Page 3 of 5 · complaints 101–150 of 231

2004 Volkswagen Touareg complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2004 record →

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 15, 200844,000 milesMO

MULTIPLE ENGINE LIGHT FAILURES FOR OVER 4 YEARS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY WHILE WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY. VERY DANGEROUS...ESSENTIALLY NO WARNING. HAVE REPLACED WIRING HARNESS IN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES MANY TIMES. UNSAFE HANDLING AND ACCELERATION...CAR JUMPS FORWARD AT STOPS WHILE IT IS DOWNSHIFTING. THINK THE TRANSMISSION, TIRES AND BRAKES SHOULD BE TESTED. THINK YOU WILL FIND THEY ARE DEFECTIVE. ENGINE BLEW UP AT 44,000 MILES. VERY DANGEROUS CAR..AND YOU WILL FIND OTHER TOUAREGS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES. SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 21, 200837,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE AT THE COST OF $3,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN IN 2006 FOR THE AIR BAG WIRING CONNECTOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,000.

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Dec 17, 200766,000 milesMA

DRIVE TRAIN FAILED WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. ALSO, THE MODULE FAILED WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DRIVE TRAIN BEING REPLACED. THE ABS MODULE HOWEVER; FAILED 3 MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. AS A RESULT I SKIDDED UNPREDICTABLY ON ICE AND CAME WITHIN INCHES OF CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. $1500 WAS QUOTED TO ME TO REPLACE THE MODULE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 26, 2007CA

2004 VW TOUAREG WITH TIRE FAILURE AND KEY PROGRAMMING. CONSUMER STATES HE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TO A PUNCTURE IN ONE OF THE SIDEWALL TIRES. THE SECOND KEY RECEIVED NEEDED TO BE PROGRAMMED AND DEALER CHARGED HIM FOR PROGRAMMING. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE GETS LOW GAS MILEAGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER, THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF REPEATEDLY. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED DUE TO A VIBRATION WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Oct 15, 200734,000 milesCA

THE ESP LIGHT CAME ON STEADY AND THE LIGHTS AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH CAME ON FLASHING. THEN THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED INTO THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE PEOPLE INDICATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THESE RECALLS. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 26, 200751,750 milesWA

MESSAGE READS "FAULT-RUNNING GEAR-SUSPENSION-WORKSHOP" SUBSEQUENT CHECK AT DEALERSHIP REVEALED A LEAK IN THE RIGHT FRONT AIR SPRING THAT NEEDS TOTAL REPLACEMENT. WE WERE ADVISED OF"NO SERVICE BULLETINS OR RECALLS" AND THE REPAIR IS AT OUR EXPENSE ($2445.00) SINCE WE WERE NEARLY 3,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD, ALL MILE'S ARE HIGHWAY INCURRED. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 2, 200755,000 milesTX

MY 2004 VW TOUAREG HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION BUSHINGS. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN USED OFF-ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAS 55K MILES ON IT. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS AN INHERENT DEFECT IN THE POLYMER USED FOR THE BUSHINGS AND IT SHOULD BE REPLACED AT VW'S EXPENSE. VW HAS NOT BEEN RESPONSIVE TO MY REQUEST. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS IN MY LIFE, AND THIS TYPE OF FAILURE HAS NEVER OCCURRED, EVEN WITH UP TO 105K MILES. THE REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST $1700. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BY THE FAILURE OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed May 16, 2007VA

I OWN A VOLKSWAGEN TOURAREG. THE CAR HESITATED BEFORE ACCELERATING INTO AN INTERSECTION. I AM ON RECORD WITH THE DEALER. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ,AND ONCE ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I AM AN ATTORNEY IN FLORIDA, AND BECAUSE OF VOLKSWAGEN'S INACTION IN THIS AREA I WAS CONSIDERING A LAWSUIT IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM. IN PURSUING THE INTERNET I FOUND SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE 2004 TOUAREG WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Suspension
Filed Mar 30, 2007100 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE WARNING TONE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SOUNDS INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT POSSESSED THE REPAIR INVOICES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE BEGAN AT 100. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURES CONTINUE, SHE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE BRAKE ROTORS REPLACE AT 15,000 MILES, BRAKE PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 18,000 MILES, TWO TIRES REPLACE AT 16,000 MILES, TPS LIGHTS CONTINUE TO GO ON AND OFF BEEN FIXED, FOUR NEW TIRES AT 30,000 MILES. THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 9 RECALLS AND TPS LIGHTS STILL IN FAILURE. UPDATE 05/04/07*TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Feb 21, 200731,000 milesMA

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TORGUE WITH 31000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT ANY RATE OF SPEED THE TPS MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT TURNED ON, AND STAYSED ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS WEARING OUT THE TIRES AND BRAKES ON THAT SIDE. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Feb 21, 2007VA

AIR BAG RELATED PROBLEM LIGHT COMES ON BECAUSE A WIRE HARNESS IS CHAFFING AGAINST THE BODY. THEN HAD A ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY? THANKS

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Filed Feb 16, 200739,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. 3 TO 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS WERE PERFORMED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AND THE REPAIRS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HAVE A COLLISION. THE WEATHER NOR SPEED WAS A FACTOR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000. *AK

Electrical System › Starter Assembly
Filed Feb 9, 200731,000 milesNJ

IF I DRIVE THE CAR FOR ONE HOUR AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, WHEN TRYING TO RESTART THE ENGINE, THE STARTER WON'T CRANK. AFTER ANOTHER HOUR IT WILL RESET AND RESTART. IN AND OUT OF THE DEALER FOR 7 MONTHS AND SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS, THE STARTER STILL FAILS TO CRANK. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 3, 200710,291 milesME

THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE / UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW ZERO (F). THIS PROBLEM WAS OBSERVED FOR 4 DAYS IN FEB. 2004. THE CAR WILL START, BUT SURGES AND BALKS SO BADLY YOU CAN'T DRIVE IT. THIS CONDITION WILL CONTINUE FOR OVER 20 MINUTES. IT WILL RE-OCCUR THE NEXT TIME YOU TRY AND USE THE VEHICLE SO LONG AS THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW ZERO. THE SAFETY HAZARD IS THAT IT LEAVES YOU STRANDED WHEREVER THIS HAPPENS. THERE'S NOTHING THE OPERATOR CAN DO. VW HAS TRIED 3 REPAIRS: (1) CHANGE THE ENGINE OIL TO SYNTHETIC, (2) & (3) REPROGRAM THE ENGINE COMPUTER TWICE TO SUPPOSEDLY FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT'S NOW 2 YEARS LATER, AND WE ARE EXPERIENCING BELOW ZERO WEATHER AGAIN, AND THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM PERSISTS. MY DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM, AND CAN'T GET ASSISTANCE FROM VW. I WILL CONTACT VWOA DIRECTLY AND INITIATE A CASE. FINALLY, IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM, I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE V6 ENGINE WHO REPORT THIS PROBLEM AND SAY IT'S NEVER BEEN CORRECTED. *JB

Suspension
Filed Jan 30, 20075,000 milesMT

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE CAR NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT THE VEHICLE PULLED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, RIGHT AND LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST 2003 , AND THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THERE HAVE BEEN 8 ALIGNMENTS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED 25 TIMES, AND THE MECHANICWAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. DUE TO THE WARRANTY THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN AUTHORIZED THE TIRES TO BE REPLACED ON TWO OCCASIONS FOR UNEVEN WEAR AT 9,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED FROM THE DEALER IF IT WASN'T REPAIRED. THEREFORE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST HIM WITH FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACTWAS REQUESTING THAT VOLKWAGEN PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM HIM DUE TO THE ONGOING FAILURE. THE CONTACT LIVED IN A CLIMATE WHERE THE TEMPERATURES WER CONSISTENTLY BELOW ZERO. *AK UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jan 21, 2007NY

2004 TOUAREG-EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ALL 4 TIRES, LESS THAN 20K MILES. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Jan 20, 200780,000 milesNY

I BOUGHT A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG NEW AND TREATED IT LIKE A BABY. DEALER SERVICE, NEVER OFF-ROAD. AT 80,000 MILES (I COMMUTE 200 MILES PER DAY ON THE FREEWAY) THE ENGINE BLEW. DEALER SAID THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE FUEL INJECTOR PARTIALLY FILLED A CYLINDER WITH LIQUID GASOLINE. LATER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE PISTON SLAMMED INTO THE LIQUID AND BLEW THE ENGINE. PARTS ALONE TO REPAIR ARE $15,000. SINCE THE COST OF REPAIRS EXCEEDS THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE I WON'T BE REPAIRING IT -- IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 8, 200764,000 milesMA

TL* - WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH ON A STATE ROAD ANOTHER VEHICLE SLID INTO CONTACT'S VEHICLE, IMPACTING THE VOLKSWAGEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT FENDER TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE STRUCK A GUARD RAIL. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES WERE TAKEN. *AK UPDATED 02/06/07. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Jan 4, 200715,000 milesMD

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATION HAS BEEN SLUGGISH. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THE ENGINE WAS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OFTEN TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. NEITHER ROAD NOR WEATHER CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FACTORS IN THE FAILURE.*AK WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP, ACCELERATION IS SLOW BUT STEADY, WHEN ACCELERATING WHILE MOVING BETWEEN 40 MPH ACCELERATION IS NON-EXISTENT FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS AND THEN TAKES OFF FAST. UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Oct 16, 2006MA

ON MY 2004 TOURAEG, AFTER TILTING THE FRONT SEATS BACK ALL THE WAY TO THE HORIZONTAL POSITION, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE CONNECTORS FOR THE SIDE AIR BAGS GOT DISCONNECTED SINCE THE CABLES ARE TOO SHORT OR ARE NOT MOUNTED RIGHT. I GOT THE CONNECTORS RECONNECTED AND NOW NO LONGER MOVE THE SEATS BACK IN ORDER TO AVOID THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. *NM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 16, 2006MA

ON MY 2004 TOUAREG WITH 12500 MILES ON IT, ALL FOUR TIRES (THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN I BOUGHT IT NEW) ARE COMPLETELY WORN. THE CAR WAS NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD. CONTINENTAL TIRES. *NM

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Sep 28, 200655,000 milesCT

I HAVE A 2004 VW TOUAREG....IT IS A WELL KNOW PROBLEM THOUGHT ALL VW SERVICE SHOPS AS IT WAS SENT OUT IN A TSR? I HAVE OWNED MY VW FOR 2 YRS 8 MONTHS, AND HAVE ALREADY ACQUIRED 78000 MILES, I DRIVE EVERYWHERE...LEAVING ME OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE.....I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE AIRBAG ISSUE THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY REPORTED TO VW...THE DRIVER SEAT BACK AND FORTH MOTION RUNS OVER THE AIRBAG WIRE HARNESS CAUSING IT TO SPLIT THE WIRES CAUSING A COMPLETE AIRBAG FAULT...IT COST ME 425.00 TO HAVE THIS FIXED....12.00 PARTS THE REST LABOR....EVEN THE VW REPAIR PERSON I DEALT WITH ADMITTED THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.....WHY? IS IT NOT SAFE TO ASSUME THAT YOUR VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS TO SAVE YOUR LIFE? IS IT NOT ABSURD TO HAVE YOUR ENTIRE SYSTEM NOT FUNCTION DUE TO A 12.00 PART THAT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED IN THE FIRST PLACE? PLEASE FOR ALL TOUAREG OWNERS ISSUE A RECALL....EVERYONE KNOWS ITS OUT THERE AFFECTING ALL 2004 TOUAREGS....PLEASE DON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO BE INJURED AND KILLED ...OR WAIT UNTIL IT COSTS THEM A WEEK OR TWO OF PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED....THIS EVENT HAS REALLY UPSET ME AND IF IT CAN SAVE JUST 1 LIFE....ISN'T IT WORTH IT?. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 11, 200634,000 milesCT

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A WEEK AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BY THE SERVICE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE ENGINE WARNING MESSAGE READ "TURN THE MOTOR OFF IMMEDIATELY", AS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND STALLED THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STEER AND COAST TO A STOP ON THE BREAK DOWN LANE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND STALLED 7 TIMES BEFORE MAKING ONE MILE TO THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY. THE SERVICE DEALER PROVIDED A NUMBER TO A TOWING SERVICE. THE SERVICE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS AN ALTERNATOR AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE, DUE TO LEAKAGE FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND IN THE GARAGE OR DRIVEWAY, BEFORE OR AFTER THE PROBLEM OR WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 20, 200676,000 milesIL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER SIDE OR DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT DARKENED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS OR DASHBOARD LIGHTS ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE HEADLIGHT(S). EVENTUALLY, THE OTHER HEADLIGHT DARKENED. THE ONLY WAY THE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AGAIN IS BY RESTARTED THE IGNITION. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A COMPUTER CHIP, CHANGED THE BULBS AND OTHER UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - THE TIRE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CONTROL UNIT. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 17, 200620,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, AND THE STARTER MOTOR WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 12, 200633,000 milesCA

I'VE BEEN HAVING VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON MY 2004 VW TOUAREG FROM THE PURCHASE DATE OF 08/19/03. THE ALARM WOULD SOUND, WITHOUT CAUSE, THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND VARIOUS SWITCHES WOULD NOT WORK AT TIMES. ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WERE RANDOM. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES. BUT, THE PROBLEMS WERE NOT FIXED. IN APRIL 2006, MY CAR BATTERY WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER HANDLING A CHARGE. THE BATTERY CHANGE WAS A WARRANTY ITEM. AFTER THE BATTERY CHANGE, THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS BECAME MORE FREQUENT. MY TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO ACT UP. WHEN I SIGNAL FOR A RIGHT TURN, THE BLINKER WILL CLICK TO THE LEFT ONE TO THREE TIMES, THEN TO THE RIGHT. I TOLD MURRIETA VW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR WARRANTY SERVICE ON 06/30/06. THEY COULDN'T FIND A "FAULT CODE" AND COULDN'T MAKE THE CAR DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SO, THEY DIDN'T FIX THE CAR. I VIDEO TAPED THE PROBLEM FIVE TIMES, ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AFTER THE 06/30/06. I ALSO HAVE TWO DIFFERENT WITNESSES WHO WITNESSED THE PROBLEM. I E MAILED THE VIDEOS TO MURRIETA VW AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK ON 07/08. MURRIETA VW WASN'T ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THE CAR IS NOW DANGEROUS. IF I WERE TO SIGNAL A RIGHT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, WITH AN ONCOMING CAR ASSUMING THAT I AM TURNING LEFT BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE TURN SIGNAL, I COULD END UP IN AN ACCIDENT. I'M NOT LOOKING FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT FROM VW. I JUST WANT MY CAR FIXED. 2004 VW TOUAREG SERIAL# W V G C

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 28, 200615,000 milesCO

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT SMOOTHLY. AS AN ALTERNATIVE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES WHICH IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD NOT STOP IN TIME THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE PRESSURE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A DEALERSHIP FOR 3 AND A HALF WEEKS AND THE DEALER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING UNDER NORMAL OPERATING STANDARDS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.*AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 5, 200619,880 milesCA

VOLKSWAGEN 2004 TOUAREG SPORT UTILITY 4D HAS SERIOUS ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS RESULTING IN PREMATURE TIRE WEAR ON ALL 4 TIRES! FRONT 2 TIRES ARE DOWN TO METAL SHOWING WITH ONLY 19,880 MILES. CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED SERVICES AND ROTATIONS. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR WHILE DRIVING! ALSO, PRE-MATURE WEAR OF FRONT & BACK BRAKES & PADS DUE TO THE ALIGNMENT/TIRE PROBLEMS! CONDENSATION ON FRONT WINDSHIELD THAT DEFOGGER DOES NOT REMOVE. FUEL INJECTION RECALL THAT ON SERVICE BULLETIN STATED IT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF NOT FIXED! TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILURE, ESP FAILURE, COMPUTER SOFTWARE FAILURE! *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 25, 200614,685 milesMI

VW TOUAREG ENGINE PROBLEMS IN THE WINTER. I WILL SEND THE INFO AS VW DEALER REPAIR INFO AND ENGINE PROBLEMS WAS RECORDED ON TAPE/DVD. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 23, 200629,500 milesPA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE ACTED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, REGARDLESS OF THE POSITION OF THE SHIFTER. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN ANY POSITION INCLUDING PARK. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART, THE TRANSMISSION RE-ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIRS. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, FLASHED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, ENGINE CONTROL MODULE, AND DIFFERENTIAL CONTROL MODULE HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 07/25/06. *JB

Tires
Filed Apr 16, 2006FL

TIRES KEEP GETTING WORN OUT. *NM

Engine and Engine CoolingCrash
Filed Apr 9, 2006300 milesMI

I BROUGHT A VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THIS VEHICLE HAS A LOT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE AND ENGINE. SO I FILED A LEMON REQUEST. LAST MONTH, VW ASKED ME TO DROP THIS VEHICLE TO VW DEALER TO INVESTIGATE THE BRAKE PROBLEM. ON MARCH 23, THE VW EXPERT TEST DROVE MY TOUAREG AND HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE BRAKES FAILED. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT. *NM THE REAR WIPER MADE A CLICKING NOISE. UPDATED 05/04/06. *JB THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS UPDATED. UPDATED 06/01/06. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Apr 1, 200635,000 milesGA

CURRENTLY, VW HAS PUBLISHED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 27-05-01 AND 27-05-03 FOR THE TOUAREG RELATED TO BAD GROUND CONNECTIONS AT THE BATTERY AND A FAULTY BATCH OF GROUND/POSITIVE WIRES THAT RUN FROM THE GENERATOR TO THE BATTERY. HOWEVER, VW WILL ONLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE CAR GOES COMPLETELY DEAD, LEAVING THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS AT THE MERCY OF THE ENVIRONMENT THEY ARE STRANDED IN. AS THIS IS A SUV, THE ENVIRONMENT COULD BE ONE THAT POSES A THREAT TO THE WELL BEING OF THE OCCUPANTS. I HAVE OPENED CASE # 60111160 WITH VWOA AND EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS TO DWIGHT HARRISON VW IN SNELLVILLE, GA AND HAVE RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE......THE CAR HAS TO HAVE AN EXISTING NO-START CONDITION TO QUALIFY. *NM

Electrical System
Filed Mar 12, 2006VA

I TOOK DELIVERY OF MY 2004 VW TOUAREG ON 7-11-04. BY 9-9-04 IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. IT HAS BEEN IN 6 TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, 3 TIMES FOR THE AC, 3 TIMES FOR THE BATTERY, AND 1-2 TIMES FOR OTHER THINGS. TOMORROW, I WILL BE TAKING IT IN AGAIN FOR FURTHER A/C PROBLEMS, BRAKES THAT CATCH ON THEIR OWN WHILE IN DRIVE, INTERMITTENT FAULTY TRIGGERING OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM, AND A HOLE THAT I DISCOVERED ONLY DAY IN THE FIRE BLANKET UNDER THE HOOD. APPARENTLY THE ENGINE HEAT HAS BEEN BURNING A HOLE IN IT AND HAS BURNED AWAY A HOLE RIGHT THROUGH THE BLANKET TO THE HOOD ITSELF, BUT NOT THROUGH THE HOOD YET. THIS CAR HAS MEANT TIME LOST FROM WORK AND AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT IN THE SHOP AND PAYING FOR RENTAL CARS. THIS CAR IS A FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD. FAIRFAX COUNTY CONSUMER PROTECTION (ROY SEGER) HAD CONTACTED VW AS THIS CAR FALLS UNDER THE LEMON LAW. VW RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COMPLY, STATING THAT THEY HAD FIXED THE BATTERY. THEIR RESPONSE FAILED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE MULTITUDE OF OTHER PROBLEMS...AND NOW THIS. I HAVE NEVER FELT SO POWERLESS. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP?? *NM

Electrical System
Filed Feb 6, 200618,000 milesMA

MY VEHICLE, A 2004 VW TOUAREG LOOSES POWER, THE VOLT METER DROPS TO ZERO AND THEN THE TURN SIGNALS STOP WORKING. ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE DIM AND IF YOU SWITCH THE VEHICLE OFF, IT WILL NOT START AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVE A FEW HOURS EARLIER, WITH NO PROBLEMS. THIS HAS BEEN A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 5 OR MORE TIMES IN A 2 MONTH PERIOD. *JB

Structure
Filed Jan 31, 20065,000 milesMA

TWICE IN 18 MONTHS THE ENTIRE FRONT GRILL OF OUR 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOURAEG HAS FLOWN OFF THE CAR, CRASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD, AND THEN BOUNCED OFF THE TOP OF THE CAR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN BOTH CASES THE MOTORIST, AND IN ONE CASE MOTORCYCLIST HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID BEING HIT. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN SUMMER 2004. WE HAD IT REPAIRED AND VW ASSURED US IT WAS A FREAK INCIDENT, BUT IT OCCURRED AGAIN LAST SATURDAY. BOTH TIMES IT OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, BUT CERTAINLY NOT EXCESSIVELY. IT HAPPENED ONCE WHEN I WAS DRIVING, AND ONCE TO MY HUSBAND. THERE WAS NO WARNING AT ALL. THE GRILL DID NOT APPEAR TO BE LOOSE OR MAKING ANY RATTLING NOISES. WE FEEL VERY LUCKY THAT SERIOUS INJURY WAS AVOIDED, BUT ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A RECURRING DEFECT THAT WILL SOONER OR LATER LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE PEOPLE DRIVING BEHIND US IN PARTICULAR. *NM

Suspension › Front
Filed Jan 29, 2006CA

ALIGNMENT: SINCE ITS PURCHASE THE CAR WAS NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, AT THE 5,000 MILES, 10,000 MILES, AND 20,000 MILES SERVICES. IT WAS NOT FIXED AT ALL. THE REPAIR SHEET STATED THAT CAR WAS FIXED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S STANDARDS. AT THE 20,000 MILES SERVICE I REQUESTED THE CAR TO REPAIRED BEFORE I TAKE IT BACK. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT DUE TO THE UNEVEN TIRES THERE WAS NO WAY FOR THEM TO REPAIR THE ALIGNMENT, AND THAT THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT PROPERLY WAS TO REPLACE THE TIRES FIRST. I REPLACED THE TIRES AND BROUGHT THE CAR BACK. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP FOR THREE DAYS THE FIRST TIME. WHEN I TESTED THE CAR AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT WAS NOT FIXED. I TOOK IT BACK AND HAD A DISPUTE WITH THE TECHNICIAN. WHEN OTHER TECHNICIANS TESTED THE CAR THE DEALER DECIDED TO KEEP FOR REPAIR. THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO DAYS. WHEN IT WAS FINALLY DONE, THE CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. COMPUTER SYSTEM: LIGHTS AND SIGNALS PERIODICALLY STOP WORKING. GAS SENSOR PERIODICALLY STOPS WORKING FOR DAYS. CD PLAYER. PERIODICALLY SKIPS AND DOES NOT WORK. TRANSMISSION: PERIODIC JERKING WHEN SHIFTING TO LOWER SPEEDS. SCREECHING SOUND COMES FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE AFTER 20 -30 MINUTES OF DRIVING. TIRES WERE WORN OUT AFTER 10,000 MILES.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 26, 2006OH

VEHICLE HAS AN INCONSISTENT LACK OF THROTTLE RESPONSE. WHEN PRESSING ACCLERATOR YOU MAY GET A RESPONSE, A DELAYED RESPONSE OR NOTHING. PULLING FROM STOP SIGN WITH A SAFE DISTANCE OF ONCOMOING TRAFFIC VEHICLE HESITATED ALMOST CAUSING COLLISION. HAVE BEEN ALMOST REAR ENDED WHEN VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE AT STOP LIGHT.HAS BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES WITH NO RESOLUTION.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 9, 2006OH

2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG LOSS POWER OWN 3 OCCASIONS AT 780 MILES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK IN THE INTERMITTENT MODE, TIRE PRESSURING MONITORING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE TIRE PRESSURING MONITORING SYSTEM WAS GIVING A FALSE READING AS IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 22, 20054,000 milesMA

SEVERAL TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHERE THE ENGINE WOULD LOSE POWER AND WOULDN'T SHIFT. *JB

Steering
Filed Dec 10, 2005DE

ALIGNMENT ON 2004 VW TOUAREG IS HORRIBLE. TAKEN BACK AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED. TIRES ARE NOW SHOT BECAUSE OF THE ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. COMPUTER KEEPS BEEPING THAT THERE IS A FLAT TIRE WHEN THE AIR PRESSURE IS FINE WHEN CHECKED. TAKEN IN AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. SPEAKERS RATTLE AS IF THEY ARE BLOWN....ALSO....NEVER BEEN FIXED. *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Nov 7, 200515,000 milesNY

DOOR HANDLES STICK ON ALL FOUR DOORS. LAST YEAR, MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AS I WENT AROUND A CORNER, THE PASSENGER DOOR FLUNG OPEN AND MY HUSBAND ALMOST FELL OUT. LUCKILY HE WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT. THE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, THE DOOR HANDLES HAVE STARTED STICKING AGAIN. I HAVE TO PULL THE HANDLE AND LET IT GO QUICKLY TO LOOSEN THE HANDLE SO IT CLOSES FULLY. I NOTICED WITH 1000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE THAT THERE WAS A PULL IN THE FRONT END. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED TO BE ALIGNED. THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE ALIGNMENT, MY TIRES WERE COMPLETELY WORN TO THE TREAD BARS WITH 15,000 MILES ON ALL FOUR, THEY WERE CUPPED. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED 2 TIRES AND I PAID FOR 2 TIRES AND A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. *NM *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 27, 2005CT

2004 VW TOUAREG WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM. WHEN WIPER IS SET TO WIPE CONTINUOUSLY, WIPER STOPS WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A FULL STOP, AND WILL NOT BEGIN TO WIPE UNTIL VEHICLE EXCEEDS 5 MPH. DURING HEAVY RAINS, IT IS UNSAFE TO PROCEED TOO 5 MPH WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPER IS NOT WIPING. NO VISIBILITY IN HEAVY DOWNPOUR CONDITIONS, MUST PUT VEHICLE IN FORWARD MOTION TO WIPE AND SEE. ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. MANUFACTURER INDICATES THIS IS A "FEATURE" NOT DEFECT! *NM

Suspension
Filed Oct 27, 2005CA

CONSUMER VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT. *TS *** NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *SC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine1 injured
Filed Oct 26, 2005CA

OUR 2004 VW TOUAREG V-8 HAS THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS DESPITE FIVE TRIPS TO THE DEALER: I) HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION; II) PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT; AND III) SHIFTS ROUGHLY AT LOW SPEEDS. PAST PROBLEMS INCLUDE: IV) THE LATCH ON THE REAR DOOR BROKE, SUCH THAT IT CAME CRASHING DOWN ON MY WIFE'S HEAD; V) THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH WOULDN'T WORK; VI) THE CAR SHUDDERED BADLY WHEN YOU TRIED TO MAKE A TURN AT LOW SPEEDS (E.G., WHILE PARKING) AND VII) THE FLAT TIRE INDICATOR WENT ON EVEN THOUGH THE TIRE WAS NEITHER FLAT NOR LOW. WE HAVE AN ARBITRATION SCHEDULED FOR 11/9/05 UNDER CALIFORNIA'S LEMON LAW. *NM

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems
Filed Oct 25, 200545 milesCO

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. IT GAVE INCORRECT READINGS. THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED ON. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SIX TIMES. THE TIRE PRESSURE HAS BEEN CHECKED, AND THE MONITOR HAS BEEN RESET. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 21, 20051,900 milesVA

MY 2004 VW TOUAREG HAS HAD AN ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE SINCE PURCHASE IN JULY OF 2004 WITH REGARDS TO THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEED THE VEHICLE WILL OFTEN HESITATE WHILE RUNNING THE ENGINE RPMS UP TO 3000-4000 THEN DROP INTO GEAR AND LURCH FORWARD. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO ERRATICALLY SHIFTS FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AND OFTEN HESITATES FOR MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS BEFORE ENGAGING THIS CAUSES A DANGER WHEN MERGING WITH TRAFFIC OR CROSSING INTERSECTIONS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF NORTH AMERICA WITH NO RESOLUTION. *NM

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Oct 10, 200510,000 milesRI

MY 2004 V8 TOUAREG IS ABSOLUTELY THE BIGGEST LEMON EVER BUILT. IT HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR 11 FULL WEEKS THIS YEAR WITH A VARIETY OF ISSUES. THE TWO MOST SIGNIFICANT WHICH HAVE TAKEN VW 5 WEEKS EACH TO IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE ARE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONING AND THE PUMP TO CHANGE THE SUSPENSION HAS A LEAK. VW HAS BEEN COMPLETELY IN THE DARK ON THESE MAJOR PROBLEMS AND ONLY AFTER REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALER AND MANY DENIALS FROM VW DID THE ADMIT THAT THIS CAR IS AN OVER ENGINEERED AND POORLY BUILT CAR. *JB

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 6, 20055,000 milesWA

MY 2004 V6 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG FREQUENTLY STALLS AFTER THE ENGINE IS CRANKED. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN OCT 2004. AFTER CRANKING YOU CAN PRESS ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL BUT THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, IT WILL SPUTTER A LITTLE THEN MOVE THEN SPUTTER AGAIN THEN IT WILL DRIVE NORMALLY. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AND I AM CONCERNED THAT IT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF I START THE VEHICLE THEN PULL OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 28, 200516,000 milesAZ

CONSUMERS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ERRATIC SHIFTING. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP CAR WILL HESITATE AND JERK. *TS THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO ONLY OCCURE WHIL THE TRANSMISSION IS IN LOWER GEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DELER AT LEAST THREE TIMES BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE OR FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUEMR HAS ALSO CONTACTED TEHE MANUFCATURE BUT THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRE HAVE EXCESSIVE WEAR AT ONLY 16000 MILES. *NM

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg → · Every Touareg year → · How the figures are calculated →