← New search

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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

16 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

I HAVE HAD MY 2004 VW TOUAREG SINCE JUNE 2006 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT WITHIN 6 WEEKS OF BUYING THE CAR, THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE BRAKES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND I AM GETTING ANOTHER "CHECK BRAKE PA…

Read full complaint

I HAVE HAD MY 2004 VW TOUAREG SINCE JUNE 2006 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT WITHIN 6 WEEKS OF BUYING THE CAR, THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE BRAKES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND I AM GETTING ANOTHER "CHECK BRAKE PADS" ERROR AGAIN, THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM CONTINUALLY TELLS ME I HAVE A FLAT, THE RADIO AMPLIFIER WAS MAKING A LOUD CRACKING SO THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A FUSE AND BLEW THE 2 BACK SPEAKERS (WHICH THEY WOULD NOT FIX, HEWLETT VW IN GEORGETOWN, TEXAS), THE AUTO DIFFERENTIAL IS GOING OUT. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO END IN SIGHT FOR REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252545

27,895 miles · Aug 27, 2008
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

SCREECHING BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE SCREECHING FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS AND THE VW DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PADS AND DISC. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE SCREECHING IS NORMAL. ALSO, SINCE I BOUGHT THE SUV IN SETPTMBER 2004, I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM WHICH RESULTED IN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. THE DEALER D…

Read full complaint

SCREECHING BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE SCREECHING FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS AND THE VW DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PADS AND DISC. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE SCREECHING IS NORMAL. ALSO, SINCE I BOUGHT THE SUV IN SETPTMBER 2004, I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM WHICH RESULTED IN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. THE DEALER DID NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS AND I CHANGED ALL FOUR TIRES( 3 TIMES), BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS ABOUT 28,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10239897

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…

Read full complaint

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

100 miles · Mar 30, 2007
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE WARNING TONE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SOUNDS INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT POSSESSED THE REPAIR IN…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE WARNING TONE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SOUNDS INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT POSSESSED THE REPAIR INVOICES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE BEGAN AT 100. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURES CONTINUE, SHE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE BRAKE ROTORS REPLACE AT 15,000 MILES, BRAKE PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 18,000 MILES, TWO TIRES REPLACE AT 16,000 MILES, TPS LIGHTS CONTINUE TO GO ON AND OFF BEEN FIXED, FOUR NEW TIRES AT 30,000 MILES. THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 9 RECALLS AND TPS LIGHTS STILL IN FAILURE. UPDATE 05/04/07*TR

NHTSA ODI #10186546

31,000 miles · Feb 21, 2007
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicTires

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TORGUE WITH 31000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT ANY RATE OF SPEED THE TPS MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT TURNED ON, AND STAYSED ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS WEARING OUT THE TIRES AND BRAKES ON THAT…

Read full complaint

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TORGUE WITH 31000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT ANY RATE OF SPEED THE TPS MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT TURNED ON, AND STAYSED ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS WEARING OUT THE TIRES AND BRAKES ON THAT SIDE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10183140

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…

Read full complaint

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

300 miles · Apr 9, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, HydraulicCrash

I BROUGHT A VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THIS VEHICLE HAS A LOT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE AND ENGINE. SO I FILED A LEMON REQUEST. LAST MONTH, VW ASKED ME TO DROP THIS VEHICLE TO VW DEALER TO INVESTIGATE THE BRAKE PROBLEM. ON MARCH 23, THE VW EXPERT TEST DROVE MY TOUAREG AND HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE BRAKES FAILED. THERE IS A POLICE REPO…

Read full complaint

I BROUGHT A VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THIS VEHICLE HAS A LOT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE AND ENGINE. SO I FILED A LEMON REQUEST. LAST MONTH, VW ASKED ME TO DROP THIS VEHICLE TO VW DEALER TO INVESTIGATE THE BRAKE PROBLEM. ON MARCH 23, THE VW EXPERT TEST DROVE MY TOUAREG AND HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE BRAKES FAILED. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT. *NM THE REAR WIPER MADE A CLICKING NOISE. UPDATED 05/04/06. *JB THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS UPDATED. UPDATED 06/01/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10154917

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2006
Electrical SystemEquipmentExterior Lighting

I TOOK DELIVERY OF MY 2004 VW TOUAREG ON 7-11-04. BY 9-9-04 IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. IT HAS BEEN IN 6 TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, 3 TIMES FOR THE AC, 3 TIMES FOR THE BATTERY, AND 1-2 TIMES FOR OTHER THINGS. TOMORROW, I WILL BE TAKING IT IN AGAIN FOR FURTHER A/C PROBLEMS, BRAKES THAT CATCH ON THEIR OWN WHILE IN DRIVE, INTERMITT…

Read full complaint

I TOOK DELIVERY OF MY 2004 VW TOUAREG ON 7-11-04. BY 9-9-04 IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. IT HAS BEEN IN 6 TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, 3 TIMES FOR THE AC, 3 TIMES FOR THE BATTERY, AND 1-2 TIMES FOR OTHER THINGS. TOMORROW, I WILL BE TAKING IT IN AGAIN FOR FURTHER A/C PROBLEMS, BRAKES THAT CATCH ON THEIR OWN WHILE IN DRIVE, INTERMITTENT FAULTY TRIGGERING OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM, AND A HOLE THAT I DISCOVERED ONLY DAY IN THE FIRE BLANKET UNDER THE HOOD. APPARENTLY THE ENGINE HEAT HAS BEEN BURNING A HOLE IN IT AND HAS BURNED AWAY A HOLE RIGHT THROUGH THE BLANKET TO THE HOOD ITSELF, BUT NOT THROUGH THE HOOD YET. THIS CAR HAS MEANT TIME LOST FROM WORK AND AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT IN THE SHOP AND PAYING FOR RENTAL CARS. THIS CAR IS A FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD. FAIRFAX COUNTY CONSUMER PROTECTION (ROY SEGER) HAD CONTACTED VW AS THIS CAR FALLS UNDER THE LEMON LAW. VW RESPONDED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COMPLY, STATING THAT THEY HAD FIXED THE BATTERY. THEIR RESPONSE FAILED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE MULTITUDE OF OTHER PROBLEMS...AND NOW THIS. I HAVE NEVER FELT SO POWERLESS. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP?? *NM

NHTSA ODI #10152523

5,400 miles · May 31, 2005
SeatsService Brakes, Hydraulic

DT: THE PROBLEM BEGAN ON 4-04. PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES. HYDRAULIC BRAKES ARE PULLING, CAUSING EXCESSIVE SCREECHING NOISE AND BRAKE DUST. BRAKES ARE NOW GRINDING. BRAKES HAVE BEEN SERVICED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. DEALER REPORTS THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS WORKING ON PROBLEM IN GENERAL. OCCU…

Read full complaint

DT: THE PROBLEM BEGAN ON 4-04. PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES. HYDRAULIC BRAKES ARE PULLING, CAUSING EXCESSIVE SCREECHING NOISE AND BRAKE DUST. BRAKES ARE NOW GRINDING. BRAKES HAVE BEEN SERVICED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. DEALER REPORTS THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS WORKING ON PROBLEM IN GENERAL. OCCURS IN ALL WEATHER AND DRIVING CONDITIONS. PROBLEM IS GRADUAL AND WORSENING. ON LAST SERVICING, VEHICLE WAS REPORTED TO HAVE HAD A BRAKE RESURFACING. BRAKES ARE ALL WHEEL. ALSO, DRIVER'S SEAT IS NOT GOING UP AND IS BROKEN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10122502

150 miles · May 16, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering

SINCE I PURCHASED A 2004 VW TOUAREG ON 2/28/04 I HAVE HAD VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE MOST SEVERE IS THE FRONT END ALLIGNMENT AND BRAKES. I HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 6 FRONT END ALLIGNMENTS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICULE. IT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW AND THEY CAN NOT CORRECT IT. THIS IS A AN EXTREME HAZARD AT HIGHER SPEEDS SINCE THE …

Read full complaint

SINCE I PURCHASED A 2004 VW TOUAREG ON 2/28/04 I HAVE HAD VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE MOST SEVERE IS THE FRONT END ALLIGNMENT AND BRAKES. I HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 6 FRONT END ALLIGNMENTS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICULE. IT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW AND THEY CAN NOT CORRECT IT. THIS IS A AN EXTREME HAZARD AT HIGHER SPEEDS SINCE THE SUV PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT WORKED ON MY VEHICULE THAT HE SET THE ALLIGNMENT TO FACTOR SPECS AND IT STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO TIRE KINGDOM TWICE AND THEY DID THE SAME AND DID A HIGH SPEED BALANCE ON THE TIRES AS WELL AND IT STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. ALSO VOLKWAGON OF AMERICA PUT OUT CIRCULAR VWA-04-12 STATING THAT THERE IS A FACTORY PROBLEM WITH FRONT END ALLIGNMENTS ON CERTIN VIN NUMBERS ON THE TOUAREG. VW WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE BREAKS MAKING LOUD NOISE AND WEARING OUT FAST. NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE ROTORS ARE BAD. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES AND NOTHING WAS DONE. ALSO THERE IS CONDENSATION ON THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THEY DID HAVE A RECALL ON THIS, BUT THE TROUBLE STILL EXSISTS.

NHTSA ODI #10121010

Official recalls

4

17V583000 · 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

2

PE06022 · 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.