I've had 3 headlights and 1 taillight replaced, and every so often the check headlight warning goes on when there is no headlight out. Gas mileage could be much better. The brakes squeal constantly and they've already been replaced once (Not covered under warranty). Also, the back seats take forever to fold down. Please keep reading for more details.

  4. Isac Deckow 2024-10-17

    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.

  5. Leon Murazik 2024-09-26

    The Toureg has been in my possession for 7 months now. It is a great car for individuals or couples. However, the back seats are quite erect and my children refuse to ride in the car unless it is for a journey of less than an hour. The back seat is just not comfortable enough. Additionally, I have experienced some frustration with the alarm going off about 50% of the time when I lock the car with the key fob, especially when I am with a customer. Lastly, I am limited to using Flow Volkswagen for service, which has been an incredibly disappointing experience. In summary, the Toureg is a great ride, but due to the lack of trunk space, my children's discomfort in the back seat, and the poor service from the local dealer, I will be selling or trading it soon.

Positive 2010 Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Wilson Nolan 2025-04-17

    I spent almost a year searching for a Touareg before finally making a purchase. Although I initially wanted a newer model (2013-2014), I decided against it due to the high price tag. Luckily, I stumbled upon a one-owner, low-mileage 2010 model that felt just right. After transitioning from a GMC Yukon to the VW, I have not regretted my decision one bit. I had almost given up on finding a Touareg and started looking at other mid-sized SUVs like the GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse, and Volvo XC 90. However, none of them had the handling, interior, or feel of the VW. My parents, who are both in their 80s and live with my husband and me, fit very comfortably in the VW. My father, who has trouble bending his hips/legs, can easily get in and out of the back seat without any issues. One thing we noticed while car shopping was the flat floorboard of the VW, which made it easier for my father to get in and out of the car. I have taken two long trips with it over the last six months and it rides and handles beautifully. I replaced the tires with new Pirelli tires (made for Porsche, Audi, and Touareg) and they are really wide and stable. The gas mileage is not as bad as I expected, averaging around 18 in the city. Although there are a couple of things I miss and will have on my next Touareg, such as the auxiliary jack for the stereo and the panoramic sunroof (this one is small), I unexpectedly love the heated steering wheel, seats that recline fully, great interior lighting, and fantastic legroom (I am 5'10

  2. Devonte Ortiz 2025-04-16

    I'm so glad to hear that you were able to find the TDI Touareg you were looking for all the way in California! The interior sounds like it was perfect for your long drive, and it's great to hear that the Bluetooth was helpful. The diesel engine sounds like it made passing effortless and the ride comfortable. It's impressive that you were able to get 25.5 MPG on your 1100 mile trip and 21.5 MPG in town driving. Overall, it sounds like you have a beautiful machine!

  3. Kale Mueller 2025-02-23

    Just wanted to share that I recently purchased a 2010 Touareg after shopping around for a while. I looked at the Mercedes ML350, Lexus 350, and Volvo CX90, but ultimately found that the Touareg offered the best deal and standard features. I have to say, I'm really impressed with this car - it feels incredibly solid and well-built. As someone who has owned a '79 Bug and an '84 Golf in the past, I can confidently say that this is my favorite car so far!

  4. Garth Davis 2025-02-22

    This is the best vehicle I have ever owned in my 20 years of driving. VW really outdid themselves with this one and the dealership was fantastic too.

  5. Chadd Shields 2025-02-21

    This is a fantastic highway cruiser that gets an impressive 29-30 mpg while gliding down the super-slab at the speed limit. We recently traded in our 08 ML320 CDI for the Touareg and we are extremely pleased with the upgrade. The Touareg is a much smoother and quieter ride, and the diesel engine provides plenty of power without being too loud. We even pulled a 5000 lb trailer with ease and excellent control. This is not your average SUV, with over 8 inches of ground clearance and great visibility, it is the real deal. We are definitely keeping this one!

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Other years of Volkswagen Touareg

volkswagen touareg 2011 photo
Touareg 2011
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19

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volkswagen touareg 2012 photo
Touareg 2012
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23

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volkswagen touareg 2013 photo
Touareg 2013
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24

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volkswagen touareg 2014 photo
Touareg 2014
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34

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volkswagen touareg 2015 photo
Touareg 2015
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volkswagen touareg 2016 photo
Touareg 2016
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38

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22

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