NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
10 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Jun 14, 2022
Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the fuel pump failed after the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repai…
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The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the fuel pump failed after the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11469157
Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2017
Fuel System, Gasoline
2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL FILTER FLANGE SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURED FOR THE REPAIRS COVERED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 12/8/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #11053270
220,638 miles · Nov 28, 2017
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (PLATINUM VOLKSWAGEN, 45 NELSON AVE, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (PLATINUM VOLKSWAGEN, 45 NELSON AVE, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,638. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11048857
91,000 miles · Feb 21, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
CONSTANT REPAIR OF 2004 VW TOUAREG: THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN CERTIFIED IN ALL STATES OF THE UNION AS BEING A CERTIFIED LEMON. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I HAD NO IDEA OF THIS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A FAN SENSOR WHICH IS A CERTIFIED VW DEFECT, BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE COST, REPAIR AND LABOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $550 AND FURTHER, TH…
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CONSTANT REPAIR OF 2004 VW TOUAREG: THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN CERTIFIED IN ALL STATES OF THE UNION AS BEING A CERTIFIED LEMON. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I HAD NO IDEA OF THIS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A FAN SENSOR WHICH IS A CERTIFIED VW DEFECT, BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE COST, REPAIR AND LABOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $550 AND FURTHER, THE VEHICLE LEFT ME STRANDED BECAUSE THE FAULTY SENSOR ALLOWED A FAN TO KEEP BLOWING THEREBY DRAINING MY BATTERY COMPLETELY. REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER DISINTEGRATED DURING HEAVY RAIN AND COST 65 TO REPAIR ALTHOUGH THE PIECE LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING A CHILD PUT TOGETHER. FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER FLEW OFF OF CAR WHILE RAINING, CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER AND BE STRANDED ONCE AGAIN. I GOT STRANDED AGAIN BECAUSE THE VW ENGINE COILS BURNT OUT WITHOUT NOTICE LEAVING ME STRANDED IN BLIZZARD CONDITIONS IN CHICAGO. I HAD TO GET A NEW BATTERY BUT WAS CHARGED $250 FOR THE BATTERY AND INSTALLATION BECAUSE VW CHOSE TO PUT THE BATTERY UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT. NOT THREE WEEKS HAVE PASSED AND I HAVEN'T EVEN DRIVEN THE VEHICLE BUT BOTH FUEL PUMPS AND THE FLANGE MODULE HAVE GONE OUT. I HAD TO PAY $1500 FOR LABOR, PARTS, SHOP AND REPAIRS. VEHICLE HAS 91,000 AND BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE GONE OUT AGAIN FOR THE 3RD TIME. RIGHT DOOR OPENS WHEN DRIVING ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS LOCKED, WHICH IS ANOTHER CERTIFIED DEFECT. VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND THEN HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO SPEED UP ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10383882
81,000 miles · Oct 16, 2009
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainCrash
I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A TIGHT PARKING LOT AND MANEUVERING AROUND A TREE IN ORDER TO PULL FURTHER UP INTO THE SPACE. AS I GENTLY PUSHED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR TO INCH INTO THE SPOT, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED CRASHING INTO A WOODEN GARBAGE BOX. I JAMMED ON THE BRAKES BEFORE GOING THROUGH THE FE…
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I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A TIGHT PARKING LOT AND MANEUVERING AROUND A TREE IN ORDER TO PULL FURTHER UP INTO THE SPACE. AS I GENTLY PUSHED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR TO INCH INTO THE SPOT, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED CRASHING INTO A WOODEN GARBAGE BOX. I JAMMED ON THE BRAKES BEFORE GOING THROUGH THE FENCE. I WAS INCREDIBLY LUCKY THAT I WAS NO LONGER AIMING AT THE TREE. IT WAS AS THOUGH THE CAR SUDDENLY WANTED TO PEAL OUT IN A MANNER THAT WAS TOTALLY OUT OF SYNC WITH THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT JUST STARTED SPEEDING TOWARD THE FENCE/BOX. LOOKING BACK ON IT, I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE AS I STARTED TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN. THOUGH THE REACTION OF THE CAR WAS SIMILAR, IT WAS NOT NEARLY SO PRONOUNCED. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS TRIPPING OVER ITSELF. I HAD THE INSURANCE TOW THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC BUT SO FAR HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I SPOKE WITH BOTH THE LOCAL VW SERVICEMAN AND VW NORTH AMERICA BUT THEY DENIED EVER HEARING ABOUT SUCH A PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER 6 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE THE OTHER DAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288702
Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2007
EquipmentFuel System, GasolinePower Train
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 CONSUME…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10210527
80,000 miles · Jan 20, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10179235
19,880 miles · Jun 5, 2006
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic
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 BRAKE…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10158963
90 miles · Oct 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
WHEN MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE HESITATED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK *NM
NHTSA ODI #10092034
810 miles · May 15, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
2004 TOURAG HAS A HESTIENCY IN STARTING CAUSING THE VEHCILE TO NOT MOVE IMMEDIATELY AND THEN SURGE FORWARD. WE ALSO OWN AN AUDI THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE REGIONAL AUDI MECHANICAL REP GOT IT STOPPED. VW MIGHT WANT TO CHECK WITH AUDI.
NHTSA ODI #10072669
Official recalls
4Sep 20, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Dec 15, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
May 19, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENTLY RIVETED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BELT BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jul 25, 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED DURING ASSEMBLY. AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED TPMS WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTACT THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE SPRING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE TPMS WIRING CIRCUIT COULD BE INTERRUPTED, RESULTING IN AN INOPERATIVE TPMS, AND CAUSING A SHORT-TO-GROUND CONDITION THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TPMS WIRING HARNESS ROUTING AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT THE WIRING HARNESS ROUTING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-893-5298.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE06022 · Srs Warning Light Illumination
Opened Jun 19, 2006 · Closed Oct 30, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:side/window
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 ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #69-05-02) TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION BY REPLACING THE CONNECTOR WITH A DIRECT CONNECTION.VW'S TESTING HAS SHOWN THAT PROPER DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE CONNECTOR FAULT.HOWEVER, THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF WARRANTY CLAIMS DUE TO AIR BAG LIGHT (ABL) ILLUMINATION.VW IS PLANNING TO INITIATE A TOUAREG SERVICE PACK/ CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) IN DECEMBER 2006.VW WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRING CONNECTOR WITH A DIRECT CONNECTION ON ALL REMAINING UNCORRECTED VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 11/2004.IN ADDITION, VW REPORTS THAT A SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BUILT IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2003, MAY CONTAIN AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.THIS ALSO MAY PRODUCE ABL ILLUMINATION THAT WOULD BECOME EVIDENT SOON AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO SERVICE.WARRANTY DATA INDICATES THAT THESE MODULES HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AND NO LONGER PRESENT A RISK.VW HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY ALLEGED SIDE AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT REPORT.ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:side/window
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 ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #69-05-02) TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION BY REPLACING THE CONNECTOR WITH A DIRECT CONNECTION.VW'S TESTING HAS SHOWN THAT PROPER DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE CONNECTOR FAULT.HOWEVER, THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF WARRANTY CLAIMS DUE TO AIR BAG LIGHT (ABL) ILLUMINATION.VW IS PLANNING TO INITIATE A TOUAREG SERVICE PACK/ CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) IN DECEMBER 2006.VW WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRING CONNECTOR WITH A DIRECT CONNECTION ON ALL REMAINING UNCORRECTED VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 11/2004.IN ADDITION, VW REPORTS THAT A SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BUILT IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2003, MAY CONTAIN AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.THIS ALSO MAY PRODUCE ABL ILLUMINATION THAT WOULD BECOME EVIDENT SOON AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO SERVICE.WARRANTY DATA INDICATES THAT THESE MODULES HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AND NO LONGER PRESENT A RISK.VW HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY ALLEGED SIDE AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT REPORT.ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Air Bags
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 ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #69-05-02) TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION BY REPLACING THE CONNECTOR WITH A DIRECT CONNECTION.VW'S TESTING HAS SHOWN THAT PROPER DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE CONNECTOR FAULT.HOWEVER, THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF WARRANTY CLAIMS DUE TO AIR BAG LIGHT (ABL) ILLUMINATION.VW IS PLANNING TO INITIATE A TOUAREG SERVICE PACK/ CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) IN DECEMBER 2006.VW WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG WIRING CONNECTOR WITH A DIRECT CONNECTION ON ALL REMAINING UNCORRECTED VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 11/2004.IN ADDITION, VW REPORTS THAT A SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BUILT IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2003, MAY CONTAIN AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.THIS ALSO MAY PRODUCE ABL ILLUMINATION THAT WOULD BECOME EVIDENT SOON AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO SERVICE.WARRANTY DATA INDICATES THAT THESE MODULES HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AND NO LONGER PRESENT A RISK.VW HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY ALLEGED SIDE AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT REPORT.ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
PE05042 · Exterior Door Handle Malfunction
Opened Aug 11, 2005 · Closed Dec 21, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
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 DOOR HANDLE AND THE LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING . . . BECAUSE SOME GUIDE NUBS THAT WERE MOLDED INTO THE PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE . . . WERE SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN SPECIFIED.IN ADDITION TO THE TSB, VW HAS INTRODUCED PRODUCTION CHANGES (LUBRICATION, DELETION OF THE GUIDE NUBS, INTRODUCTION OF A LOW FRICTION GUIDE SURFACE ON THE LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING) TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.VW REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE OCCURS PREDOMINANTLY IN THE VERY EARLY LIFE STAGE OF THE VEHICLE.ODI EXAMINATION OF VW'S WARRANTY DATA SHOWS FEWER CLAIMS AS THE VEHICLE AGES.THE ONE INJURY RESULTED WHEN THE UNLATCHED DOOR HIT THE OCCUPANT'S HAND.A SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS ANDRESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.