2016 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.

2016 Volkswagen Touareg

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Common 2016 Volkswagen Touareg problems

The Volkswagen Touareg, a luxury SUV produced since 2002, has had several issues reported by owners throughout its various model years. While the 2016 model has not been specifically highlighted as one of the worst years, there are still common problems that have been reported by Touareg owners, including the 2016 model.

One of the most common issues across all model years of the Volkswagen Touareg is fuel pump failure. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine. When it fails, the vehicle may not start or may stall while driving. This issue can be costly to repair, as it may require replacing the fuel pump and related components.

Excessive tire wear is another common problem reported by Touareg owners. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including misalignment, underinflation, and worn suspension components. Excessive tire wear can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, reduced handling and stability, and the need for frequent tire replacements.

Brake pad and rotor wear is also a common issue in the Volkswagen Touareg. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including aggressive driving, frequent braking, and worn brake components. Excessive brake wear can lead to decreased braking performance, increased stopping distances, and the need for frequent brake replacements.

Coolant leaks are another common problem reported by Touareg owners. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or damaged hoses, a cracked engine block or cylinder head, or a failed water pump. Coolant leaks can lead to overheating, decreased engine performance, and the need for costly repairs.

In addition to these common issues, the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg has also had reports of clogged diesel particulate filters and oil leaks, as well as problems with sensors and starting issues in older models.

It is important to note that the Volkswagen Touareg has an excellent record in reliability surveys, with a score of 89.3% in the 2023 used car reliability survey for large SUVs. However, it is still possible for individual vehicles to experience issues, and regular maintenance and inspections are key to preventing and addressing potential problems.

When considering purchasing a Volkswagen Touareg, it is important to be aware of these common issues and to have any potential problems inspected and addressed by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help to prevent and address potential issues, ensuring a safe and reliable driving experience.

2016 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.

How many miles will a Volkswagen Touareg 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.

Is Touareg a good car?

If you're after a big and comfortable five-seat luxury SUV, the Touareg is a good option – our expert road testers scored it three stars out of five. It has a strong selection of engines and lots of standard kit, but can't quite compete with the Audi Q7 or BMW X5 when it comes to handling and ride comfort.

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.

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.

2016 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
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Forward collision avoidance problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Volkswagen Touareg vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2016 Volkswagen Touareg

The NHTSA has received 38 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles.

2024-08-22

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-13
  • 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.
2024-01-10

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
  • 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.
2023-09-10

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-10
  • 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…
2022-03-29

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-03-19
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP3GD
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
  • Summary: Random engine hesitancy reducing acceleration while driving. Vehicle maintained by the dealer for all scheduled maintenance and service visits. Within 30 days of a manufacture's repair that dealt with the HVAC and air filter AND a service visit to change oil and rotate tires, the hesitancy during driving was more pronounced. The dealer's service center stated the air filter was flooded from an HVAC leak and a clog. I have found similar owners have had problems like this and VW will not address it systemically. I otherwise enjoy my vehicle, but am concerned that it will not accelerate when needed and is potentially dangerous without warning. It should not take loss of life or property to have this corrected.
2022-02-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-02-05
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP3GD
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: There was a big rain last week locally. I drove through a couple big puddles but nothing that's super uncommon for the area. Almost immediately, my car's electric components started going crazy. ACC stopped working completely. Lane assists aren't working. There was an error that I think was shift lock, but it was red, and the car was driving really weird.
2021-11-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-24
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP9GD
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Electronic Parking Brake lever light was flashing and dashboard showed parking brake error message. Drove car to VW Dealership, which diagnosed problem as likely bad Parking Brake Control Module (Part J540). Dealership ordered part, and stated I could drive car home. Within 1 mile of dealership, parking brake engaged automatically abruptly slowing car and error flashed on dash stating "Disengage Parking Brake." Pulled over, turned car off and back on, which disengaged parking brake. Returned to dealership and left car until it could be repaired. Had I been on the interstate traveling at a higher rate of speed, this may have caused an accident.
2021-08-06

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP9GD
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: NTHSA folks, Two months ago, I began getting an "Error Airbag" amber warning in the Touareg's driver-information display. I visited the dealer and was told "the airbag module" (volkswagen-2016-volkswagen-touareg-control-module-7p0959655g08p) was the issue. I was told they'd order the part, only to hear back later: "There are none in the U.S. and it'll take 5-8 weeks to get one from. Europe." This has since been updated with "We have no idea if or when this part will be available." As a consequence, it appears I must simply wonder whether the airbags will deploy if needed, which strikes me (no pun intended) as irresponsible on VW's end, particularly since it concerns a safety-related failure. Indeed, if this part is so unavailable, it would seem that either many owners are experiencing the same problem, or the problem is extremely rare. (I believe it's the former.) Anyway, I bring this to NHTS' in the hope of getting clarification and/or assistance. And ideally helping find a way to restore full airbag functionality. Thank you for your time. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2021-06-21

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-06-20
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP1GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 2016 Touareg was towed to OStein VW service after engine would not accelerate and ran rough when got onto the interstate. OStein VW diagnostic was water into the air filter that got into engine and now need to replace engine block because of water getting into the air filter from the rain drain system system getting clogged for the Touareg. VW Service says can hear engine valves chattering. I see at NHTSA that at least 60 other complaints have been filed about this problem of water getting into the air filter.
2021-05-26

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-05-26
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP2GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: There is an ongoing issue with the drain from the air cleaner box clogging and water collecting in the box and then being ingested into the engine. On other occasions I had drained water from the box and changed the wet air filter to a dry one. Today (5/26/2021) I pulled out of my driveway and car started stalling. I got a transmission fault notification and immediately returned to my home. After raising the hood I noticed a noise from the left side of the engine bay and checked the drain for the air cleaner box. It was of course clogged. I opened the air cleaner box and approximately 6" of water ran out of the box. I restarted the engine and no longer had a transmission fault but an engine management warning. The engine while running was running roughly. I contacted the nearest VW dealership and they stated that this was a known issue, that there was no recall, that VW had come up with a "fix" for the issue and that, of course it was not covered under the powertrain warranty. The vehicle is not driveable and will be towed to the dealership for diagnosis and repair.
2021-02-16

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-02-13
  • Number Of Injuries: 3
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP1GD
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS A COLD FRONT APPROACHED, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO 17 DEGREES. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A LOUD SOUND, LIKE A GUNSHOT AND IMMEDIATELY GLASS FELL ON OUR HEADS. THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AS THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND US. IT WAS A SCARY INCIDENT WITH MY FAMILY ONBOARD. ONLY MINOR GLASS CUTS WERE SUFFERED, MOSTLY ON THE HANDS AND WE WIPED THE GLASS PIECES OFF OURSELVES. OUR DRIVING SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES/HOUR, THROUGH OPEN FIELDS (NO BUILDINGS OR CONSTRUCTION NEARBY) ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY.
2021-01-27

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-12-20
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP3GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. WOULD DESCRIBE THE FEELING AS RANGING FROM A SHUDDER OR "HICCUP" TO A DROPPING SENSATION. OCCURS AT ANY POINT OF ACCELERATION - WHETHER FROM LOW RATE OF SPEED TO HIGH (AS IN ENTRANCE RAMP ACCELERATION) OR FROM CRUISING SPEED TO HIGHER CRUISING SPEED (AS WHEN SPEED LIMIT INCREASES). IDENTIFIED THIS SENSATION WITHIN WEEKS OF TAKING DELIVERY OF VEHICLE AND IT HAS CONTINUED.
2020-11-24

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-11-09
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP4GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: ENGINE AIR FILTER COMPARTMENT FILLS WITH WATER UNDER NORMAL, IN-MOTION OPERATING CONDITIONS, LEAVING A SPONGY, MOLDY MESS OF THE AIR FILTER AND EXTREMELY POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE AS WELL AS ENGINE OVERHEATING DURING SUMMER MONTHS. HAVE REPLACED THE FILTER REPEATEDLLY. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW.
2020-10-20

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-11-29
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP2GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: AT 18,293 MILES THE VEHICLE ENTERED "LIMP MODE" WHILE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE ENGINE AIR FILTER BEING SATURATED WITH WATER DUE TO A CLOGGED AIR BOX DRAIN HOLDING WATER. AT 26,054 MILES, THE FILTER WAS AGAIN FOUND TO BE SATURATED WITH WATER. THIS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE AIR FILTER A SECOND TIME. NORMAL AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT IS RECOMMENDED AT 60,000 MILES. AT LAST REPLACEMENT, VW DEALER "MODIFIED" THE AIR BOX DRAIN TO IMPROVE DRAINAGE
2020-09-23

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-09-12
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP6GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT PARKED ON MY DRIVEWAY FOR 4 DAYS, DURING SO HEAVY RAINSTORMS PASSED OVER MY AREA. WHEN I WENT TO GO START THE CAR AFTER 4 DAYS, A SUNNY DRY DAY FINALLY, ITS SPUTTERED AND SUFFOCATED WHEN STARTING UP. HAVING HEARD THESE VEHICLES HAVE WATER PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR INTAKE FOR THE ENGINE I IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE CAR. WHEN I OPENED THE AIR FILTER HOUSING THERE WERE ABOUT 2 INCHES OF WATER IN THE HOUSING THAT UNDOUBTEDLY GOT SUCKED INTO MY ENGINE WHEN IT WAS STARTED. WITH THE VEHICLE, NOT BEING DRIVEN AT ALL DURING THE RAIN, HEAVY SPRAY FROM THE ROAD OR OTHER CARS CAN BE RULED OUT AS A CAUSE AND I FIGURE THERE MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE SEAL OR DESIGN OF THE AIR INTAKE. ESPECIALLY, SINCE VW CHINA RECALLED THESE VEHICLES FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE EARLIER THIS YEAR. ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR WAS PARKED ON A TYPICAL INCLINED DRIVEWAY ABOUT 8 FEET IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE DOOR, IN NO PRECARIOUS POSITION. NOW THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SPUTTER AND LOSE REVS WHEN STARTING UP.
2020-07-23

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-07-23
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP7GD
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: SUNROOF LEAKS AND WATER ACCUMULATES IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL PLUS GROWS MOLD MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE
2020-06-23

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-06-23
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP7GD
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: SUNROOF LEAKING MOISTURE INTO CAR AND VW REFUSES TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. MOLD GROWING IN A ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENT COULD BE TOXIC. AFTER DEALER RETURN MY VEHICLE FROM ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT STILL ISN'T FIXED, AFTER HAVING IT PARKED ON THEIR LOT 17 DAYS, I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED MOISTURE IN THE VEHICLE. THIS TIME THE DEALER HAS HAD IT 8 DAYS AND COUNTING AND REFUSES TO FIX THE SUNROOF DRAINS. *TR
2020-06-22

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-06-16
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP7GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: WATER FROM RAIN ENTERS THE AIR FILTER HOUSING WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE, AND SOAKS THE AIR FILTER AND DOESN'T DRAIN SO THE ENGINE INGESTS WATER AND HYDROLOCKS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO WARRANTY THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. CAR HAS 1600 MILES ON IT. BOUGHT NEW MAECH 2018. 40 DAYS OUT OF SERVICE SO FAR. *TR
2020-03-01

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-02-29
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP0GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: WATER IN ENGINE AIRBOX. NOTICED AIR FILTER SATURATED WITH WATER WHEN CHANGING AT 21,000 MILES. APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY VW IN THE US.
2020-02-09

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-02-08
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP1GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: DUE TO A ENGINEERING FAULT WATER IS A GETTING INTO THE AIR INTAKE AND SOAKING THE BOTTOM OF THE AIR INTAKE WHERE ITS DETERIORATING THE FILTER AND ALSO ENDANGERING THE ENGINE OF SUCKING UP WATER AND HYDROLOCKING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND HAS CAUSED OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL TO LOCK UP AND DISABLE THE ENGINE. IT IS NOT DUE TO DRIVING THROUGH WATER BUT SIMPLY FAULTY ENGINEERING THAT ALLOWS WATER TO FLOW FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR DOWN INTO THE AIR INTAKE.
2020-02-08

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-02-08
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP2GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: WATER GETS INTO AIR TAKE SYSTEM. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR CAR WASH AND ALSO PURCHASED A AIR FILTER. CAME TO REPLACE AIR FILTER AND OLD FILTER WAS DAMAGED AND WATERLOGGED.
2019-12-10

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-12-10
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP9GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: FAULTY AIR INTAKE SYSTEM ALLOWS WATER TO BE INGESTED. AIR FILTER BECOMES SOAKED WITH WATER, AND WILL ULTIMATELY FAIL IF LEFT UNCHECKED. BITS OF SOGGY FILTER MEDIA WILL DAMAGE TURBOCHARGER AND POSSIBLY RECIPROCATING COMPONENTS REQUIRING ENGINE REPLACEMENT. ENGINE CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING AN UNSAFE CONDITION. WATER INGESTION CAN OCCUR WITH VEHICLE STATIONARY OR BEING DRIVEN IN WET CONDITIONS. THIS IS OCCURING IN LIGHT RAIN, AND VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN THROUGH STANDING WATER.
2019-10-17

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-10-10
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP1GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: WHEN IT RAINS HEAVILY, MY TOUAREG AIR FILTER IS VERY EASY TO GET INTO THE WATER. I CHECKED THE INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET, IT SAID IN OTHER COUNTRIES, THERE ARE LOTS OF REPORTS THAT THE SAME MODEL OF IMPORTED TOUAREG HAS LOST THE POWER ON FREE WAY BECAUSE OF THE WATER FILTER ENTERING THE WATER.
2019-09-19

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-09-16
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP3GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: MY ENGINE WAS DAMAGED AND BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER IS SUGGESTING I HAVE GOTTEN WATER IN THE INTAKE BOX AND THE DRAIN WAS CLOGGED RESULTING IN ENGINE DAMAGE. THEY ARE ASKING THAT I PAY FOR THE DAMAGES AND I BELIEVE IT IS A DESIGN FLAW. THIS WAS A RECLASS BY VW GLOBALLY BUT NOT IN AMERICA.
2019-08-13

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-08-07
  • VIN: WVGEF9BP0GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: DROVE IN RAINSTORM AND CAR SHUT OFF AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. COULD NOT START BACK UP. AFTER SERVICE INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE INGESTED A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF WATER AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACED.
2019-08-07

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-07-29
  • VIN: WVGEP9BP7GD
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER DRIVING THREE MILES IN DRY WEATHER. AFTER SEEING RECALLS IN CHINA ABOUT WATER ENTERING THE AIR FILTER BOX AND SAW THAT THE BOTTOM .25% WAS SOAKED. SAW MANY OTHER TOUAREG OWNERS ON FORUMS WITH SAME PROBLEM. DEALER TOWED VEHICLE IN AND FALSELY CLAIMED CAR WAS SITTING IN WATER. RESET THE ENGINE CODE AND CHARGED ME $50+ FOR A NEW AIR FILTER AND DELIVERED THE CAR BACK TO ME, WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. I'VE CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND WAITING ON A CALL BACK.

2016 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg.

2016-04-26
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toureg vehicles manufactured July 7, 2015 to March 3, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be improperly calibrated and, as a result, the TPMS may fail to warn the driver that the tire pressure is low. Additionally, the tire pressures printed on the Safety Certification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
  • Consequence: If the vehicle is driven on underinflated tires, the tires may fail suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will correct the TPMS settings and replace the safety certification label, free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2016. Volkwagen's number for this recall is 44M9.
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 2016 Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Reid Goldner 2024-11-25

    Avoid any products made by the VW corporation. I leased a brand new car and after only 6k miles, it stalled and required a complete fuel pump replacement. Despite the dealer's poor service, they replaced the fuel pump, but the car stalled again on my way home. After contacting corporate, they were unhelpful and insisted that the dealer had fixed the issue. I had to resort to filing a lemon law suit with the state, which took 8 months to settle.

  2. Vaughn Kuvalis 2024-07-01

    We bought our Touareg brand new in 2016 and have been taking it to the same dealership for all scheduled maintenance. Unfortunately, we've been experiencing some maintenance and quality issues lately, which is a shame because we've put a lot of miles on it - mostly on the freeway during long trips from KC to Phoenix, Clearwater FL, and Chicago. We're actually preparing to sell it now, but we were disappointed to find out that the resale value isn't what we expected. One issue we had early on was with the factory tires wearing out quickly, even though we mostly drove on the freeway. The real problems started at 60,000 miles, when we had to replace the water pump under the drivetrain warranty. Then, at 62,000 miles, both fuel level sending units went out, which we found out is a common issue across VW models. The interior fit is also starting to show some wear and tear, with the center console cover coming unglued and one of the A-pillar trim pieces not staying in place. The dealership told us that both would need to be replaced, but we're not willing to spend that kind of money on it. Despite these issues, the Touareg is still a comfortable and enjoyable car to drive. The touchscreen and navigation system are a bit outdated and limited in functionality, but overall it's a great car. We just wish we didn't have to deal with these quality issues.

Positive 2016 Volkswagen Touareg car reviews

  1. Keyshawn Bernier 2025-01-03

    Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with the TDI Touaregs. I recently traded my 2014 model, which had 85k miles and zero problems, for a 2016 model with only 4k miles on it. This is actually my third TDI and I've put over 80k miles on each of the others with zero problems as well. It's really sad to see them leave the marketplace. On the bright side, I can easily get 30mpg on the highway and tow my 21' Boston Whaler with ease (22 mpg). I'm also loving the new safety features on the 2016 model, not to mention the AC seats! Just wanted to give you an update - I now have 17000 miles on the Touareg and I still love it. The TDI has great torque and effortless cruising. The only thing I've done is change the tires to Vredestein Quatrac 5's because the stock tires were too noisy for me.

  2. Aaron Muller 2024-11-29

    Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 3rd TDI LUX Touareg. I leased the first two, but this time I decided to purchase it. Let me tell you, this vehicle is truly ahead of its time! It drives like a sports car, has the capacity of an SUV, tows like a monster truck (7700 lbs), and gets an impressive 30 MPG. I have put 60K miles on it so far and it still drives like it's brand new. I highly recommend it!

  3. Nicklaus Romaguera 2024-09-11

    Great car! You got an amazing lease deal!

  4. Liam Ritchie 2024-07-16

    With a range of 700 miles and a refill time of just 5 minutes, this vehicle gets an impressive 29 mpg. Plus, with 400 brake horsepower, it's a blast to drive! It's worth noting that this diesel generator can recharge the vehicle's battery, giving it a total range of 1400 miles, which beats out many electric vehicles. Overall, this is a great option for those who want a fun and efficient ride.

  5. Deven Jones 2024-07-07

    I love this car! It's fully loaded at $61k, which makes it a great deal compared to a Cayanne (assuming you don’t need the extra HP). However, my only criticism so far is the fuel economy rating. I'm not sure how they got to 17 mpg when the best I can do is ~14mpg in normal stop and go traffic. I don’t do a lot of highway miles, so I can't comment on that yet.

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