Engine
3.2L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 229 of 231 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 144 of 231 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
52 complaint records4 fire reports
"THE ELECTRONIC SAFETY PROGRAM MODULE MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
51 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"TRANSMISSION JUMPS, LUNGES, HAS DONE THIS SINCE 2009. THE DEALER STATES IT NEEDS REPLACING. SHOULD BE REPLACED BY VOLKSWAGEN...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Tires
38 complaint records2 fire reports
"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..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE06022 opened Jun 2006 | closed Oct 2006 | Air Bags | SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION MY 2004-05 (TO 11/2004) TOUAREG VEHICLES HAVE A POTENTIALLY FAULTY/LOOSE SIDE AIR BAG WIRING CONNECTOR THAT CAN CAUSE THE WIRING CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TO EXCEED THE DESIGN LIMIT AND ILLUMINATE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG LIGHT.ON 02/2005, VW... |
| PE05042 opened Aug 2005 | closed Dec 2005 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MALFUNCTION VW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) DATED JUNE 10, 2005, DESCRIBING A CONDITION OF EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE STICKS IN THE OPENED POSITION AFTER THE DOOR IS OPENED.VW DESCRIBED THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM TO BE A POTENTIAL FOR INCREASED FRICTION BETWEEN THE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17V583000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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. | Normally free |
| 04V592000 | Seat Belts | CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. | Normally free |
| 04V233000 | Seat Belts | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENTLY RIVETED. | Normally free |
| 03V266000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED DURING ASSEMBLY. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017458 2017-09-20 | Fuel System | 4,170 | 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. |
| 2004259 2004-07-21 | Label | 882 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120. The tire pressure label, located on the driver's side B-pillar, does not indicate the vehicle GVWR and GAWR or the recommended wheel rim size. |
| 2004187 2004-06-07 | Other | 2,872 | Certain Volkswagen Phaeton, Touareg, and Audi A8L vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114. The steering wheel does not lock when the key is removed from the ignition switch using the optionally provided override device... |
| 2004163 2004-05-17 | Seats And Restraints | 1,684 | On certain vehicles, the rear seat safety belt latch attachment bolt may be insufficiently riveted, which could result in a reduced capability of the belt latch to withstand the applied loads. |
| 2003177 2003-07-29 | Electrical | 63 | On certain vehicles, improperly routed Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) wiring harness may contact the parking brake cable spring. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V171901201285565 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards | |
| V171901201285562 May 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V171901201285560 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V941901201152119 Dec 2022 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2023. | |
| V271901201189422 Dec 2022 | Electrical System | Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A002155201173212 Dec 2021 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates. | |
| QT Trailer Mar 2021 | Trailer Hitches | Information on the location of trailer brake controller connector and adapter harness creation. | |
| V871806201994714 May 2020 | Equipment | Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A | |
| V941901201152115 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Updated to include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| VOS-20-11 Mar 2020 | Unknown Or Other | This document outlines updates to the ODIS diagnostic software. Updates include corrected diagnostic test plans for the stated vehicles. | |
| V011812_2014603 Dec 2019 | Electrical System | Update model applicability to MY 2020. | |
| V171901_2012855 Nov 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. | |
| V871806_2019947 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Include new special tool adapter and 2018 model year Jetta only | |
| V871811_2043893 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Update to mode; and model year applicability. | |
| V171901_2012855 Oct 2019 | Equipment | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. | |
| SM 80-2019 Oct 2019 | Unknown Or Other | Parts are currently blocked from sale at this time. | |
| V171901_2012855 Sep 2019 | Engine | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. | |
| V001901_2040590 Sep 2019 | Equipment | Include additional photo's of water ingress. Also includes 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB | |
| VOS-19-24 Sep 2019 | Electrical System | This document outlines updates to the ODIS diagnostic software. Updates include corrected diagnostic test plans for the stated vehicles. | |
| TT 001202 Aug 2019 | Equipment | TT 001202........Also includes 2005 Jetta wagon and 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB | |
| QRUG08212019 Aug 2019 | Equipment | Quick Reference Update Guide. | |
| V171901_2012855 Aug 2019 | Engine | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. Also includes 2004 and 2005 Jetta Wagon and 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB | |
| V011812_2014603 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Update vehicle metadata to include pull ahead models. Also includes R32 2002-2007 and 2002-2006 Jetta Wagon. | |
| Quicktip 1.2_TB Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Trailer braking information. | |
| V171901_2012855 Jul 2019 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards. Also includes all models for 1997-2003. Also Rabbit from 2006-2009. | |
| 171901_2012855 Jun 2019 | Equipment | Remote Key Battery Replacement | |
| V871812-2005566 Jun 2019 | Equipment | Update vehicle metadata. | |
| SM 33-2019 Mar 2019 | Equipment | The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 91 19 01 Mar 2019 | Equipment | Alternative method for radio code retrieval. | |
| V171901-2012855 Mar 2019 | Engine | Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| Gasoline Engine Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document | |
| V271901-2011894 Feb 2019 | Electrical System | Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| V941901-2011521 Feb 2019 | Exterior Lighting | Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| V871812-2005566 Nov 2018 | Equipment | Update vehicle metadata. | |
| A971861 2013504- Jun 2018 | Electrical System | This information bulletin contains instructions for checking the pins/terminals for contacts and nano contacts. | |
| TT001703 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan | |
| TT 200901 Aug 2017 | Equipment | Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking. | |
| V171701 2012855 Jul 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| V1.0 Jun 2017 | Electrical System | Trailer braking information | |
| Quick Tip - Trai Jun 2017 | Trailer Hitches | Trailer towing information | |
| SM 44-2017 EN Jun 2017 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward. | |
| VHW-17-11 Jun 2017 | Equipment | VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide | |
| Quick Reference Mar 2017 | Electrical System | Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated | |
| 1-2017 Update Feb 2017 | Equipment | This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests. | |
| V691601 2010479 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2017. | |
| TT 00-16-02 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Reminder for dealers to reference the repair manual and replace all necessary fasteners (bolts, nuts) that cannot be re-used | |
| V871622 2019947 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| V011615 2014815 Oct 2016 | Engine | Update to include additional model year applicability. | |
| V871620 2005566 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model and model year applicability. | |
| TT 97-12-02 Sep 2016 | Equipment | Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability. | |
| TT001601 Sep 2016 | Equipment | Contacting the parts helpline | |
| V581601-2039001 Jun 2016 | Equipment | To update Claim processing statement. | |
| Ref. - Reflash U May 2016 | Electrical System | Quick Reference Update Guide of the vehicles expected upgraded software level. The latest corresponding technical bulletins that address the issues, and concerns that have been had with the vehicles. | |
| TT 97-14-02 Apr 2016 | Electrical System | TECH TIP DENOTING POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE OF THE DATA LINK CONNECTOR WHEN USING AFTER MARKET PLUG IN DEVICES OR SCAN TOOLS AND SUBSEQUENT DIAGNOSTIC DIRECTION. | |
| V501604 2014370 Mar 2016 | Structure | Technical Bulletin about Paint Finish, Reducing Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches New vehicles (prior to Retail Delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or cleaning. The document also have infromation about where to find warrenty coverage for the service | |
| TT 97-14-02ss1 Mar 2016 | Electrical System | Tech Tips Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System) | |
| Edition173 Feb 2016 | Equipment | Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults | |
| Update 02122016 Feb 2016 | Electrical System | Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated | |
| UpdateGuide Feb 2016 | Equipment | Quick reference update guide. | |
| V011602 2014815 Feb 2016 | Fuel System | Technical tips on what to do if improper gasoline has been added to the vehicle. |
Showing 60 of 227 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Touareg →