2005 Volkswagen Touareg

Routine

Owners filed 75 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel and propulsion system. It has been recalled 2 times.

Avoid One of the Volkswagen Touareg years to avoid: 2.0× the complaints of a typical Touareg year. Which Volkswagen Touareg years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

58 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Volkswagen Touareg problems

13 of the 75 complaints (17%) are about the fuel and propulsion system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system13
000
Electrical System10
000
Air Bags · airbags6
000
Seat Belts5
000
Tires3
000
Steering3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission3
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system3
000
Engine3
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump17V583000
Filed Sep 20, 201773,941 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel filter flange for cracks, replacing the flange if cracks are found. If no cracks are found, a protective cover will be installed onto the filter flange. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Ai.

Seat Belts04V592000
Filed Dec 15, 200450,483 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION. THE BELT MAY DEACTIVATE THE ALR MODE WITH CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINTS.

Risk. WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THE CHILD RESTRAINTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES OR DEATH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY INSTALL A 'CLIP' IN EACH OF THE TWO REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS. THE CLIPS WILL PREVENT UNWANTED DEACTIVATION OF THE ALR MODE WITH CHILD SEAT INSTALLATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Apr 28, 2026CA

My OBD port cannot be read. It will not communicate, or I cannot communicate with the vehicle using any OBD reading software. Myself or my mechanic. This is a major safety concern due to several reasons. Most importantly, I'm being told that it can affect, or it's probably caused by, electrical problems that are well known on this particular model and year for this maker. Something's wrong with it, where it's either being shorted somewhere, or for whatever reason, because it's not communicating. It's caused the vehicle to shut off randomly, sometimes it will allow you to restart, and then sometimes it will not. And this is a cause of concern if and when I drive on the highway.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 23, 202499,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 31, 2023MN

Due to a leak in either the sunroof or the windshield water continuously drips down every time it rains onto the floorboard of the driver side of this vehicle, creating a sopping wet floor board that has 2 inches of water, which in turn soaks the whole electrical system for this vehicle. I mean the water continuously drips from the time you purchase this vehicle until forever I guarantee that anybody who has a v8 version of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg has a sopping wet driver, side floor board! The water never has a chance to dry, especially in colder climates Mine went into limp mode due to this electrical system, failing. VW MECHANICS told me I needed a whole new engine w! When I did my research and I found out that this is very common on this model, and if there are some wires that inevitably get corroded from all the water that ruins the electrical system underneath the driver side floor board, and therefore the wires become corroded and severed which creates a real problem for the electrical system to function

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 8, 2023CA

The issue explained in Recall Notice 20Ai has reappeared after being 'fixed'. Issue Summary: On certain vehicles, the fuel pump flange may develop fine cracks or fissures, which could result in a fuel leak. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Date of Recall Repair: 02/25/2019 Date of noticed failure: 08/07/2023 It has not been communicated that this part will continue to be a hazard, and I have now discovered that even when noted that this recall action has been completed, my vehicle has gasoline leaking into the passenger compartment via the same avenue as Recall 20Ai notes. This is highly concerning as all impacted VW Touaregs that were 'recalled' may still be at risk of vehicle fire or ignition.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 20, 2023CA

After doing major research with other owners of like year and model I have discovered that i'm not the only one that is experiencing headlight electronics or headlight electrical system within the headlight assembly frying the electrical wires, cracking the brittle wire coating and exposing many of the electrical wires together within the housing unit of the headlight Assembly. This caused many short circuits Headlights Shutting off at random times but most importantly shutting off at night on a dark highway. Depending on the bumps and bruises of the streets would cause the Wires to touch each other and short circuit. Although this is a 17-year-old vehicle but I've never experienced electrical components being degraded this much For like Like age of any vehicle.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 2, 2022MO

Gas leak (see pics). I started noticing a strong gasoline smell and my car keeps running out of gas almost immediately after filling up. This has not been inspected nor confirmed by a dealer. This is my only source of transportation and needs to be fixed ASAP. There is not a VW dealership where I live, the closest being in Mario, IL, or St. Louis, MO.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 1, 2021CA

My vehicle is leaking gas, I was told there is a recall on my vehicle so I took it into the volkswagen dealership where I was told that the recall only covers the driver side leak but not the passenger side leak which makes absolutely no sense. Because when I drive off of the service lot the problem still exists which means I could be blown up or cause injury of fire. This recall should cover ALL aspects of the fuel leak! Not just one side! Making customers pay for this is disgusting! I am a single mom and don't have an extra $600 to spend on an issue that should have been corrected by the manufacturer.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 28, 201975,000 milesCA

PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH SHOWS AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. WATER COMES FROM BEHIND DASHBOARD ONTO DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD WHEN TURNING WHILE DRIVING LIKELY CAUSE BY CLOGGED AC DRAINS BEHIND WHEEL WELLS. FUEL PUMP PREMATURE FAILURE, AFTER REFUELING. HEADLINER FALLING FROM CEILING ON TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WEATHER WAS HOT AND HUMID.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 13, 201925 milesCA

I TOOK MY SUV TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A FUEL PUMP RECALL, ABOUT 3,000 MILES AFTER MY SUV IS CAUSING PROBLEMS LIKE START BUT TURN OFF WITHIN 40 SECONDS. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND HE SAYS IS THE FUEL PUMP. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY ARE KIND OF UNRESPONSIVE...NO ADVISORS AVAILABLE, NO RETURNED CALLS (VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH COAST SANTA ANA CA).

Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2018128,000 milesFL

WHEN I GET GAS FOR MY TOUAREG 2005 I'LL SHUT THE SUV OFF POP OPEN THE FUEL BOX DOOR AND PUT THE GAS IN THEN AS I PUT CAP BACK ON SHUT DOOR GET IN THE SUV I TRY TO START THE SUV BUT IT SEEMS AS IF THE CARS EITHER OUT OF GAS OR BATTERY HAS DIED SO AFTER THE FIRST LIKE SAY 4-6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING TO ME I TRIED TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING AS I PUT THE GAS IN THE SUV IN HOPES OF IT STILL REMAIN ON AND RUNNING BUT SURE ENOUGH THE SUVS BATTERY LIGHT WILL POP ON AND THE CAR WILL LOSE LIFE BUT THE LIGHTS AND STUFF STILL REMAIN ON BUT NO DRIVING HAPPENING SO I'D HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF THEN TRY AND START IT UP AGAIN BUT AS I TURN THE KEY I'LL HAVE TO PUMP THE GAS PEDDLE A BUNCH TO CATCH THE FLOW I GUESS

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 2018104,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EACH TIME IT RAINED, WATER ACCUMULATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT LATER CALLED STONE MOUNTAIN VOLKSWAGEN AT (678) 367-4286 (LOCATED AT 3500 STONE MOUNTAIN HWY, SNELLVILLE, GA 30078) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 5, 2018139,000 milesCA

OVERALL LIFE OF CAR HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MAJORITY OF THE HOSES IN THE ENGINE, THE FUEL LINE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE LEAVOR-3 TIMES, THE HORN ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE. AND WITH THE RECALL THE GAS FLANGE - CRACKING. THE PRODUCT VW USES IN THIS VEHICLE IS INFERIOR- PLASTIC EXPANDS WHEN HOT AND CONTRACTS WHEN COLD= CRACKING. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL OF THE GAS FLANGE OR WHATEVER ELSE IS RELATED TO THE GAS BEFORE ANYONE IN MY FAMILY OR OTHERS DIE. OR MY CAS GOES UP INTO FLAMES CAUSING SEVERE TRAUMA- ESPECIALLY BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. WE HAVE PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR COSTS IN THIS VEHICLE THAT VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT HELP - THE ENTIRE ENTERRIER PLASTIC COATING TO THE VEHICLE HAS MELTED - THE DRIVERS SIDE VISITOR HANGS AS THE SPRING ACTION OR WHAT EVER IT'S CALLED IS BROKEN. WE HAVE OWNED MANY CARS, FORDS, TOYOTA'S, HONDA'S AND SEVERAL VWS. THE TOUAREG AND ALL OF PRIMARY SAFETY FEATURES SHOULD ALWAYS FUNCTION SAFELY-THE GAS ISSUE IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY BE A RECALL TO SAVE LIVES!

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Jun 21, 2018CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V583000. (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER (PERRY VOLKSWAGEN, 12200 LOS OSOS VALLEY RD, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93405, 805-544-5200) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Apr 19, 2018NV

2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE RECALL. *JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 21, 2018WA

IN JUNE 2017, I NOTICED FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ON JULY 1, 2017, I INSPECTED THE ISSUE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE WAS DAMAGED AND LEAKING FUEL (FUMES) CLOSE TO ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND UNDER THE SEAT WHERE MY SON SITS. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED PHOTO. I ORDERED THE RETAINER RINGS AND GASKETS (BOTH SIDES) FROM A VW DEALERSHIP. ON JULY 14, 2017, I ORDERED TA NEW FUEL FILTER FLANGE FROM A SELLER ON EBAY THAT SPECIALIZES IN NEW VW PARTS. THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE WAS NEW AND MANUFACTURED BY VDO (CONTINENTAL). I INSTALLED ALL THE PARTS TOWARDS THE END OF JULY 2017 AND THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM. I ACTUALLY REPLACED BOTH SIDES (DRIVER & PASSENGER) BECAUSE BOTH SIDES ARE A PROBLEM. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT I WASN'T OR SHOULDN'T HAVE WAITED UNTIL THE RECALL NOTICE. THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY FLAW AND NEEDED TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE A GOOD KNOWLEDGE IN MECHANICS AND CAPABLE TO PERFORM MOST REPAIRS. I DIDN'T DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I RECEIVED THE PARTS AND FIXED THE ISSUE. I SUBMITTED MY RECEIPTS FOR REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THE RECALL. PLEASE SEE THE LETTER FROM VW DENYING ANY REIMBURSEMENT. THEY CLAIM THAT MY PARTS WERE NOT NEW AND NOT VW APPROVED PARTS. THE RETAINER RING & GASKET WAS PURCHASED BY A VW DEALERSHIP AND THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE WAS NEW AND MANUFACTURED BY VDO, WHICH IS THE OE COMPANY THAT MAKES THEM FOR VW. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA IS CLEARLY NOT TAKING THIS ISSUE SERIOUS AND DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF ITS CONSUMERS. THEY ARE DENYING CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMEN

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 5, 2018NC

VEHICLE CABIN COULD SMELL GAS, FACTORY ISSUED LETTER TO US WITH RECALL AND FREE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT, BUT AFTER CONTACT VW DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO REPAIR IT FOR FREE, QUOTE 480 DOLLARS FOR FIXING THIS RECALL ISSUE.

Steering
Filed Nov 20, 201795,000 milesCA

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING DEVICE DOES NOT BLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL ANY MORE AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND REMOVING THE KEY IGNITION LOCK. INSTEAD WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A PRONOUNCED RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. THE WHEEL LOCKING MECHANISM DOES NOT WORK.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 20, 2017100,000 milesCA

GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE TANK RUNS OVER THE RIGHT-SIDE EXHAUST TUBES TO THE GROUND. THE FLOW OF THE FUEL LEAKAGE IS VERY HIGH AT A DROP-RATE OF MORE THAN ONE DROP PER SECOND WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED AND THE ENGINE RUNNING AT IDLE SPEED. ONCE THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF THE LEAKAGE STOPS WITHIN SHORT TIME. I GOT AWARE OF THE DEFECT DUE TO THE STRONG GASOLINE SMELL AFTER STOPPING AND GETTING OFF THE VEHICLE. I INVESTIGATED AND SAW GASOLINE DROPPING TO THE GROUND BETWEEN THE REAR WHEELS. THE FACT THAT THE FUEL IS RUNNING OVER THE EXHAUST TUBE MADE ME GROUND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY FOR SAFETY REASONS. ALTHOUGH I NEED THIS VEHICLE I DECIDED TO KEEP IT GROUNDED DUE TO THE HIGH RISK THAT THE GASOLINE GETS IGNITED BY THE HOT EXHAUST TUBE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 26, 2017115,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE, MOSTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V151000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 5, 2017102,000 milesWI

FUEL LEAKING AT FUEL PUMP FLANGE. STRONG FUEL VAPOR ODOR IN THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 11, 2017115,000 milesCT

I WENT IN VACATION AND LEFT MY CAR PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE WINDOWS UP AND DOORS LOCKED.WHEN I CAME BACK TO MY CAR THE ADHESIVE/GLUE MUST HAVE MELTED DUE TO THE HEAT OUTSIDE THE CAR CAUSED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO DETACH FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND IT IS NOW DANGLING BY THE WIRES FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR/WINDSHIELD

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 17, 201777,000 milesFL

THE TOP OF THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL. THIS HOUSING IS UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CRACKS WEREN'T RELATED TO USAGE OF THE VEHICLE OR AN ACCIDENT. IT APPEARS TO BE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF THE PLASTIC. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY VW RECALL 20Z4 OR NHTSA REFERENCE #17V151000. HOWEVER THOSE ONLY COVER VEHICLES BACK TO 2007.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 20, 2016110,000 milesAZ

SMALL CRACKS DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE ON THE FUEL TANK RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKING OUT WHEN THE DRIVERS DOOR WAS OPENED OR WHEN THE CAR WAS RUNNING. THIS RESULTED IN LARGE AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE LEAKING ONTO MY GARAGE FLOOR. THE FLANGE WAS REPLACED. THIS IS AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM THAT IS BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE AUDI Q7 WHICH HAS THE IDENTICAL VW PART NUMBER FOR THE AFFECTED PART. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THAT PROBLEM IS 16V60000 IF YOU HAVE A TOUAREG, PORSCHE CAYENNE, OR AUDI Q7 (THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PART) AND YOU SMELL GASOLINE, DO NOT OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR. DOING SO PRIMES THE FUEL SYSTEM PUTTING THE FLANGE UNDER PRESSURE CAUSING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL TO LEAK OUT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 2015104,098 milesVA

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 VW TOUAREG WHICH RECENTLY HAD THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COME ON AND STAY ON. I TOOK THE TOUAREG TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WHERE I WAS CHARGED $104.48 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST PROVIDED THE STORED FAULT CODE OF 01218, FRONT SIDE PASSENGER AIRBAG IGNITOR UPPER LIMIT EXCEEDED, THUS RECOMMENDING REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS FOR $320.00 ESTIMATE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT VW ADDRESSED WITH THE NHTSA BY A TOUAREG SERVICE PACK/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN IN LATE DECEMBER 2006 WHERE VVV REPLACED THE SUBJECT DEFECTIVE HARNESSES AT NO EXPENSE TO TOUAREG OWNERS. THE VW ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT ACCORDING TO THE VEHICLE RECORDS THIS REPLACEMENT WAS NOT PERFORMED ON MY TOUAREG. PLEASE ADVISE WHY THIS DEFECTIVE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS WAS NOT REPLACED DURING THIS CAMPAIGN. BASED UPON MY CONCERN AS A SAFETY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, AND MY REVIEW OF THE INFORMATION AND FILES AVAILABLE FROM NHTSA CONCERNING THE PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION OF THIS PROBLEM IN 2006, I BELIEVE THAT VWS FAILURE TO CONTINUE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY NHTSA FOR CONSIDERATION OF REOPENING OF THIS INVESTIGATION. AS STATED IN THE ODI RESUME FOR INVESTIGATION: PE 06-022, SUBJECT: SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION, .THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I EXPECT NHTSA WILL REQUEST DATA FROM VW ON HOW MANY VW TOUAREGS HAVE REPORTED, OR BEEN DIAGNOS

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 25, 201592,000 milesIL

TRIED TO BUCKLE UP ONE OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS AND BUCKLE PLASTIC HOUSING BROKE. THE DEALER FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT A SEAT BELT MECHANISM SHOULD NEVER FAIL. INSTEAD, THE DEALER SAID I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA TO REPORT THIS CONCERN AND ASKED THEM TO COVER FOR THIS REPAIR. THEY DECLINED TO COVER THIS REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE.

Engine
Filed Apr 17, 20151,500 milesUT

THE VEHICLE HAS AN ANNOYING PROCLIVITY TO HESITATE (SOMETIMES FOR AS LONG AS 3 OR 4 SECONDS) BETWEEN THE TIME THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND THE TIME THE ENGINE RESPONDS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES (E.G., CROSSING A LANE OF HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC) THE DELAY COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS AND EVEN FATAL. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE IT WAS NEW, AND IT HAPPENS ONLY WHEN DECELERATING, NOT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. WE TRADED IN A 2004 TOUAREG V8 THAT WE HAD PURCHASED USED WITH 30K MILES BECAUSE OF THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM, THINKING THAT THE DEFECT WOULD HAVE CORRECTED ON THE NEWER VEHICLE. THE 2005 TOUAREG V8 WAS PURCHASED NEW FOR $55,000 PLUS TAX AND LICENSE. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 32,180 MILES ON IT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 13, 201574,218 milesNJ

BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD NOT OPERATE IN LOW BEAM MODE. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTED THAT THE INSULATION FOR THE WIRING INSIDE EACH HEADLIGHT UNIT WAS BRITTLE, CRACKED AND IN SOME CASES THE INSULATION HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OFF. THIS CAUSED BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO GROUND OUT AND FAIL, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2015108,000 milesCA

IT'S NOT LETTING ME SELECT ANY PARTS THERE IS A GLITCH IN THIS WEBSITE. IT IS MY ENTIRE WIRING SYSTEM! HAS COST US 100S OF DOLLARS! *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 16, 201470,000 milesCT

THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ALL OVER THE WEB YET VW AND TO DATE THE NHTSA REFUSE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. MAYBE THERE IS A REQUIREMENT THAT AT LEAST 13 PEOPLE DIE (GM) BEFORE ANYONE DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT. PROBLEM IS WITH TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSES CAR TO JOLT FORWARD AS IF IT IS GETTING RAMMED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL, WHIP LASH, REAR ENDING, ETC... *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 18, 2014141,323 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE READING. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK LEAKED GASOLINE CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,323.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 4, 201480,000 milesCA

AIR BAG DEFAULT LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY DURING A CRASH. THE OTHER PROBLEM WITH THIS IS IF ONE AIR BAG IS INDICATED NONE OF THE AIR BAGS WILL DEPLOY IN A CRASH. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE WHICH VOLKSWAGEN HAS KNOWN ABOUT, BECAUSE IN 2005 IT WAS FOUND THAT THE AIR BAG CONNECTION PLUG LOCATED UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS TO SHORT AND WOULD COME DISCONNECTED CAUSING THE DEFAULT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO COME. I BELIEVE IN 2005 A FLASH PROGRAM WAS ISSUED FOR ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAGS, THE FLASH PROGRAM WAS TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED INTO THE IGNITION AND THE PASSENGER SEAT IS MOVED WITHIN 10 SECONDS AFTER THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION THIS WOULD CAUSE THE DEFAULT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. BEFORE A MASS COMPLAINT COULD COME OUT VOLKSWAGEN DROP THE FLASH PROGRAMMING AND LEFT IT UP TO THE CONSUMER TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP WITH MY VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP WHOM I BROUGHT THE TRUCK FROM AND CONTINUE TO HAVE ALL MAINTENANCE DONE BY THEM, THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THE SENSOR HAS TO BE REPLACED, AND THIS WILL COST BIG BUCKS FOR THE CONSUMER BECAUSE OF A BAD DESIGNED PRODUCT. THIS PROBLEM MANIFESTED AFTER THE ALARM SIREN STARTED TO GO OUT, AND TO FIND OUT LATER THAT THE ALARM SIREN HAS RECHARGEABLE WATCH TYPE BATTERIES, WHICH GOES BAD AND LEAKS ACID THEN CORRODES CAUSING SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ARE CHARGED BY THE CARS BATTERY. THIS POOR DESIGN WILL CAUSE YOU T

Power Train
Filed Jul 18, 201350,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE CONTACT'S WARRANTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED RECENTLY AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED LESS THAN 30,000 MILES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

Engine
Filed Jun 18, 2013110,000 milesCA

SIGN CONSISTENTLY APPEARS SAYING "OIL PRESSURE PROBLEM STOP ENGINE NOW" ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU TRY TO EXIT THE FREEWAY. ACCORDING TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, THIS COULD DAMAGE THE ENGINE BEYOND REPAIR. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT THAT IS HAPPENING TO MANY VOLKSWAGEN BRANDS. THIS IS SOMETHING VOLKSWAGEN KNEW ABOUT AND SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. VOLKSWAGEN CORPORATION SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND FIX IT WITHOUT CURRENT OWNERS SUFFERING FOR IT. LET ME ADD THAT I HAVE CHANGED THE SWITCH, FLUSHED ENGINE, CHANGED OIL, CHANGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CHANGED OIL PUMP THAT CONNECTS THE OIL PAN WITH THE ENGINE, THE PROBLEM WOULD STOP FOR A WHILE AND COMES BACK AGAIN. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 20, 201350,000 milesCA

SMELL OF GAS AFTER REFUELING -- APPARENTLY SIMILAR TO MERCEDE BENZ --DEALER REPORTS THE GASKETS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK HAVE FAILED FOR A REPAIR COST OF $8-900.00: WATER COOLED ALTERNATOR FAILURE REQUIRING $8-900.00

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 28, 201279,000 milesVA

VEHICLE HAS BEEN EMITTING AN ODOR OF GAS FOR SOME TIME. UPON INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE FUEL FILTER (ACCESSED UNDER THE REAR SEAT BUT PART OF THE FUEL TANK) HAD A 1/8" CRACK IN THE TOP OF THE FILTER ASSEMBLY. THIS CRACK WOULD LEAK GASOLINE WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE STOPPED (LIKELY DUE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM STILL BEING PRESSURIZED). LEAKED GASOLINE WAS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK OBSERVED THROUGH TWO PORTS UNDER THE REAR BENCH SEAT. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON A POPULAR TOUAREG WEBSITE AND FOUND THAT 1 OR 2 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I SUSPECT THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT HAS BEEN LEAKED. AND OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED A LEAK EMANATING FROM THE SAME LOCATION. *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 19, 2012103,249 milesNY

THE STEERING LOCK AND WAS UNABLE TO OPEN OR MOVE. *TR

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jul 2, 201293,522 milesNJ

SUN ROOF GLASS EXPLODED ON ITS OWN. NO REASON FOUND. VW SAYS PART IS NOT AVAILABLE... ANYWHERE. GLASS IS TEMPERED: MILLIONS OF SHARP FRAGMENTS ALL OVER INTERIOR AND DRIVER. LAMINATED GLASS WOULD BE A WISER DESIGN. *JS

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 14, 201293,700 milesID

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MIDDLE ROW SEAT WAS RECLINED FOR UTILIZATION OF THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE SEAT BACK INTO AN UPRIGHT POSITION, BUT THE SEAT WOULD NOT BUDGE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH WAS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE SEAT TO BE RETURNED UPRIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V592000 (SEAT BELTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 14, 201293,900 milesOH

I MANUALLY LOWERED THE REAR SEAT BACK TO ALLOW INCREASED CARGO AREA. AFTER REMOVING THE CARGO, I COULD NOT RAISE THE REAR SEAT BACK TO IT'S UPRIGHT POSITION. THE CENTER SEAT BELT HAD LOCKED IT SELF IN A WAY HOLDING THE SEAT BACK DOWN NOT ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO BE RAISED TO AN UPRIGHT POSITION. A RECALL WAS ISSUED 3-28-2005 REGARDING THIS DANGEROUS SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION PROBLEM EFFECTING 50483 VEHICLES BUT FELL SHORT IN FAILING TO INCLUDE THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT IN THE RECALL. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER ARE LEGALLY OBLIGED TO FIX THIS SITUATION AT THEIR COST. AT THIS TIME MY ONLY OPTION IS TO PAY THE DEALER TO UN-BOLT ALL THREE REAR SEAT BELTS FROM THE FRAME, REMOVE AND DISASSEMBLE THE ENTIRE REAR SEAT, REMOVE THE CENTER SEAT BELT FROM INSIDE THE SEAT BACK, INSTALL A NEW AND WORKING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY AND FINALLY, PUT THE CAR BACK TOGETHER ALL TO THE TUNE OF THEIR HOURLY RATE PLUS PARTS. IN THE MEAN TIME, MY 5 PASSENGER CAR IS A 2 PASSENGER CAR. HOPE TO HAVE A RESPONSE SOON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS FRUSTRATING SITUATION.

Steering › Column
Filed Feb 23, 2012GA

2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER STATES WHEN HE INSERTS THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE, IT DOES NOT START. THE CONSUMER STATED IF HE REMOVED THE KEY, PRESSED THE LOCK BUTTON AND THEN THE UNLOCK THE BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB, THEN TRY AGAIN, THE VEHICLE GENERALLY STARTED UP. WHEN THE VEHICLE DID NOT START, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TOWED, AS THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 12 TIMES TO CORRECT THE SAME ISSUE. TO DATE, THE ACCESS/START MODULE WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE J519 VEHICLE ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT AND BATTERY WERE ALSO REPLACED. *JB

Structure
Filed Sep 1, 201178,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR SPOILER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 201024 milesWA

AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. STARTED WHEN FIRST PURCHASED. 64 MILES 2-24-05 AND SAID THAT 2 WIRES WERE REPAIRED INVOICE 913036. INVOICE 962683 ON 8-14-07 LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN WITH A DESCRIPTION OF DRIVER/PASS SIDE AIRBAGS AND REPLACE PASS SIDE WIRING 1660 WV03 (RECALL) MILEAGE 37233. 5-24-2010 INV 663865 AIR BAG LIGHT ON AGAIN, WENT TO FOREIGN AUTO SHOP IN WENATCHEE TO HAVE CHECKED OUT. DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG HAS IGNITER PROBLEM WITH INTERMITTENT SIGNAL LOSS. 7-6-2010 MILEAGE 60364 AIR BAG LIGHT ON AGAIN INVOICE 663865. INVOICE STATES THAT THEY DID NOT HEAR FROM VW ON HELP FOR AIR BAG LIGHT, NO FURTHER WORK AT THIS TIME ALTHOUGH THEY DID RESET THE LIGHT AND NOT PUT IT ON THE INVOICE. WHEN QUERIED ON WHAT HAD HAPPENED OR WHY IT WAS RESET THEY WOULD GIVE NO INDICATION OR WHETHER THE AIR BAGS WOULD WORK OR NOT. THIS IS BECOMING WORRISOME AS I HAVE HEARD THAT WHEN THE LIGHT COMES ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DOESN'T FUNCTION. I KNOW THAT IF THIS WAS A SEAT BELT THE PROBLEM WOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED LONG AGO BUT SINCE IT IS A AIRBAG IT ISN'T THEIR PROBLEM. ARE NOT THE AIRBAGS IN A CAR DESIGNED TO WORK WITH THE SEAT BELTS IN PREVENTING INJURIES AND ARE THEY NOT ALSO A INTEGRAL PART OF THE SAFETY DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. IF SO SINCE WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR IS IT SO HARD TO IT FIXED AS IT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED THAT WE HAD THE PROBLEM SINCE WE PURCHASED THIS CAR. *TR

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Aug 24, 201074,217 milesWI

HEARD THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE AND I PULLED OVER THINKING I HAD A FLAT TIRE. GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND LOOKED UNDER CAR DID NOT SEE ANYTHING HANGING AND DID NOT HAVE A FLAT TIRE. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I ACCELERATE AND IT TAKES ME AWHILE TO GET MY VEHICLE GOING. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS MY DRIVESHAFT THAT WAS MAKING THIS NOISE. IT WAS MY BEARING THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACE BUT THEY DO NOT SELL IT SEPARATE, I HAVE TO BUY A BRAND NEW DRIVESHAFT. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN IT DONE BECAUSE WARRANTY HAVE EXPIRED AND I DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO GET IT FIX RIGHT NOW. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 27, 201097,000 milesVA

WHEN LAYING THE REAR SEAT DOWN IN MY 2005 VW TOUAREG, THE SEAT BELT BECOMES LOCKED IN PLACE, PREVENTING THE MIDDLE SEAT FROM COMING BACK UP. HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR FIX AND EVEN REPLACED THE SEAT BELT 15 MONTHS AGO AND THE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TWICE SINCE THEN, THE ONLY TWO TIMES WE LOWERED THE REAR SEAT. THE DEALER UNBOLTED THE SEAT BELT, SO I COULD DRIVE IT UNTIL WE GOT A RESOLUTION ON THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BELT. I CALLED VW TO LOG A COMPLAINT AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIXING IS MINE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD BE MORE PRO-ACTIVE ON FIXING RATHER THAN PASSING THE COST ON TO THE CONSUMER. ALSO, LOOKED ON A TOUREG FORUM SITE AND THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 12, 201011,000 milesME

I HAVE A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS AND OR PROBLEMS AND RE-CALLS SINCE DAY ONE. BUT MY BIGGEST PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE STEPPER MOTOR PROBLEM WHICH HAS BEEN TEARING MY TIRES TO THREADS. SINCE DAY ONE WE HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE VW DEALER AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE TIRES SKIPPING AND CHUGGING ON THE PAVEMENT AS YOU TURN AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS IS APPARENTLY FROM WHAT I FOUND OUT TO BE CAUSED BY THIS STEPPER MOTOR. BUT I DID NOT FIND THAT OUT THROUGH ANY OF THE SERVICE PEOPLE OR MECHANICS FROM VW DEALERSHIPS. APPARENTLY THERE IS A SIMPLE FIX OF SOME SOFTWARE UPDATE. BUT NO DEALERSHIPS HAVE A WORKING CD FOR THIS SO-CALLED SOFTWARE UPDATE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND I DO NOT USE IT OFTEN AS I CANT AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING MY TIRES. THE SKIPPING OF THE TIRES WHEN U TURN IS CUPPING THEM AND MAKING THE TIRES VERY LOUD WHILE YOU DRIVE. ALL I HAVE BEEN TOLD FROM VW DEALERS FROM NEW JERSEY TO MAINE IS THAT THIS VEHICLE IS SUPPOSE TO DO THAT. THAT'S WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW. IT WASN'T TILL I JOINED A CLUB CALLED CLUB TOUAREG THAT I THEN FOUND ALL THIS INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 VW TOUAREG. I ALSO HAVE THIS VEHICLE ALIGNED EVERY 2-3 EVEN 4 TIMES A YEAR BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MY THOUGHT ARE THAT THIS IS A VERY UN SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE AND SOMEONE NEEDS TO STAND UP AND HELP US CONSUMERS OUT. HOW CAN A VEHICLE MANUFACTURE BE ABLE TO PRODUCE AND SELL A VEHICLE WITH THIS AMOUN

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed May 28, 201070,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE A DEFECT WAS FOUND IN THE DRIVESHAFT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO CONFIRMED THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE FAILURE BUT WOULD PROVIDE NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION VALVES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 201074,000 milesVA

I HAVE A 2005 TOUAREG WITH 74,000 MILES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVE SHAFT AFTER BECAUSE OF A FAULTY BALL BEARING WHICH PRODUCED A HIGH PITCHED NOISE. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 2, 2010CA

I HAVE 2005 VW TOUAREG. THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP AND JAMMED WHEN I FLIPPED THE REAR SEAT DOWN TO LOAD THINGS INTO THE TRUNK. THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT IS BY CUTTING THE ENTIRE SEATBELT IN ORDER TO PUT THE SEAT BACK UP. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE HAD TO REPAIR THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT, HOWEVER IT ISN'T THE FIRST TIME I'VE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SEAT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 9, 201052,000 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE HEADLIGHTS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 6 TO 8 TIMES AND WHEN THE DEALER PERFORMED THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST, NO CODES WERE PRODUCED. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE DEFECT BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER 2010 FREE OF CHARGE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 4, 200930,000 milesOH

THIS 2005 TOUAREG HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS SINCE I GOT. FIRST IT WAS ALWAYS THE HEADLIGHTS THAT GAVE ME TROUBLE, THEN THE TIRES WORE OUT WAY BEFORE THE TIME, THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED ALL THE WAY AROUND AT ABOUT 30,000, NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OR JUMPING , THE COATING ON THE DOOR AND ON THE HEATING VENTS IS PEELING OFF, I HAD TO HAVE THE LOCK ON THE DOOR FIXED CAUSE THAT NEVER WORKED. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM SINCE I GOT IT AND I FEEL LIKE IT IS A LEMON. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 75, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201724100Routine
201645200Routine
201524200Routine
201427220Routine
201330200Routine
201228200Routine
201116200Routine
201025110Routine
200919200Routine
200856440Routine
20079300Routine
200637110Routine
2005 — this page75200Routine
2004231450Above average

Compare every Touareg year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 20, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.