2010 Volkswagen Touareg problems

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.
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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.
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.
- 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
Positive 2010 Volkswagen Touareg car reviews
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*Update* After 200,000+ miles of towing three different campers, hunting trips, business trips, and daily driving, I finally retired my TReg. It was a tough decision to make. Out of the two dozen cars I've owned in my lifetime, the TReg was my absolute favorite. I eventually did a DEF/EGR delete, and the truck became a beast. I loved that machine, but unfortunately, it couldn't pull a 5th wheel. The bottom line is that my Touareg has over 145,000 miles and it's still going strong. Before purchasing my T-Reg, I carefully considered my needs for a car. I wanted a diesel car, as all my cars are (Jetta SW and Q7). I needed something that could comfortably fit my family if we didn't take my wife's Q7. It needed to tow the camper (5,000 lbs) and all other smaller implements. It needed to have 4-wheel drive. It needed a good sound system (for all my hours in the left seat). It needed to look like a man's vehicle (men, you know what I mean). This left me mostly with ¾ ton or larger trucks. However, after living in Germany for a long time, I already had an affinity for the VW, except the last time I saw one for sale, the price started at about my yearly income. Over time, my income has increased, and if I looked at all the other vehicles that fit my requirements, the prices were the same. I test drove every vehicle that fit my requirements, including my wife's Q7...which she said I could have when she is dead and gone. The end result is that I could purchase an 8,800-pound ¾ ton truck with highway mileage in the teens, or the 5,500-pound T-Reg with 25 MPG on the highway with the same interior options. So, I went with the T-Reg, and I am very happy with my lease return purchase 140,000 miles later. However, there are a few things to consider. I was already VW-savvy through the ownership of the Audi and Jetta. Therefore, many of the new owner pains had already been felt as I read through the owner's manual, as one should.They are very particular about fluids and servicing, but if you follow the instructions to the letter, major maintenance is absolutely unheard of. Between the three vehicles, I spend less than $250 a month on maintenance (this includes oil, brakes, wipers, AdBlue, washing and all other things except tires) on vehicles that spend a ton of time on the road. I have three vehicles (2009, 2010, 2011) with over 100,00 miles on them and I have no doubt that any of them can drive across the country without issue. As of writing this, I have just returned from a 5,000 mile cross country trip towing our camper. As a towing rig, I have been completely impressed. There is zero trailer sag (that condition where it seems the butt of the truck is dragging on the ground) and it tows like there is nothing behind it. Even with a family of four, all their stuff packed in, on (via the Thule on the top) and behind it in the camper, we still managed to have a trip fuel mileage average of 16.6 MPG (hand calculated) on a trip that did hit speeds up to 90 MPH (in states where that is perfectly legalish). Although, I did have to purchase mirror extensions so I could see around the camper, the T-Reg is otherwise perfectly prepared to tow. When driving sans trailer, I set the cruise and drive effortlessly for hours. Driving across the country is a joy, as is driving through the city. Step on the go pedal and hang on! I also use this vehicle to hunt. While I received some raised eyebrows the first time I took this off road to get to our site, I made it easily after pulling the most vocal “anti SUV” guy out of a mud pit I had just traversed. It allowed me a moment of smug suburban former Jeep guy glee to do it. The interior appointments I have found to be timeless and un-cumbersome. Nothing is fading, cracking, wearing, or getting “old” looking. People still ask me if it is new, and are shocked when I tell them it is nearly 5 years old with 145,000 miles on it. Things just hold up well.No rattle, shake or squeak. The interface with the stereo and GPS is much easier than my wife’s Q7 (don’t tell her I said that), and is just intuitive. Although there are some cons to this truck, such as driving for eight hours straight before needing fuel, crying the first time the paint was scratched, and dealing with the annoying alarm that goes off once in a while when I lock the doors. I also had to pay over $300 for a GPS update on my $60,000+ vehicle (VAG really needs to fix this, I was very angry when it came up and the disc was different across all three of my cars). The onboard hard drive only plays MP3, so I had to reformat all my WMA music. The SD reader only reads a 2 GIG card, taking me nearly three days to load my music to the hard drive…only to discover half my music couldn’t be played because it was in the wrong format. There are times that the computer is a bit slow, meaning that the touch screen won’t activate stuff as quickly as I wished. However, overall, I am very happy with my purchase and I am willing to deal with these minor inconveniences.
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Overabundant torque completely satisfies all overtaking needs. Having owned a 2004 V8 Touareg previously (18 mpg tops), you hardly miss its full throttle induction roar, instead embracing the low-revving oomph of the turbo-diesel, while averaging 27+ mpg.
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This vehicle is fantastic! The build quality and rigidity are superb, and it is even more comfortable than my old Cadillac Escalade! The reliability has been excellent as well, which is no surprise from a VW. I have had no problems whatsoever, and I've already driven almost 7,000 miles on it. The gas mileage isn't perfect, but considering the fact that the vehicle is built better than a tank and can tow 7,700 lbs, I don't mind at all. The V6 engine may not be the most athletic, but it has plenty of power and is very smooth, just like the transmission. You should definitely consider buying one! They never fail to satisfy!
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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
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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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.