IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SEAT BELT SHOULD BE REPLACED BUT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,000. *TR
2004 Volkswagen Touareg
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Touareg years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg are substantially higher than the model-year median of 27.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Touareg years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
710–25K
2225–50K
1950–75K
2875–100K
18100–150K
7150K+
165 reports with mileage · 66 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Tires. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports5 fire reports6 injury reports
Seat Belts complaints
4 reportsREAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED AFTER FOLDING DOWN THE REAR SEAT. *TR
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…
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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
1.THE CLOCK ON THE DASHBOARD: THE TIME IS RUNNING ALMOST 1 MINUTE FASTER PER DAY. IF YOU DONT FIX IT FOR 10 DAYS, IT WOULD RUN 10 MINUTES AHEAD. 2.THE DRIVERS SEAT: WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR, I ASKED FOR POWER SEATS BUT THE DEALER DIDNT HAVE IT. I WAS A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE MANUAL SEAT, BUT THE SALES PERSON CONVINCED M…
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1.THE CLOCK ON THE DASHBOARD: THE TIME IS RUNNING ALMOST 1 MINUTE FASTER PER DAY. IF YOU DONT FIX IT FOR 10 DAYS, IT WOULD RUN 10 MINUTES AHEAD. 2.THE DRIVERS SEAT: WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR, I ASKED FOR POWER SEATS BUT THE DEALER DIDNT HAVE IT. I WAS A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE MANUAL SEAT, BUT THE SALES PERSON CONVINCED ME, SO I DECIDED TO TAKE THE ONE WITH MANUAL. SINCE THEN, IVE FELT THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT IS ALWAYS SINKING DOWN SO I CONSISTENTLY HAVE TO PULL UP THE STICK TO PUSH UP THE SEAT QUITE OFTEN WHILE IM DRIVING. 3.REAR SEAT: I HAD TO FOLD THE REAR SEAT ONCE TO LOAD SOMETHING IN THE BACK. AFTER, I TRIED TO UNFOLD THE SEAT BUT IT DIDNT GO BACK. I BROUGHT THIS CAR TO THE DEALERS SERVICE ON NOV. 15TH, 2004. WHILE ONE OF THE SERVICE PERSONS WAS TRYING TO UNFOLD THE REAR SEAT, HE HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT AND HAS SCRATCHED THE SEAT AND BROKEN SOME PIECE ON THE SEAT. HE SAID HES GOING TO ORDER SOME PARTS AND IT WOULD TAKE A FEW DAYS. EVER SINCE THEN, NOBODY KNOWS THE STATUS OF THIS ORDER. BOTH THE SERVICE DEPT AND THE CUSTOMER CARE DEPT, IN HEADQUARTERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TELLING ME ITS ON BACKORDER WITH NO FURTHER INFORMATION, AND THEY DONT KNOW WHEN FOR LAST SIX MONTHS. I ASKED THEM IF YOU DONT HAVE THE PART, EVEN IN GERMANY, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO MAKE THE PART? AND THEY KEEP SAYING IS DONT KNOW AND WE ARE STILL CHECKING THE STATUS OF THE PART EVERYDAY. IN A COMMON SENSE, THE PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS SHOULD BE ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE THE PART AND SHIP IT TO THE DEALER. I ALSO SENT A COMPLAINT LETTER TO THE CEO OF THE DEALER/MCKENNA & VW NORTH AMERICA HEADQUATER A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. BUT STILL THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE PART.
Official recalls
417V583000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Sep 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.
04V592000 · Seat Belts
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.
04V233000 · Seat Belts:rear/other
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.
03V266000 · Electrical System:wiring
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.