2011 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.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg

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Common 2011 Volkswagen Touareg problems

The Volkswagen Touareg 2011 is a powerful and capable SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Some of the most frequently reported issues include non-starting and rough-running issues if the vehicle has sat for too long, misfire or reduced engine performance, and timing chain problems.

One of the most significant problems with the 2011 Touareg is related to the timing chain. The EA888 2.0-liter engine in the 2011 Touareg has a history of tensioner problems that can lead to a loose timing chain and catastrophic engine failure. A series of lawsuits have been filed against Volkswagen regarding this issue, and a proposed settlement includes all consumers who purchased or leased certain 2008-2014 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles with the EA888 2.0-liter engine. Reimbursement amounts will be determined based on the age of the vehicle, how many miles are on the odometer, and if the timing chain tensioner, timing chain, or engine was replaced.

Another common problem with the 2011 Touareg is related to the diesel emissions scandal. Volkswagen has admitted to using a defeat device on its supposedly 'clean diesel' vehicles to skirt around US emissions standards. This issue has led to a series of lawsuits and settlements, with owners of affected vehicles receiving compensation.

In addition to these significant issues, the 2011 Touareg has also had problems with the check engine light coming on, water getting into the engine, exploding sunroofs, severe steering wheel shake, hesitation, and power surges.

When it comes to reliability, the 2011 Touareg ranks 20th out of 46 eligible generations, with 22 complaints filed to CarComplaints.com.

In conclusion, while the Volkswagen Touareg 2011 is a powerful and capable SUV, it has its share of common problems. These issues include timing chain problems, diesel emissions scandal, check engine light coming on, water getting into the engine, exploding sunroofs, severe steering wheel shake, hesitation, and power surges. When purchasing a used 2011 Touareg, it is essential to be aware of these issues and consider the vehicle's history before making a decision.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg engine

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.

How long does a VW Touareg engine last?

A typical Volkswagen Touareg has the potential to go for around 300,000 miles with excellent care. This number is solid and something to boast about for VW, though to get to this point, you must keep up with the care of your machine or it will die far sooner.

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.

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 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.

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.

Which Touareg engine is best?

What it's like to drive, and how quiet it is. The entry-level engine for the VW Touareg range is the 3.0 TDI V6 and we reckon it's the one to go for. With 228bhp, it gives you all the grunt you could ever need, officially sprinting from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, and can tow up to 3,500kg.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Touareg problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Steering problems
  • Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Volkswagen Touareg vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg complaints

The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg.

2021-11-04

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-01-04
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP7BD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: On my 2011 VW Touareg TDI there is an exhaust leak. Can be smelled within seconds of starting it. A turbo/EGR pipe cracks and the result is a serious exhaust leak under hood right next to where air is drawn into the cabin for HVAC. Parts are backordered with no ETA. Even though when driving there is exhaust getting into the car the dealer and VW corporate just says "sorry for the delay of the parts". This part failure seems to be a known issue- The VW dealer was told by corporate that installing a used part is not acceptable either. Currently been waiting 11 months on this part. The leak was noticed right after VW had to "fix" all the TDIs for the emissions scandal.
2021-03-19

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-01-29
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP9BD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF NORWOOD (1280 PROVIDENCE HWY, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,032.
2020-06-14

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-01-30
  • VIN: WVGFG9BP1BD
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, AT LOW SPEEDS, CAR GOES INTO LIMP HOME MODE RANDOMLY AND CREAKS ALONG AT 8 MILES AN HOUR, MOST RECENTLY LOST BRAKING POWER AND MESSAGE COMES UP "HYBRID ERROR, PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION." THEN WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF AND ON AGAIN IT WORKS FINE. THIS IS NOT HELPFUL AS THERE IS NO INFORMATION FOR THE MECHANIC TO GO BY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, BOTH FUEL PUMPS AND PRE-FUEL PUMP MECHANISMS AND STILL THE ODD ERROR MESSAGE LACK OF CAR RUNNING. I AM THINKING ABOUT USING IT AS A PLANTER IN MY YARD, CURRENTLY IS IT LIVING WITH THE MECHANIC WAITING TO BEHAVE BADLY AGAIN, SO HE CAN TRY AND THE PROBLEM, BUT NOT DRIVEABLE BY AN ORDINARY CITIZEN. IT HAS HAPPENED, WHILE SLOWING DOWN, WHILE TURNING, ALL AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT THAT DOESN'T REALLY HELP MUCH. I STILL CAN'T DRIVE IT. IT HAS 138K ON A HYBRID ENGINE. IT WAS REAR-ENDED AND REPAIRED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO, BUT IT RAN FINE AFTER THAT FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. THIS IS A MYSTERY PROBLEM.
2020-01-04

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-12-24
  • VIN: WVGFF9BPXBD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: WATER FOUND IN THE AIR INTAKE BOX DURING AIR FILTER CHANGE ON MY 2011 VW TOUAREG. BOTTOM 3.5 INCHES OF OLD FILTER WAS FOUND WET WHEN AIR BOX WAS OPENED. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AS LIQUID WATER THAT ENTERS THE ENGINE DURING OPERATION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE IN TRAFFIC RESULTING IN A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WATER OR FILTER MATERIAL INGESTION INTO THE ENGINE CAN ALSO RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE REQUIRING ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE BY VW WITH NO ACTION TAKEN TO DATE, DESPITE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I REQUEST THAT NHTSA INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND COMPEL VW OF NORTH AMERICA TO PROVIDE A FIX AND CONDUCT A RECALL CAMPAIGN AS HAS BEEN DONE IN CHINA AND GERMANY.
2018-10-07

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-10-06
  • VIN: WVGFF9BP5BD
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE RECENTLY COMPLETED A 70,000 MILE SERVICE AT THE LOCAL VW DEALER. TWO DAYS AFTER THE SERVICE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT THE FAINT SMELL OF FUEL ON THE DRIVER'S REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED. WITH EACH PASSING DAY, THE SCENT OF FUEL CONTINUES TO INCREASE AND NOW ENTERS THE VEHICLE CABIN AT LOW IDLE SPEEDS (ESPECIALLY WHEN EXITING MAJOR ROADS OF TRAVEL).
2017-03-12

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-03-07
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP8BD
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: MY DIESEL VW TOUAREG NEEDS THE NOX SENSOR REPLACED. WHY IS THIS NOT CONSIDERED PART OF THE WARRANTY FOR THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM ? SINDE THE EPA HAS DESIGNATED THE VW DIESELS MUST BE EITHER BUYBACK OR REPLACED/REPAIRED IT SEEMS APPARENT THAT THIS SENSOR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO THE FUNCTION OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM BUT IT IS NOT A COVERED PART. THIS PART IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND FUNCTIONS ALONG WITH THE AD-BLUE PUMP WHICH IS COVERED.
2016-05-31

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-05-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP5BD
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH ON A SMOOTH TWO LANE WIDE HIGHWAY THE FRONT SUNROOF PANEL (PANORAMIC) SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, NO OVERPASSES AND NO TREES ABOVE. IT WAS AROUND 65-70 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. IT WAS NOT HAILING OR RAINING AT THE TIME. NO OBJECTS WERE RECOVERED FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE GLASS APPEARED TO HAVE BROKEN UPWARDS INSTEAD OF INWARDS. FIANC AND TWO DOGS (TRUNK AREA) WERE INSIDE OF THE CRUCIBLE. GLASS CAUSED VERY MINOR CUTS. VEHICLE RECENTLY DETAILED AND ALSO CLEANED BY MYSELF. NO ROCK CHIPS PRESENT IN SUNROOF GLASS. NO VISIBLE CRACKS PRIOR TO INCIDENT.
2014-08-14

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-02-14
  • VIN: WVGFF9BP7BD
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE WE TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE.UNPREDICTABLE AND INCONSISTENT ACCELERATION STUMBLE': THIS OCCURS UNPREDICTABLY AND GENERALLY FROM A STANDING START. ONE DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE. IT DECELERATES -THEN IT RECOVERS OFTEN ABRUPTLY. THIS PUTS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN PERIL OF A CRASH FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
2013-09-11

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-11-30
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL ON THIS BRAND NEW CAR SHAKES PERSISTENTLY AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 60MPH MAKING IT UNPLEASANT, IF NOT DANGEROUS, TO DRIVE. *TR
2013-08-28

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-01-20
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP9BD
  • Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, 60-75MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES DRAMATICALLY. DEALER RE-BALANCED, STILL SHOOK. DEALER REPLACED EAGLE LS2'S AT 32K MILES WITH SAME TIRES AND ROAD-FORCE BALANCED...STILL SHOOK. BASED ON OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM, I RECOMMENED THEY TRY GY LATITUDES...ALONG WITH ROAD-FORCE BALANCE AND NITRO FILL, SHAKING HAS BEEN GONE FOR PAST 15K MILES. BUT THIS IS A REPEATABLE EVENT ON FLAT/SMOOTH ROAD SURFACES, AT SPEED. MANY DEALERS APPARENTLY UNABLE TO CORRECT, BASED ON FEEDBACK AT VARIOUS TOUAREG FAN SITES (VW VORTEX, CLUB TOUAREG, ETC.) SEEMS TO IMPACT TDI LUX (MY TRIM) MORE THAN OTHERS, FROM 2011-2013. *TT
2013-04-18

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-04-11
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP8BD
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: HESITATION OF VEHICLE WHEN ENTERING ON RAMP TO HIGHWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
2013-01-08

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-12-25
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP3BD
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: GLOW PLUG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST THROTTLE RESPONSE -- DID NOT STOP RUNNING BUT FELT LIKE RUNNING ON 1/2 CYLINDERS. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY; VEHICLE DIED AT THE END OF THE OFF-RAMP AND COULD NOT BE RE-STARTED. VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST VW DEALER, WHO SAYS THAT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM MUST BE REPLACED FROM BACK TO FRONT. DEALER CLAIMS THAT REAR LIFT PUMP CAUSED THE INCIDENT BUT ALSO SAYS THE HPFP (INJECTOR PUMP) FAILED. THREE WEEKS INTO THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE IS STILL BEING REPAIRED. *TR
2012-08-28

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-08-22
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP6BD
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
  • Summary: WEDNESDAY 8/15 - FOLLOWING AN APPROXIMATELY 50 MILE EARLY MORNING HIGHWAY DRIVE FROM HOME TO A REMOTE OFFICE LOCATION, THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE STANDING AT A STOP LIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AND PROCEED A SHORT DISTANCE THROUGH THE LIGHT, WHEREIN THE ENGINE FAILED AGAIN. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART WERE UNSUCCESSFUL, WITH MULTIPLE ENGINE LIGHTS, GLOW PLUG COIL SIGNALS DISPLAYED. CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. FOLLOWING DAY, 8/16 ADVISED THAT THE 'ALGAE' DISCOVERED IN FUEL - REQUIRING DRAIN OF FUEL TANK, FLUSH AND CLEANING OF FUEL SYSTEM - ESTIMATED COST ~ $400. FOLLOWING DAY, 8/17 ADVISED THAT DRAIN, FLUSH COMPLETE BUT THAT FUEL RETURN VALVE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT - ESTIMATED COST INCREASED TO ~$800. PARTS ORDERED, CAR TO REMAIN AT DEALERSHIP THROUGH WEEKEND. TUESDAY 8/21 RECEIVED CALL, ADVISED THAT 'METAL SHAVINGS IN FUEL SYSTEM' REQUIRED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF FUEL SYSTEM - APPROX. $10,000 REPAIR. REGIONAL VW SERVICE REP. REVIEWED MATTER AND ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR. QUESTIONED SUDDEN SHIFT FROM ALGAE TO METAL SHAVINGS CONTAMINATION WITHOUT MATERIAL RESPONSE. LATER THAT DAY RECEIVED FOLLOW UP CALL THAT PARTS REQUIRED 'RED TAG' ORDERING, MEANING PARTS HAD TO COME FROM GERMANY. CAR TO BE LAID UP FOR ADDITIONAL 10 DAYS (APPROX). 8/27 - ASKED FOR UPDATE AND USE OF LOANER CAR. PARTS STILL ON ORDER. DEALERSHIP HAD NOT EXPERIENCED NON - GASOLINE GENERATED FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION/FAILURE - NO REASONED EXPLANATION FOR FAILURE. LOANER CAR DENIED AS CAR WAS BEYOND 36K WARRANTY PERIOD, YET VW ELECTED TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR. WEB BASED RESEARCH INDICATESWELL DOCUMENTED AND GROWING TDI FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE PROBLEM. *TR *JS
2012-08-14

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-06-01
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 20,500.
2012-07-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-07-08
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP1BD
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: KEY CAME OUT OF THE CAR WHILE RUNNING. COULD NOT GET THE KEY BACK INTO IGNITION AND COULD NOT SHUT THE CAR OFF. AFTER TALKING TO VW CUSTOMER CARE, THE ONLY SOLUTIONS PROVIDED WERE TO LET THE CAR RUN UNTIL IT RUNS OUT OF FUEL THEN WE CAN TOW IT. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DIESEL AND THE TANK WAS FUEL (26 GALLONS) - THIS WOULD REQUIRE FOR THE CAR TO RUN FOR DAYS...AND NO WAY TO LOCK THE DOORS. ALSO, THEY SUGGESTED THAT IF THAT WAS GOING TO TAKE TOO MUCH TIME I COULD CONSIDER SIFFENING THE FUEL - WHERE AM I SUPPOSE TO STORE 26 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL. VW HAS REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND I'M WAITING ON A SOLUTION IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN. NEEDLESS TO SAY I CONSIDER THIS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
2012-02-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-01-20
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WVGFK9BP9BD
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: IN A FRONT-ON COLLISION THAT CAUSED $22,000 OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE, NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

2011 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg.

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.
2016-03-24
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
  • Consequence: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.

Negative 2011 Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Maverick Hauck 2024-08-22

    Not sure where to start. I sold back my 2012 Touareg TDI to Volkswagen because the amount they were offering me for the recall was a Street Equity call. Due to the fact that my wife loves the “Sunroof”, I found my current 2011 supercharged hybrid Touareg two states away so of course I went and got it for her. Shame on me for not diving deep enough into the facts of this platform! Unfortunately, it seems that no one knows how to work on it, even at Volkswagen dealers or Audi. I have even called Volkswagen customer support due to the fact that the hybrid engine fault code comes on and shuts down pretty much immediately, which in one instance a few months ago left my wife in the middle of a 3 lane Highway after making a turn dead in the water! I understand that this can be frustrating and scary, especially when it comes to the safety of your family. I must say that I’m very disappointed in Volkswagen customer service and I’ve even asked for a regional service manager to reach out to me which never happened. At this point, I tell everyone that will listen to never ever ever buy a Volkswagen product! However, I want to assure you that I am here to help and support you in any way I can. Let's work together to find a solution to this issue and ensure the safety of your family. Hi there, I'm currently experiencing some issues with my vehicle and I'm feeling a bit stuck. I'm not comfortable selling it knowing that there are faulty electronics that could potentially harm my family. I'm really hoping to avoid any accidents and keep my loved ones safe. I've been considering the new Volkswagen scout EV that's coming out soon, but I do have some concerns about the safety of my family. I'm wondering if upper management at Volkswagen would feel comfortable with their own families riding in this vehicle. Currently, the airbags are not working, the steering is throwing a code, and the ABS is always out. I'm hoping that someone out there can help me with this issue. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Best regards, Mike. [contact info removed]

  2. Jeffry Carter 2024-05-14

    I was really excited about the hybrid specs when I purchased this vehicle with 50,000 miles on it. However, I have noticed that it's not getting the mileage that was advertised, even though I drive in a way that should maximize the hybrid mileage. I just wanted to note that the vehicle won't go into battery-only mode if the OAT is above 90 degrees. The main issue I've been having is that every time I insert the key or push the start button, it's a bit of a gamble. Depending on how quickly I go from inserting the key to turning it on, the start-up sequence can be different and sometimes I get different error messages. Currently, it's sitting frozen (locked in park) in the LAS airport parking lot with a steering message, possibly because I went too quickly from insert to start. The transmission can be a bit clunky and sometimes misses the transition from one mode to the next, resulting in uneven acceleration and braking. I doubt it will safely tow the rated towing capacity (or even close), although I did tow a 2000 lb trailer from Washington to Nevada with ample acceleration (generally better than without a trailer). I have a lot of experience with complex and quirky vehicles, having been a pilot/former military for 35 years, but this car is by far the worst. However, it does look nice sitting there.

  3. Titus Jones 2024-02-06

    The electronics in this vehicle require a fair amount of attention.

Positive 2011 Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Alex Boehm 2024-11-10

    11/7/10 - Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with you. Over the last three months, I've had the pleasure of test driving a range of mid-size SUVs, from Toyota to Porsche. Last Thursday, I test drove the new Touareg and I fell in love with it! It's everything I've been looking for and more - luxurious appointments, comfortable, and perfect for both mountain and city driving. I ended up buying the Lux TDI in Gallapogos Gray with black interior. It's awesome!

  2. Antonio Osinski 2024-10-03

    I've owned a lot of cars, trucks, and SUVs in my lifetime, including luxury brands like Audi and Acura, but this vehicle is the best one yet. The build quality, handling, and engine performance/mileage are all top-notch and best in class. I've been driving it for two months now and I'm getting an average of 22mpg in the city, with excellent acceleration and engine smoothness. The technology features are intuitive for the most part, but there is still a bit of a learning curve. Plus, having a DVD player in the glove compartment is a nice touch!

  3. Deontae Dietrich 2024-09-02

    I've only driven 600 miles so far, all of it in town. I'll update this as I put more miles on it. I don't have an opinion yet on things like mileage, road noise, ride on long trips, reliability, service, handling in the snow, etc. I did order the towing package, but it hasn't arrived yet. I don't use the phone's Bluetooth.

  4. Nick Smitham 2024-07-02

    I have been driving for 50 years and have driven most makes and models from GM, Ford, MB, RR, Audi, BMW, Low budget to > $70k and I must say, this is the best vehicle I have ever driven! It is solid, quiet and fuel efficient. The safety features are great, and the looks speak for themselves, 'understated elegance'.

  5. Sammie Jacobi 2024-06-26

    I've been enjoying my 2011 Touareg TDI for a year now and it has been a great experience overall. Even though I'm an Audi loyalist, my VW TDI has become a favorite of mine. However, I have encountered some issues with my Touareg, such as the Bluetooth not working properly. Despite being 6+ months into trying to get it fixed, a VW factory engineer confirmed that it is not usable and call recipients can't hear me. Unfortunately, it seems that the Bluetooth doesn't work with any iPhone (3, 3G, 4, 4S) due to excessive road noise (which VW didn't QA test with iPhones?). I have reached out to VW USA and my dealer for support, but unfortunately, their response has been lackluster. I was even told by VW's Executive Care team that I will have to pursue other means like BBB and CA Attorney General to fix this because VW USA doesn't have a trend of this as a problem. Apparently, I'm the first. Despite this major blemish, I still have had a great experience with my Touareg.

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

24

2

15

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

38

2

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen touareg 2017 photo
Touareg 2017
Volkswagen

24

1

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2011 Volkswagen Touareg photo