2008 Volkswagen Touareg

Routine

Owners filed 56 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
91,000 milesMedian miles at failure

40 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System18
000
Engine6
012
Electrical System4
020
Unknown or Other2
000
Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems2
000
Suspension2
000
Structure › Body2
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
000
Seat Belts2
000
Power Train2
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline17V151000
Filed Mar 8, 201720,908 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.

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

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.

Structure › Body09V248000
Filed Jul 2, 200914,416 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc

Defect. VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 14,416 MY 2007-2009 TOUAREG VEHICLES. THE FASTENING STRUTS ON THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT WEDGES TO THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings08V035000
Filed Jan 28, 200896 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS CHANGED DURING PRODUCTION WHICH COULD LEAD TO INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTOR.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual07V285000
Filed Jun 25, 20073,100 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc

Defect. CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL IS MISSING THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS.

Risk. THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) TO WARN DRIVERS OF SIGNIFICANT UNDER-INFLATION OF TIRES AND THE RESULTING SAFETY PROBLEMS.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE SENT AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE REQUIRED TPMS INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

What owners reported

Newest filings
EngineFire1 injured
Filed Nov 26, 2024CA

I was driving the vehicle and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood I pulled over immediately and the whole engine compartment was on fire I tried to put fire but Fire department showed up and extinguish the fire, fire was due to a fuel leak

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 21, 2023OH

Protective coating on wires in the headlight and turn signal assemblies crumbled and disintegrated, causing all the lighting components and ballast for HID lights, light level adjusters and the fuses and relays to short out, sparks and potential fire hazard.

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2022TN

2008 Touareg 3.6L/V6 Intake Manifold/Valve Cover explosion.... March 2021, several incidents while driving vehicle would completely shut off/ loose power, with no prior warning or apparent cause, leaving driver at a total loss of steering control, as well as leaving vehicle completely disabled supposedly resulting from battery dying. Engine code scanner findings: several cylinders misfiring, possible timing chain, & (P0456) EVAP leak (among others). Repairs performed: 06/25/21 valve cover & battery replacement. Shortly after repairs noticed (never before seen) oil leak caused from recently repaired (faulty part) valve cover, which was then replaced again. (Jump ahead to present) July 14, 2022, upon attempted ignition, quickly noticed vehicle TRYING to turn over for several seconds without success, so turned key to off immediately heard an extremely loud "BOOM" followed by smoke bellowing out from under my hood/ engine. Popped hood to inspect the cause & discovered the valve cover had blown its top right off, exploded into several pieces, exposing valves to naked eye. Vehicle was then stranded, not starting, engine would not turn over. Had to have it towed to shop, awaiting update & information.

Suspension
Filed Jun 15, 2021IN

During the time that I drive this vehicle, I noticed from early times that the steering wheel is likely to shake after certain speed, likely around 70+. I have consulted many VW dealership but they couldn't figure out the problem. I did some research online and found a lot of people have experienced similar issue. And it is concluded that this is very likely a suspension problem. From many others' feedback, VW dealership cannot solve this problem, and even many after the VW changed a new Touareg for the customers for free, the new vehicle still have the same problem. Because this is really annoying, with this steering wheel shaking at high speed for the whole front body of the car, I think I should report this problem to let it be known, and hopefully VW can have some solution figured out, that all cars affected can be repaired, to prevent any accidents that this could lead to, and to let people be able to drive smoothly in their car in all speeds, just like every other models/brands of cars.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 29, 202078,000 milesNY

ON DECEMBER 28, 2020 I DETECTED THE DISTINCT ODOR OF GASOLINE OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF OUR 2008 VW TOUAREG WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY, NOT RUNNING. LATER WHILE DRIVING THE PUNGENT ODOR WAS ALSO DISCERNABLE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. A PICTURE OF THE TANK REFLECTS WETNESS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS MORNING DURING A CALL TO DONALDSON'S VW SERVICE, THEY RESPONDED THAT THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE REGARDING A FUEL LEAK, FOR WHICH A HISTORY OF RECALLS EXIST. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT A PRIOR RECALL SERVICE REQUIRES INCREMENTAL REMEDIATION? WHAT RECOURSE IS AVAILABLE TO HAVE A VW DEALER RESOLVE THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT AT VOLKSWAGEN'S EXPENSE? A BRIEF INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS PRECEDENT FOR VW TOUAREG FUEL LEAKS AFFECTING PRODUCTION YEARS 2004 THROUGH 2013 (AND POSSIBLY BEYOND THE SCOPE OF MY SEARCH). SAFETY RECALL 20AI (NHTSA: 17V583) - FUEL FILTER FLANGE LEAK CERTAIN 2004-2007 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG SAFETY RECALL 20Z4 (NHTSA: 17V151000) - FUEL PUMP FLANGE MAY CRACK CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE 2007 - 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG SAFETY RECALL 24BK (NHTSA: 15V019000) - FUEL LEAKAGE AFFECTING VARIOUS AUDI AND VW MODELS SPANNING 2011 - 2013 THANK YOU FOR YOUR INDULGENCE AND POTENTIAL ASSISTANCE!

Engine
Filed Nov 30, 2020113,659 milesCA

UPON STARTING THE ENGINE IN MY 2008 VW TOUAREG AS NORMAL TO LEAVE, THE ENGINE TURNED OVER TO START, BUT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS TURNING OVER LONGER THAN USUAL. I GRABBED MY KEY IN THE IGNITION TO TURN IT OFF. A FEW SECONDS LATER, I HEAR A LOUD POP, FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A FEW PUFFS OF WHITE SMOKE EMERGE. I OPEN THE HOOD AND SEE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD EXPLODED AND WAS IN PIECES.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 9, 2020165,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING, FIRST SIDE MARKER AND RIGHT SIDE TURN SIGNAL BEGAN TO FAIL, THEN WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHT FAILED. UPON INSPECTION ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE FAILED COMPONENTS, INSULATION WAS CRUMBLING & NON- EXISTENT. IMMEDIATELY CHECKED THE LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. SAME CONDITION OF WIRE INSULATION FALLING OFF WIRES, CAUSING SHORTING OUT OF COMPONENTS. REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHT HOUSING ASSEMBLY, BULBS, BALLASTS AND CONTROLLERS WAS REQUIRED TO OPERATE VEHICLE CONDITION. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP (PRESTON VW, BOARDMAN, OHIO), THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROPLEMS WITH THE TOUAREG RELATED TO WIRING OR THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. TOTAL COST TO REPLACE W OEM THROUGH ROCK AUTO AUTO PARTS (MOST COST EFFECTIVE) WAS TOTAL$1,314.82

Electrical System
Filed Jul 27, 202075,000 milesMS

INSULATION ON WIRES IN HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FALLS OFF WIRES CAUSING SHORTS AND DISABLES BOTH HEADLIGHTS CAUSING LOSS OF VISION AT NIGHT. THIS ALSO STOPS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. ALSO PLASTIC HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAZES AND SCRATCHES RESULTING IN POOR LIGHT BEFORE THE SHORTING WIRES DISABLE ALL HEADLIGHTS.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Apr 23, 2020198,000 milesAZ

APRIL 21, 2008, MY WIFE FINISHED HER JOB AND CALLED ME THAT SHE WILL BE HOME SOON. FEW MINUTES LATER I GOT THE CALL FROM HER TELLING ME THAT SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED TO OUR 2008 VW TOUAREG THAT THERE WAS A BIG EXPLOSION AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS VERY DISTURBED NOT KNOWING WHAT JUST HAD HAPPENED. I ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND NOTICED THAT HOOD HAD SOME DENTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I LIFTED THE HOOD AND SAW FUEL INTAKE MANIFOLD COMPLETELY DESTROYED. MY WIFE WAS SHAKING, PEOPLE FORM WORK WERE ASKING WHAT HAPPENED? I TOWED MY CAR TO VW SERVICE TO FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED THE EXPLOSION THEY COULD NOT PIN POINT WHAT REALLY CAUSED IT. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FIND OUT THAT THIS IS NOT THE ONLY TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. WHEN CALLING VW OF CANADA I WAS TOLD, BECAUSE THE CAR HAS NO WARRANTY THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. MY WIFE CRIED WHEN I ASKED HER TO GET HER STUFF FROM THE VEHICLE, BEFORE IT WAS TOWED AWAY. I DO NOT KNOW HOW WILL I PERSUADE HER TO DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN OR EVEN TO BUY ANOTHER VOLKSWAGEN. WE OWN A 2017 VW GOLF AS WELL. DO I WANT TO KEEP IT? I DO NOT THINK SO. MY FATE IN VW HAS DIMINISHED. I ALWAYS TOLD EVERYBODY THAT THIS IS A CAR FOR PEOPLE TO ENJOY. WAS I WRONG?

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Aug 29, 2019170,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SLID AND CRASHED INTO A FIRE TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FUTOS WRECKER SERVICE LOCATED AT 2050 LIDDELL DR NE, ATLANTA, GA 30324, (404) 874-5926. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 5, 2019FL

I DON'T BELIEVE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE, BUT THEY SAY IT WAS DONE NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT. I WOULD LIKE A INVESTIGATION WITHOUT ME HAVING TO PAY FOR IT SINCE MY VEHICLE DID NOT EXHIBIT THOSE SYMPTOMS OR CHARACTERISTICS PRIOR TO HAVING THE SERVICE RECALL DONE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 31, 2019130,000 milesFL

MY VEHICLE WAS "FIXED" UNDER THE RECALL FOR THE BUT STILL SMELLS LIKE GAS ALL AROUND. THEY TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 28, 20195 milesNJ

THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY 2008 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG HAVE BEEN BURNING THE BULBS AND GIVING ME MANY PROBLEMS TO CONDITION IN THE NIGHT YESTERDAY APRIL 26, 2019 THE HEADLIGHT BURNED LEFT I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT AND OPENED THE HOOD AND I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SMALL FLAME OF FIRE AND I TURN IT OFF AND WENT TO MY HOUSE WITHOUT LIGHTS WHEN I REMOVE THE HEADLIGHT I FIND THAT ALL THE CABLES ARE WITHOUT THE COVER THIS IS NOT SAFE FOR NOT BOBY I WANT TO KNOW WHERE I CAN GO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM

Suspension
Filed Apr 10, 2019121,296 milesNC

TAKATA RECALL. MY REAR DRIVESHAFT BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 8, 2019MN

WHY CAN'T MY MACHINES FIND EXHAUST SYSTEM PIPES FROM THE CATALYTIC TO THE BACK END?

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 4, 2019190,000 milesCA

WHEN I'M DRIVING AND ITS RAINING, WATER COMES POURING DOWN INTO THE VEHICLE, AND IT IS NOT COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. IT SEEMS TO BE LEAKING FROM THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT AREA ABOVE. ALSO THE PARKING BREAK LEVER BROKE OFF WHEN I TRIED TO RELEASE IT. WHEN I DID RELEASE THE BREAK WITH THE LEVER, IT DID NOT RELEASE IT. I HAD TO LITERALLY PULL ON THE PARKING BREAK PEDAL THAT RELEASES THE PARKING BREAK. THEREFORE, I CANNOT USE THE PARKING BREAK BY ANY MEANS.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2018160,000 milesMI

MY ISSUE STARTED OUT WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT BEING ON EVEN WHEN AN AVERAGE SIDE ADULT WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT ESCALATED TO AN AIRBAG FAULT WARNING LIGHT ON IN THE CONTROL PANEL. THIS LIGHT DOES NOT GO OFF. ANOTHER ISSUE STARTED WHEN I WOULD ENTER THE CAR AND THE DOOR SIGNAL WAS SUDDENLY LOUD AND ODD SOUNDING. THIS WENT ON FOR A WEEK OR SO THEN ALL OF THE SOUNDS IN THE CAR CEASED COMPLETELY. NO BLINKER SOUND, NO LIGHTS ON INDICATOR, NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, NO DOOR OPEN INDICATOR, AND NO PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR. LASTLY, WHILE PICKING MY DAUGHTER UP FROM COLLEGE, I FOLDED THE BACKSEAT DOWN IN ORDER TO FIT HER BAGGAGE. THE CENTER SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN THE DEFAULT POSITION. I AM UNABLE TO GET THE SEAT ALL THE WAY DOWN BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT IS LOCKED AND IT IS NOW SNUG AGAINST THE BACKSEAT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 8, 201868,000 milesKY

SMELLING GAS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF CAR NO LEAKS , WHEN PARKED AND DRIVING

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 23, 2018NC

TAKATA RECALL DRIVER SIDE FUEL FILTER FLANGE. STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CAR AND OUTSIDE AROUND THE CAR.

Air Bags
Filed May 12, 2018RI

THE DASHBOARD CONTROL CENTER SHOW THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FAILURE . THIS ISSUE HAPPENED IN 2014, AND 2015 , BUT WEREN'T REPORTED BY 2 VW DEALERS FROM MASSACHUSETTS . THIS WARNING SIGN IS ALWAYS ON . THE ACTUAL DEALER , WHO WAS DIAGNOSED TE ISSUE , CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DOESN'T PROPERLY WORK

20 of 56 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201724100Routine
201644200Routine
201524200Routine
201427220Routine
201330200Routine
201228200Routine
201116200Routine
201025110Routine
200919200Routine
2008 — this page56440Routine
20079300Routine
200637110Routine
200575200Routine
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: Mar 8, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.