NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
231 reports31,000 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…
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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
39,000 miles · Feb 16, 2007
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. 3 TO 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS WERE PERFORMED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AND THE REPAIRS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HAVE A COLLISION. THE WEATHER NOR SPEED WAS A FACTO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. 3 TO 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS WERE PERFORMED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AND THE REPAIRS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HAVE A COLLISION. THE WEATHER NOR SPEED WAS A FACTOR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10182772
31,000 miles · Feb 9, 2007
Electrical System
IF I DRIVE THE CAR FOR ONE HOUR AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, WHEN TRYING TO RESTART THE ENGINE, THE STARTER WON'T CRANK. AFTER ANOTHER HOUR IT WILL RESET AND RESTART. IN AND OUT OF THE DEALER FOR 7 MONTHS AND SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS, THE STARTER STILL FAILS TO CRANK. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10182142
10,291 miles · Feb 3, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE / UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW ZERO (F). THIS PROBLEM WAS OBSERVED FOR 4 DAYS IN FEB. 2004. THE CAR WILL START, BUT SURGES AND BALKS SO BADLY YOU CAN'T DRIVE IT. THIS CONDITION WILL CONTINUE FOR OVER 20 MINUTES. IT WILL RE-OCCUR THE NEXT TIME YOU TRY AND USE THE VEHICLE SO LONG AS…
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THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE / UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW ZERO (F). THIS PROBLEM WAS OBSERVED FOR 4 DAYS IN FEB. 2004. THE CAR WILL START, BUT SURGES AND BALKS SO BADLY YOU CAN'T DRIVE IT. THIS CONDITION WILL CONTINUE FOR OVER 20 MINUTES. IT WILL RE-OCCUR THE NEXT TIME YOU TRY AND USE THE VEHICLE SO LONG AS THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW ZERO. THE SAFETY HAZARD IS THAT IT LEAVES YOU STRANDED WHEREVER THIS HAPPENS. THERE'S NOTHING THE OPERATOR CAN DO. VW HAS TRIED 3 REPAIRS: (1) CHANGE THE ENGINE OIL TO SYNTHETIC, (2) & (3) REPROGRAM THE ENGINE COMPUTER TWICE TO SUPPOSEDLY FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT'S NOW 2 YEARS LATER, AND WE ARE EXPERIENCING BELOW ZERO WEATHER AGAIN, AND THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM PERSISTS. MY DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM, AND CAN'T GET ASSISTANCE FROM VW. I WILL CONTACT VWOA DIRECTLY AND INITIATE A CASE. FINALLY, IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM, I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE V6 ENGINE WHO REPORT THIS PROBLEM AND SAY IT'S NEVER BEEN CORRECTED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10181488
5,000 miles · Jan 30, 2007
Suspension
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE CAR NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT THE VEHICLE PULLED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, RIGHT AND LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST 2003 , AND THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THERE HAVE BEEN 8 ALIGNMENTS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICL…
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TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE CAR NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT THE VEHICLE PULLED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, RIGHT AND LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST 2003 , AND THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THERE HAVE BEEN 8 ALIGNMENTS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED 25 TIMES, AND THE MECHANICWAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. DUE TO THE WARRANTY THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN AUTHORIZED THE TIRES TO BE REPLACED ON TWO OCCASIONS FOR UNEVEN WEAR AT 9,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED FROM THE DEALER IF IT WASN'T REPAIRED. THEREFORE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST HIM WITH FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACTWAS REQUESTING THAT VOLKWAGEN PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM HIM DUE TO THE ONGOING FAILURE. THE CONTACT LIVED IN A CLIMATE WHERE THE TEMPERATURES WER CONSISTENTLY BELOW ZERO. *AK UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10181134
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2007
Tires
2004 TOUAREG-EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ALL 4 TIRES, LESS THAN 20K MILES. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10179290
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
64,000 miles · Jan 8, 2007
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* - WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH ON A STATE ROAD ANOTHER VEHICLE SLID INTO CONTACT'S VEHICLE, IMPACTING THE VOLKSWAGEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT FENDER TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE STRUCK A GUARD RAIL. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES WERE TAK…
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TL* - WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH ON A STATE ROAD ANOTHER VEHICLE SLID INTO CONTACT'S VEHICLE, IMPACTING THE VOLKSWAGEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT FENDER TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE STRUCK A GUARD RAIL. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES WERE TAKEN. *AK UPDATED 02/06/07. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10178054
15,000 miles · Jan 4, 2007
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATION HAS BEEN SLUGGISH. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THE ENGINE WAS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OFTEN TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. N…
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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATION HAS BEEN SLUGGISH. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THE ENGINE WAS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OFTEN TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. NEITHER ROAD NOR WEATHER CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FACTORS IN THE FAILURE.*AK WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP, ACCELERATION IS SLOW BUT STEADY, WHEN ACCELERATING WHILE MOVING BETWEEN 40 MPH ACCELERATION IS NON-EXISTENT FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS AND THEN TAKES OFF FAST. UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10177812
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2006
Tires
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
NHTSA ODI #10171024
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.
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