IllustrationDIFFICULT TO CONTROL ACCELERATION SURGE WHEN STARTING OFF FROM AT STOP POSITION. ACCELERATION IS NOT LINEAR. REMOTE KEY FOB WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. PROGRAMMABLE CONVENIENCE PROGRAMS LOSE PROGRAMMING. TIRE MONITOR OFTEN DISPLAYS ERRONEOUS WARNINGS. *AK
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
What owners actually said
231 reportsWHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON OCCASION THE CAR WILL STALL AND THE ACCELERATOR WILL NOT PRODUCE ANY ACTION. I WAS IN AN INTERSECTION TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND GOT INTO THE INTERSECTION AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND COULD NOT. VERY SCARY. THE CAR HAS DONE IT REPEATEDLY UNDER LESS THREATENING CIRCUMSTANCES. *JB
I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING ISSUE APPROXIMATELY 5 OR 6 TIMES, IN A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP & THEIR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY RESOLUTION OR ANY STATUS UPDATES. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE? WILL THE PROBLEM BE CORRECTED SOON? DO I NEED TO GET TRADE OR SELL MY VEHIC…
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I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING ISSUE APPROXIMATELY 5 OR 6 TIMES, IN A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP & THEIR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY RESOLUTION OR ANY STATUS UPDATES. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE? WILL THE PROBLEM BE CORRECTED SOON? DO I NEED TO GET TRADE OR SELL MY VEHICLE? (1) USUALLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN, IN THE 40-50 MPH RANGE, WHILE TURNING IN A CURVE (2) MY 04 TOUAREG FEELS (SHUDDERS) AS IF IT HAS SLIPPED A GEAR. THERE IS NO INDICATION OR WARNING WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. THE FIRST 2 TIMES IT HAPPENED, I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE (3) I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP, SERVICE MANAGER, AND THE VW US HEADQUARTERS. THEY TELL ME THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS, THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND SOLUTION. THANK YOU, *AK
WHILE DRIVING SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER PRESSED DOWN ON THE HORN AN IT FAILED. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT FAILED. DEALER STATED THERE WAS TOO MUCH RESISTANCE WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE COULD CATCH ON FIRE. *AK *NM
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. ALSO, NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED, AND THAT THE ELECTRICAL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND HE …
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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. ALSO, NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED, AND THAT THE ELECTRICAL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND HE REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
THE VEHICLE COMES EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR. THIS SENSOR FAILED AND REGISTERED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW IN ONE OR MORE TIRES WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE IS FINE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE SENSOR AND ROTATED THE TIRES BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURS. ALSO THE ENTIRE BODY OF THE VEHICLE SHOK AT ABOUT 40 MPH. PLEASE…
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THE VEHICLE COMES EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR. THIS SENSOR FAILED AND REGISTERED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW IN ONE OR MORE TIRES WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE IS FINE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE SENSOR AND ROTATED THE TIRES BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURS. ALSO THE ENTIRE BODY OF THE VEHICLE SHOK AT ABOUT 40 MPH. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
PASSENGER SITTING BEHIND DRIVER IN 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUREG WAS INJURED WHEN DRIVER LEFT THE CAR. ELECTRIC SEAT RETRACTED BACK AND DOWN ONTO THE PASSENGER' S FEET THAT WERE UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. SEAT ACTION OCCURS AUTOMATICALLY TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE DRIVER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE.*AK
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. VOLKSWAGEN SAYS THEY NEED TO DEVELOP A NEW HARNESS. THEY'VE HAD THE CAR FOR 2 WEEKS NOW WITH NO END IN SIGHT - NO TIMETABLE. THEY DID PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR WORTH HALF WHAT THE TOUAREG COSTS.*AK
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.