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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

Steering complaints

12 reports
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11,000 miles · Mar 29, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheelsCrash

TAKATA I WAS DRIVING PERFECTLY FINE AND I CAME UPON A TURNING TO MAKE THE LEFT AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY CAR START SLIDING OUT OF CONTROL I TRIED TO CONTROL IT BECAUSE THERE WAS A DITCH CLOSE BY WHERE I WAS IT WAS SLIDING TO THE RIGHT TRIED TO SPIN THE STEERING TO THE LEFT BUT THE CAR WAS JUST DOING WHAT IT FELT LIKE I ENDED UP HIT…

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TAKATA I WAS DRIVING PERFECTLY FINE AND I CAME UPON A TURNING TO MAKE THE LEFT AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY CAR START SLIDING OUT OF CONTROL I TRIED TO CONTROL IT BECAUSE THERE WAS A DITCH CLOSE BY WHERE I WAS IT WAS SLIDING TO THE RIGHT TRIED TO SPIN THE STEERING TO THE LEFT BUT THE CAR WAS JUST DOING WHAT IT FELT LIKE I ENDED UP HITTING IN THE RAIL WHERE THE DITCH WAS AND PUSHING THE CAR BACK INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD BEAR IN MIND I HAD MY CHILDREN IN MY CAR NO ONE CAN GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION TO MY MY CAR JUST SPIRAL OUT OF CONTROL AND I KNOW I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST I AM NOT A FAST DRIVER ONE THING IS TO BE DONE AND CHECK OUT WITH THIS VEHICLE BEFORE IT CLAIM THE LIFE OF ANYONE THAT GOD MY LOVE AND MY KIDS WAS SPARED THE BRAKES SPEED CONTROL AND BODY OF THE CAR WAS AFFECTED AS WELL BUT IT IS NOT ALLOWING ME TO SELECT ALL OF THE OPTIONS ABOVE

NHTSA ODI #11192399

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ALARM WAS GOING OFF MORE FREQUENTLY AND TO SILENCE IT I WOULD PULL THE SPING ON THE BRAKE UP. THE BRAKE ALARM RANDOMLY WAS ANOYING BUT NOT A MAJOR CONCERN. I HADN'T HAD ANY MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH MY CAR UNTIL 01/23/16 I ATTEMPTED TO START MY CAR AND RECIEVED AN ERROR MESSAGE THE READ STEERING DEFECT AND IT W…

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THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ALARM WAS GOING OFF MORE FREQUENTLY AND TO SILENCE IT I WOULD PULL THE SPING ON THE BRAKE UP. THE BRAKE ALARM RANDOMLY WAS ANOYING BUT NOT A MAJOR CONCERN. I HADN'T HAD ANY MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH MY CAR UNTIL 01/23/16 I ATTEMPTED TO START MY CAR AND RECIEVED AN ERROR MESSAGE THE READ STEERING DEFECT AND IT WOULDN'T ALLOW YOU TO START THE CAR BEYOND THE ERROR MESSAGE. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO VOLKSWAGON MENTOR OHIO AFTER HOLDING MY CAR FOR MORE THAN A WEEK I WAS FINALLY OFFERED A DIAGNOSIS THAT THE ACCESS MODULAR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING MEANING THE BRAIN OF THE VEHICLE WASN'T FUNCTIONING AND THE VW DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIDN'T HAVE ANSWER TO HOW THIS HAPPENED THEY HAD A $2500 SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND THEY WERE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ASSIST IN REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCESS MODULAR WITH THERE HEARTY COST. THE BRAIN THE VOLKSWAGON ACCESS MODULAR STOPS FUNCTIONING AND VOLKSWAGEN AT NO FAULT OF MINE AND I'M CHARGED $2500 PLUS. MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE I UNDERSTAND BUT REPLACEMENT OF THE VEHICLES ACCESS MODULAR IS A REPAIR THAT I FEEL VOLKSWGON SHOULD COVER.

NHTSA ODI #10853446

123,000 miles · Nov 24, 2015
SteeringVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND WOULD NOT INCREASE IN SPEED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND WOULD NOT INCREASE IN SPEED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

NHTSA ODI #10806532

115,000 miles · Jan 26, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 VW TUAREG IN JULY 1ST OF 2014. IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I BEGAN RECEIVING A PARKING BRAKE ALARM WHEN I TURNED ON THE VEHICLE. THE ALARM WOULD PERSIST UNTIL I PUSHED DOWN ON THE PARKING BRAKE. I WOULD ALSO RECEIVE AN OCCASIONAL ALARM FOR THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. THEN, ON DECE…

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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 VW TUAREG IN JULY 1ST OF 2014. IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I BEGAN RECEIVING A PARKING BRAKE ALARM WHEN I TURNED ON THE VEHICLE. THE ALARM WOULD PERSIST UNTIL I PUSHED DOWN ON THE PARKING BRAKE. I WOULD ALSO RECEIVE AN OCCASIONAL ALARM FOR THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. THEN, ON DECEMBER 15, 2014 THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO TURN ON AT ALL. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY HAD A FLASHING STEERING WHEEL. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TECHNICIANS LOOKED IT OVER AND TOLD ME THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS THAT TWO CABLES TOUCHED AND SHORTED OUT THE SYSTEM. AFTER 3 WEEKS OF HOLDING THE VEHICLE, THE COST OF REPAIR WAS QUOTED AT AROUND $3,500 TO REPLACE SOME MODULES. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THIS MIGHT BE A RECALL ISSUE AS MANY OTHER 2004 VW TUAREGS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10679060

93,000 miles · Dec 21, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

CAME OUT TO 2004 V8 TOUAREG,AND IT WOULD NOT START. MRI READS STEERING DEFECTIVE WORKSHOP. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN TOUAREGS AND ONE WHICH VW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF.IT RENDERS THE VEHICLE PARALYZED AND DUE TO IT BEING ALL WHEEL DRIVE, REQUIRES SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO EVEN TOW IT. …

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CAME OUT TO 2004 V8 TOUAREG,AND IT WOULD NOT START. MRI READS STEERING DEFECTIVE WORKSHOP. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN TOUAREGS AND ONE WHICH VW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF.IT RENDERS THE VEHICLE PARALYZED AND DUE TO IT BEING ALL WHEEL DRIVE, REQUIRES SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO EVEN TOW IT. I AM FURIOUS. THIS IS A KNOWN, DANGEROUS ISSUE AND NO RECALL FOR IT - SHAME ON YOU VW. WHAT IF I WAS WITH MY YOUNG CHILDREN? THERE IS NO WARNING FOR THIS FAILURE. ALL IS FINE AND THEN WHAM, IT WILL NOT START, TURN OVER, SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, ETC. YOU ARE 100% PARALYZED WHERE YOU ARE - BE IT AT A GAS PUMP OR A REMOTE DIRT ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667491

112 miles · Jul 30, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

WOULDN'T START SO HAD IT TOWED TO NORTHLAND VOLKSWAGEN. THERE THEY TESTED AND SAID I NEEDED STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND WIRING DONE . NOT SURE BUT HAVE NEVER HAD PROBLEMS WITH COLUMN NOT PERFORMING CORRECTLY BUT I DON'T HAVE A CLUE ABOUT WIRING INSIDE ONE. THE REPAIRS ARE 2538.08 AND 1567.77 IS FOR THE COLUMN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10617762

114,940 miles · Oct 15, 2012
Service BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR SERVICE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED REPLACING. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ADVISED THAT THE BOLTS TO THE CALIPERS WERE FRACTURED ALONG WITH THE STEERING LINKS, WHICH WOULD ALSO NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR SERVICE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED REPLACING. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ADVISED THAT THE BOLTS TO THE CALIPERS WERE FRACTURED ALONG WITH THE STEERING LINKS, WHICH WOULD ALSO NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BRAKE DISK, CALIPERS, BRAKE LINING, BOLTS AND THE STEERING KNUCKLES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,940. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000. UPDATED 11/12/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOLDING CALIPERS NOT FRACTURED, THREADS WERE BADLY RUSTED INTO STEERING KNUCKLE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF DRIVER SIDE STEERING KNUCKLE. THE FAILURES ARE NOT DUPLICATED ON THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER HAS THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OPERATED IN OFF ROAD CONDITION OR EXPOSED TO SALT WATER. UPDATED 12/11/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10480155

100,000 miles · Jul 5, 2012
Electrical SystemSteering

I WENT TO START THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND A RED WARNING ICON APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I LOOKED IT UP IN THE OWNERS MANUAL WHICH STATED THE ICON INDICATED A STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER, THE IGNITION KEY THEN STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH/LOCK AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. AS A RESULT THE TRUCK'S TRANSMISSION GEAR SEL…

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I WENT TO START THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND A RED WARNING ICON APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I LOOKED IT UP IN THE OWNERS MANUAL WHICH STATED THE ICON INDICATED A STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER, THE IGNITION KEY THEN STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH/LOCK AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. AS A RESULT THE TRUCK'S TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR COULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF THE "PARK" DETENT. THIS RESULTED IN MY NOT BEING ABLE TO GET THE TRUCK TO A POSITION WHERE A TOW TRUCK COULD ACCESS THE CAR UNTIL THE SNOW MELTED TWO MONTHS LATER. THE VW AUTHORIZED REPAIR CENTER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. FURTHER, THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE MODE FOR THIS MODEL AND THEY BELIEVED A RECALL OR CAMPAIGN WAS IMMINENT. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. IF IT HAD FAILED WHILE BEING DRIVEN THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. ALSO VW MARKETS THIS TRUCK AS SUITABLE FOR OFF ROAD TRAVEL IN REMOTE PLACES, IF IT FAILED WHILE I WAS IN A REMOTE AREA, I COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED AND PLACED IN GRAVE PERIL SINCE I WOULD NOT BEEN ABLE TO ROLL THE TRUCK TO AN AREA SUITABLE FOR RECOVERY OR FLAT TOW IT IF NECESSARY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10464286

19,549 miles · Feb 5, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesSteering

UNEXPECTED AND SUDDEN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN, UNABLE TO START OR MOVE SHIFTER LEVER OUT OF GEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10306349

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2005
SteeringSuspension

ALIGNMENT ON 2004 VW TOUAREG IS HORRIBLE. TAKEN BACK AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED. TIRES ARE NOW SHOT BECAUSE OF THE ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. COMPUTER KEEPS BEEPING THAT THERE IS A FLAT TIRE WHEN THE AIR PRESSURE IS FINE WHEN CHECKED. TAKEN IN AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. SPEAKERS RATTLE AS IF THE…

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ALIGNMENT ON 2004 VW TOUAREG IS HORRIBLE. TAKEN BACK AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED. TIRES ARE NOW SHOT BECAUSE OF THE ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. COMPUTER KEEPS BEEPING THAT THERE IS A FLAT TIRE WHEN THE AIR PRESSURE IS FINE WHEN CHECKED. TAKEN IN AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. SPEAKERS RATTLE AS IF THEY ARE BLOWN....ALSO....NEVER BEEN FIXED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10144895

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.