NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
231 reports25,000 miles · Feb 15, 2005
EquipmentTrailer HitchesVisibility
THE TOUAREG HAS TWO DEFCTS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO IF THEY HAVE NOT CAUSED DAMGE. FOR MONTHS I HAVE TRIED TO GET VW TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE TAIL LIGHT FAULTS AND WARNINGS DUE TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE TOW HITCH. VW CLAIMS THESE ISSUES ARE RELATED TO ALL TRAILERS. ADDITIONALLY, THIS VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE DRIVERS WINDS…
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THE TOUAREG HAS TWO DEFCTS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO IF THEY HAVE NOT CAUSED DAMGE. FOR MONTHS I HAVE TRIED TO GET VW TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE TAIL LIGHT FAULTS AND WARNINGS DUE TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE TOW HITCH. VW CLAIMS THESE ISSUES ARE RELATED TO ALL TRAILERS. ADDITIONALLY, THIS VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE DRIVERS WINDSGHIELD WIPER THAT CAUSES OBSCURED VISABILITY. BOTH ARE DANGEROUS AND VW CLAIMS NORAML OPERATION. I AM FRUSTERATED AND IN DISBELIEF THAT VW WILL NOT CORRECT THE VEHICLES ISSUES. I AM WRITTING IN AN ATTEMPT TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE AGAINST THIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURE
NHTSA ODI #10110597
18,000 miles · Feb 13, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
6/04 & 9/04 - TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP TO CHECK BRAKE EFFICIENCY & SQUEALING NOISE. BOTH TIMES DEALERSHIP REPORTED NO PROBLEM AND BRAKE NOISE WAS CREATED BY BRAKE DUST & WAS NORMAL. 2/05 - BRAKES FAILED AND CAUSED CAR ACCIDENT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10110475
10,300 miles · Feb 13, 2005
Electrical System
CONTINUOUS FAILURES OF THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM LEADING TO: 1) SPORADIC FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS (BLINKING AT THE SAME TIME ON BOTH SIDES) SENDING WRONG MESSAGES TO OTHER TRAFFIC PARTICIPANTS ABOUT DRIVERS INTENTIONS. 2) REQUIRING NUMEROUS EFFORTS TO OPEN CAR DOORS (DRIVER'S DOOR, KEY BEING REMOVED FORM IGNITION LOCK). IN A CASE …
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CONTINUOUS FAILURES OF THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM LEADING TO: 1) SPORADIC FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS (BLINKING AT THE SAME TIME ON BOTH SIDES) SENDING WRONG MESSAGES TO OTHER TRAFFIC PARTICIPANTS ABOUT DRIVERS INTENTIONS. 2) REQUIRING NUMEROUS EFFORTS TO OPEN CAR DOORS (DRIVER'S DOOR, KEY BEING REMOVED FORM IGNITION LOCK). IN A CASE OF EMERGENCY THIS CAN LEAD TO SEVERE CONSEQUENCES; IN DAILY USE IT CAN CAUSE PANIC. 3) COMPUTER SETTING TO "ALL DOORS OPEN, TAILGATE OPEN" CHANGES BY ITSELF TO SINGLE DOOR OPEN. (NO HAZARD BY ITSELF BUT PROOF THAT THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FAILS).*JB
NHTSA ODI #10110436
11,000 miles · Feb 7, 2005
Tires
TIRES ON SUV DOES NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *BF THE CONSUMERS 2004 VW TOUREG NEEDED NEW TIRES AT 11000 MILES. THE TIRES THE VEHICLE CAME WITH WERE DUNLOP 255/60R17 106H. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BOOK GIVES AN EXAMPLE OF AN 18 INCH TIRE STATING THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THE TIRE SUPPORTS THE WEIGHT OF…
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TIRES ON SUV DOES NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *BF THE CONSUMERS 2004 VW TOUREG NEEDED NEW TIRES AT 11000 MILES. THE TIRES THE VEHICLE CAME WITH WERE DUNLOP 255/60R17 106H. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BOOK GIVES AN EXAMPLE OF AN 18 INCH TIRE STATING THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THE TIRE SUPPORTS THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *TC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10111688
48,041 miles · Feb 7, 2005
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE WOULD JUMP FORWARD WHEN MAKING TURNS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE. OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR OF THE TRANSFER CASE 3 TIMES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD GET STUCK, WHICH WAS NOT ENABLING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND TO CHANGE GEARS. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING VIS…
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VEHICLE WOULD JUMP FORWARD WHEN MAKING TURNS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE. OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR OF THE TRANSFER CASE 3 TIMES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD GET STUCK, WHICH WAS NOT ENABLING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND TO CHANGE GEARS. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY WOULD DRAIN AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE NOT TO TURN ON. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER NUMEROUS TIMES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10110955
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2005
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
ON TWO OCCASIONS MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG V-8 EXPERIENCED COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON THESE TWO OCCASIONS. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER AS IF THE BATTERY WERE COMPLETELY DEPLETED. I DID NOT CAUSE ANY ELECTRICAL/BATTERY DRAIN, I.E. LEAVING ON LIGHTS OR LEAVING ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ON…
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ON TWO OCCASIONS MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG V-8 EXPERIENCED COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON THESE TWO OCCASIONS. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER AS IF THE BATTERY WERE COMPLETELY DEPLETED. I DID NOT CAUSE ANY ELECTRICAL/BATTERY DRAIN, I.E. LEAVING ON LIGHTS OR LEAVING ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ON. LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP SERVICE CONDUCTED AN ANALYSIS AND FOUND SEVERAL FAULTS STORED. BUT THE SERVICE ADVISER SAID NONE OF THE STORED FAULTS INDICATED WHAT CAUSED THE COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. FIRST INCIDENT WAS APRIL, 2004 AND MOST RECENT DEC. 28, 2004. I ALSO EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS OTHER ELECTRICAL AND/OR COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONS. THESE MALFUNCTIONS WERE RELATED TO: ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM, DRIVE LINE SYSTEM, STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, STEERING INPUT, DOOR LOCKS, INTERIOR LIGHTING FEATURES, TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING, AND KEYLESS REMOTE. ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM, DRIVE LINE SYSTEM, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND STEERING INPUT MALFUNCTIONS OCCURRED FOUR TOTAL TIMES. DEALER/SERVICE COULD NOT "DUPLICATE" THE PROBLEM AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE DOOR LOCKS AND INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEMS WERE CONSTANT BUT DEALER/SERVICE COULD NOT "" THE PROBLEM. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING WAS REPAIRED AND HAS BEEN PROBLEM FREE SINCE MARCH 2004. THE KEYLESS REMOTE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK WAS REPAIRED AND WORKS BETTER BUT HAS NOT BEEN PROBLEM FREE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10106446
7,244 miles · Jan 15, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
WHILE PULLING INTO THE APT. PARKING LOT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, THERE WAS AN ALERT ON THE CONTROL SCREEN BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT IT SAID. AS A RESULT THE CAR DROVE OVER A FIRE HYDRANT AND HIT THE TRUNK OF A CAR PARKED NEXT TO THE HYDRANT. BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE DAMAGED AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL CAME COM…
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WHILE PULLING INTO THE APT. PARKING LOT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, THERE WAS AN ALERT ON THE CONTROL SCREEN BUT I AM NOT SURE WHAT IT SAID. AS A RESULT THE CAR DROVE OVER A FIRE HYDRANT AND HIT THE TRUNK OF A CAR PARKED NEXT TO THE HYDRANT. BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE DAMAGED AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL CAME COMPLETELY OFF. THERE WERE NO PHYSICAL INJURIES AND ONLY ONE PERSON (TOM) WAS INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND THE OFFICER STATED THAT THE BRAKES FELT "MUSHY." NO TICKETS WERE ISSUED. STILL WAITING FOR A ADJUSTER TO VIEW THE CARS INVOLVED. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN AUG. AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SERVICE CENTER TWICE WITHIN A MONTH. FIRST FOR AN AIR BAG PROBLEM, 2 FOR A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THEY DID NOT DO A DIAGNOSTIC FR THE BRAKES THEY ONLY CHANGED A LIGHT BULB. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME A WENT SPORADICALLY BEFORE THIS SERVICE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10106396
1,000 miles · Dec 4, 2004
Power Train
WE HAVE A VOLKSWAGON TOUREG V6 AUTOMATIC AND STANDARD TRANSMISSION. WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR OVELRALL SERVICE AND TO INSPECT TRANSMISSION FOR POSSIBLE FAULTY GEAR BOX. DEALERSHIP REPLACED TRANSFER CASE AS WELL AS INSPECTED CASE STEEPER MOTOR. CAR WAS KEPT FOR THREE DAYS FOR REPAIRS AND THEN ANOTGER THREE DAYS TO GET THE PART …
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WE HAVE A VOLKSWAGON TOUREG V6 AUTOMATIC AND STANDARD TRANSMISSION. WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR OVELRALL SERVICE AND TO INSPECT TRANSMISSION FOR POSSIBLE FAULTY GEAR BOX. DEALERSHIP REPLACED TRANSFER CASE AS WELL AS INSPECTED CASE STEEPER MOTOR. CAR WAS KEPT FOR THREE DAYS FOR REPAIRS AND THEN ANOTGER THREE DAYS TO GET THE PART AND REPLACE. PERFOMANCE OF THE CARS AUTOMTIC SHIFTING CAPABILITES HAS BEEN POOR. NOTICE THAT CAR HAS PROBLEMS SHIFT FROM 1ST , 2ND TO 3RD. HIGH REVS THE ENGINE. ALSO NOTICE AT HIGHER SPEEDS THE CAR SOMETIME CAUSE THE CAR TO LURCH INTO LOWER GEAR WE HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED CAR STALLING ON STEEP HILLS WHEN IN GEAR . *AK
NHTSA ODI #10102146
20 miles · Nov 16, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP VEHICLE INTERMITENTLY HESITATES FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE ENGINE IS NOT RESPONDING TO THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE OR THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHEN PULLING INOT TRAFFIC FROM A SIDE STREET OR MAKING ALEFT TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS ALMOST…
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WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP VEHICLE INTERMITENTLY HESITATES FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE ENGINE IS NOT RESPONDING TO THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE OR THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHEN PULLING INOT TRAFFIC FROM A SIDE STREET OR MAKING ALEFT TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS ALMOST REA-ENDED THE OTHER DAY. I ALSO FEEL THAT IF I MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO ONGOING TRAFFIC WITH A NORMAL MARGIN OF SAFETY, THE VEHICLE COULD HESTITATE AND I COULD BE HIT HEAD-ON OR BROADSIDED. IT IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID THEY LOADED IN NEW ECU FIRMWARE AND NEW TCU FIRMWARE. IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE VOLKSWAGON FACTORY ENGINEERS ARE WORKING ON A NEW FIRMWARE RELEASE AND SHOULD HAVE IT OUT THE FIRST PART OF DECEMBER 2004. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL ME TO INSTALL THE NEW FIRMWARE WHEN AVAILABLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10100038
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2004
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM FIFTH GEAR TO FIRST GEAR. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THEN, VEHICLE WAS REPROGRAMMED, AND CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. AT FIRST THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. BUT THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE CONTRO…
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WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION SHIFTED FROM FIFTH GEAR TO FIRST GEAR. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THEN, VEHICLE WAS REPROGRAMMED, AND CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. AT FIRST THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. BUT THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10099613
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.