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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

What owners actually said

231 reports
Mileage unknown · May 21, 2004
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A VERY SLOW SPEED OR A "ROLLING" STOP, THE CAR HESITATES OR STALLS BEFORE ACCELERATING, THEN LURCHES FORWARD. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS RANDOMLY, BUT CONSISTENTLY. WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE REGULARLY JUMPS FORWARD AT THE LAST DOWNSHIFT IN THE STOPPING PROCESS. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND THREATENS …

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WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A VERY SLOW SPEED OR A "ROLLING" STOP, THE CAR HESITATES OR STALLS BEFORE ACCELERATING, THEN LURCHES FORWARD. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS RANDOMLY, BUT CONSISTENTLY. WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE REGULARLY JUMPS FORWARD AT THE LAST DOWNSHIFT IN THE STOPPING PROCESS. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND THREATENS MY SAFETY, THOSE AROUND ME IN TRAFFIC, MY PASSENGERS, AND OTHER POTENTIAL DRIVERS OF MY VEHICLE. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA & MY DEALER THAT THIS IS THE WAY THIS SUV IS DESIGNED TO PERFORM. THE FACT THAT THE "HESITATIONS/STALLS" OCCUR AT RANDOM ONLY FURTHERS MY POINT THAT THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT AND NOT "JUST THE WAY THIS MODEL DRIVES" AND "YOU JUST HAVE TO GET USED TO IT" AS I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MARTENS VW.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10072957

810 miles · May 15, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

2004 TOURAG HAS A HESTIENCY IN STARTING CAUSING THE VEHCILE TO NOT MOVE IMMEDIATELY AND THEN SURGE FORWARD. WE ALSO OWN AN AUDI THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE REGIONAL AUDI MECHANICAL REP GOT IT STOPPED. VW MIGHT WANT TO CHECK WITH AUDI.

NHTSA ODI #10072669

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control

I HAVE A 2004 VW TOUAREG THAT EITHER FAILS TO ACCELERATE OR IS VERY ERRATIC IN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS A SOFT WARE PROPLEM BUT HAS NO FIX. THIS CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10068184

Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control

THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY HESITATED BADLY ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. *PH (CONSUMER LETTER ADD TO RECEIVED ON 04/26/2004). *MR CONSUMER STILL EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT HESITATION ON ACCELERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN COMING FROM A STOP. *LA *CB

NHTSA ODI #10065177

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control

VW TOURAGE- SEVERAL TIMES WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP THE ENGINE LOSES POWER AS THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAS PLACED ME IN SITUATION WHERE ON COMING TRAFFIC NARROWLY STOPPED BEFORE COLLIDING WITH ME. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP AND WILL BE TAKING IT AGAIN NEXT MONDAY;HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE PROBLEM. TH…

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VW TOURAGE- SEVERAL TIMES WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP THE ENGINE LOSES POWER AS THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAS PLACED ME IN SITUATION WHERE ON COMING TRAFFIC NARROWLY STOPPED BEFORE COLLIDING WITH ME. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP AND WILL BE TAKING IT AGAIN NEXT MONDAY;HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS SUGGESTED IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SAFETY DEVIVE THAT IS SOME WAY CONNECTED TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10066214

50 miles · Apr 10, 2004
Steering

I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TUAREG WITHOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE PARKING LOT I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO PUT 800 PLUS MILES ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE THEY WOULD ALIGN THE FRONT END. AFTER PUTT…

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I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TUAREG WITHOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE PARKING LOT I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO PUT 800 PLUS MILES ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE THEY WOULD ALIGN THE FRONT END. AFTER PUTTING THE REQUIRED MILES ON THE VEHICLE IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE EXPECTATION OF AN ALIGNMENT. I PICKED THE CAR UP THAT AFTERNOON AND I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THIS CAR WAS PROPERLY ALIGNED AND THAT IT WAS VERIFIED BY TWO INDIVIDUALS WHO DROVE TO CAR. THIS VEHICLE HAS A PROPENSITY TO RAPIDLY PULL OFF THE ROAD WITH ALMOST ANY KIND OF CROWN. THE STEEPER THE CROWN THE MORE RADICAL IT WANTS TO PULL. THIS IS EITHER A BOGUS SERVICE MANAGER OR THE VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG HAS SERIOUS PROBLEMS THAT PREVENT IT FROM TRACKING DOWN THE ROAD IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I HAVE HAD BMWS, PORSCHES, GMC YUKONS AND PICKUP TRUCKS THAT STAY ON THE ROAD 100 PERCENT BETTER THAN THIS VEHICLE. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE SOME FEEDBACK FROM OTHER OWNERS WHO MAY BE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WILL ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS VEHICLE VEERS OFF A ROAD AND TAKES OUT A TELEPHONE POLE. THIS IS EITHER AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM OR A DESIGNED FLAW. SINCERELY, HENRY MOSELEY

NHTSA ODI #10065894

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2004
Electrical System

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I DRIVE A 2004 VW TOUAREG. I WANT TO REPORT A TECHNICAL PROBLEM REGARDING THE MULTI FUNCTION INDICATOR (TRIP COMPUTER, OR MFI) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHICH VW DOESN'T ACKNOWLADGE.*AK MY TOUAREG HAS A COLOR MFI MODULE (LCD BASED) WHICH SHOWS THE CLOCK, GEAR, CD INFO ETC, BETWEEN THE SPEEDOMETER AN…

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I DRIVE A 2004 VW TOUAREG. I WANT TO REPORT A TECHNICAL PROBLEM REGARDING THE MULTI FUNCTION INDICATOR (TRIP COMPUTER, OR MFI) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHICH VW DOESN'T ACKNOWLADGE.*AK MY TOUAREG HAS A COLOR MFI MODULE (LCD BASED) WHICH SHOWS THE CLOCK, GEAR, CD INFO ETC, BETWEEN THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE TACHOMETER (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER). THE PROBLEM IS THAT MFI CONSTANTLY BUZZ AS SOON IT IS POWERED UP (OPENING THE DOOR, DON'T NEED TO INSERT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION) AND THE SOUND GOES AWAY WHEN THE MFI SHUTS OFF. WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION MFI IS ALWAYS ON, AND THE NOISE GETS QUIET ANNOYING. I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT OR HOW TO ELIMINATE THIS SOUND. I TRY TO DIM THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER'S LIGHTNING, HOWEVER THIS HAS NO EFFECT. ALSO WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON, THE NOISE GET LOUDER. OVERALL, THIS ISSUE CREATES A DISTURBANCE FOR THE DRIVER, AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. VW DOESN'T IDENTIFY THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER I HAVE HEARD AND READ FROM OTHER WEBSITES ABOUT PEOPLE COMPLANING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THANKING YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE AND INTEREST, AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. WARMEST REGARDS, BARR KARAGOZLU KARAGOZLU_BARIS@YAHOO.COM

NHTSA ODI #10065719

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2004
Air Bags

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON 4 TIMES INDICATING A FAILURE IN THE SYSTEM. VW HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THIS SAFETY DEFECT DESPITE HAVING THE CAR OVER 6 WEEKS TOTAL. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT OR REFUND PURCHASE PRICE OF A 5 MONTH OLD VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10063604

Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE STALLED, FORCING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10061792

8,079 miles · Mar 9, 2004
Electrical SystemTires

2004 TOUAREG THAT HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE BATTERY FAILURES DUE TO EXCESSIVE DRAW. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED FOR MORE THAN 3-4 DAYS W/OUT EXPERIENCING BATTERY FAILURE. HAS BEEN TO VW SERVICE ON 3 OCCASSIONS FOR A TOTAL OF 40 BUSINESS DAYS. THE CAR HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILU…

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2004 TOUAREG THAT HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE BATTERY FAILURES DUE TO EXCESSIVE DRAW. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED FOR MORE THAN 3-4 DAYS W/OUT EXPERIENCING BATTERY FAILURE. HAS BEEN TO VW SERVICE ON 3 OCCASSIONS FOR A TOTAL OF 40 BUSINESS DAYS. THE CAR HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILURES WHICH COULD PROVIDE ERRONEOUS INFORMATION DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE TIRE CONDITION. ACCORDINGLY, THE VEHICLE ISS UNRELIABLE, PRONE TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS WHICH COULD IMPACT OPERATOR, PASSENGER AND OTHER MOTORIST SAFETY.

NHTSA ODI #10060804

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.