NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
14 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 28, 2026
Electrical System
My OBD port cannot be read. It will not communicate, or I cannot communicate with the vehicle using any OBD reading software. Myself or my mechanic. This is a major safety concern due to several reasons. Most importantly, I'm being told that it can affect, or it's probably caused by, electrical problems that are well known on th…
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My OBD port cannot be read. It will not communicate, or I cannot communicate with the vehicle using any OBD reading software. Myself or my mechanic. This is a major safety concern due to several reasons. Most importantly, I'm being told that it can affect, or it's probably caused by, electrical problems that are well known on this particular model and year for this maker. Something's wrong with it, where it's either being shorted somewhere, or for whatever reason, because it's not communicating. It's caused the vehicle to shut off randomly, sometimes it will allow you to restart, and then sometimes it will not. And this is a cause of concern if and when I drive on the highway.
NHTSA ODI #11734415
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainVisibility/wiper
Due to a leak in either the sunroof or the windshield water continuously drips down every time it rains onto the floorboard of the driver side of this vehicle, creating a sopping wet floor board that has 2 inches of water, which in turn soaks the whole electrical system for this vehicle. I mean the water continuously drips from …
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Due to a leak in either the sunroof or the windshield water continuously drips down every time it rains onto the floorboard of the driver side of this vehicle, creating a sopping wet floor board that has 2 inches of water, which in turn soaks the whole electrical system for this vehicle. I mean the water continuously drips from the time you purchase this vehicle until forever I guarantee that anybody who has a v8 version of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg has a sopping wet driver, side floor board! The water never has a chance to dry, especially in colder climates Mine went into limp mode due to this electrical system, failing. VW MECHANICS told me I needed a whole new engine w! When I did my research and I found out that this is very common on this model, and if there are some wires that inevitably get corroded from all the water that ruins the electrical system underneath the driver side floor board, and therefore the wires become corroded and severed which creates a real problem for the electrical system to function
NHTSA ODI #11541808
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2023
Electrical System
After doing major research with other owners of like year and model I have discovered that i'm not the only one that is experiencing headlight electronics or headlight electrical system within the headlight assembly frying the electrical wires, cracking the brittle wire coating and exposing many of the electrical wires together …
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After doing major research with other owners of like year and model I have discovered that i'm not the only one that is experiencing headlight electronics or headlight electrical system within the headlight assembly frying the electrical wires, cracking the brittle wire coating and exposing many of the electrical wires together within the housing unit of the headlight Assembly. This caused many short circuits Headlights Shutting off at random times but most importantly shutting off at night on a dark highway. Depending on the bumps and bruises of the streets would cause the Wires to touch each other and short circuit. Although this is a 17-year-old vehicle but I've never experienced electrical components being degraded this much For like Like age of any vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11508252
128,000 miles · Oct 11, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
WHEN I GET GAS FOR MY TOUAREG 2005 I'LL SHUT THE SUV OFF POP OPEN THE FUEL BOX DOOR AND PUT THE GAS IN THEN AS I PUT CAP BACK ON SHUT DOOR GET IN THE SUV I TRY TO START THE SUV BUT IT SEEMS AS IF THE CARS EITHER OUT OF GAS OR BATTERY HAS DIED SO AFTER THE FIRST LIKE SAY 4-6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING TO ME I TRIED TO LEAVE THE CAR …
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WHEN I GET GAS FOR MY TOUAREG 2005 I'LL SHUT THE SUV OFF POP OPEN THE FUEL BOX DOOR AND PUT THE GAS IN THEN AS I PUT CAP BACK ON SHUT DOOR GET IN THE SUV I TRY TO START THE SUV BUT IT SEEMS AS IF THE CARS EITHER OUT OF GAS OR BATTERY HAS DIED SO AFTER THE FIRST LIKE SAY 4-6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING TO ME I TRIED TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING AS I PUT THE GAS IN THE SUV IN HOPES OF IT STILL REMAIN ON AND RUNNING BUT SURE ENOUGH THE SUVS BATTERY LIGHT WILL POP ON AND THE CAR WILL LOSE LIFE BUT THE LIGHTS AND STUFF STILL REMAIN ON BUT NO DRIVING HAPPENING SO I'D HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF THEN TRY AND START IT UP AGAIN BUT AS I TURN THE KEY I'LL HAVE TO PUMP THE GAS PEDDLE A BUNCH TO CATCH THE FLOW I GUESS
NHTSA ODI #11139893
104,000 miles · Oct 1, 2018
Electrical SystemStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EACH TIME IT RAINED, WATER ACCUMULATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EACH TIME IT RAINED, WATER ACCUMULATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOOR WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT LATER CALLED STONE MOUNTAIN VOLKSWAGEN AT (678) 367-4286 (LOCATED AT 3500 STONE MOUNTAIN HWY, SNELLVILLE, GA 30078) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA ODI #11132737
139,000 miles · Sep 5, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
OVERALL LIFE OF CAR HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MAJORITY OF THE HOSES IN THE ENGINE, THE FUEL LINE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE LEAVOR-3 TIMES, THE HORN ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE. AND WITH THE RECALL THE GAS FLANGE - CRACKING. THE PRODUCT VW USES IN THIS VEHICLE IS INFERIOR- PLASTIC EXPANDS WHEN HOT AND CONTRACTS WHEN COLD= …
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OVERALL LIFE OF CAR HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MAJORITY OF THE HOSES IN THE ENGINE, THE FUEL LINE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE LEAVOR-3 TIMES, THE HORN ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE. AND WITH THE RECALL THE GAS FLANGE - CRACKING. THE PRODUCT VW USES IN THIS VEHICLE IS INFERIOR- PLASTIC EXPANDS WHEN HOT AND CONTRACTS WHEN COLD= CRACKING. PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL OF THE GAS FLANGE OR WHATEVER ELSE IS RELATED TO THE GAS BEFORE ANYONE IN MY FAMILY OR OTHERS DIE. OR MY CAS GOES UP INTO FLAMES CAUSING SEVERE TRAUMA- ESPECIALLY BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. WE HAVE PAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR COSTS IN THIS VEHICLE THAT VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT HELP - THE ENTIRE ENTERRIER PLASTIC COATING TO THE VEHICLE HAS MELTED - THE DRIVERS SIDE VISITOR HANGS AS THE SPRING ACTION OR WHAT EVER IT'S CALLED IS BROKEN. WE HAVE OWNED MANY CARS, FORDS, TOYOTA'S, HONDA'S AND SEVERAL VWS. THE TOUAREG AND ALL OF PRIMARY SAFETY FEATURES SHOULD ALWAYS FUNCTION SAFELY-THE GAS ISSUE IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY BE A RECALL TO SAVE LIVES!
NHTSA ODI #11124546
104,098 miles · Aug 27, 2015
Air BagsElectrical System
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 VW TOUAREG WHICH RECENTLY HAD THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COME ON AND STAY ON. I TOOK THE TOUAREG TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WHERE I WAS CHARGED $104.48 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST PROVIDED THE STORED FAULT CODE OF 01218, FRONT SIDE PASSENGER AIRBAG IGNITOR UPPER LIMIT EXCEEDED, THUS RECOMMEND…
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I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 VW TOUAREG WHICH RECENTLY HAD THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COME ON AND STAY ON. I TOOK THE TOUAREG TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WHERE I WAS CHARGED $104.48 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST PROVIDED THE STORED FAULT CODE OF 01218, FRONT SIDE PASSENGER AIRBAG IGNITOR UPPER LIMIT EXCEEDED, THUS RECOMMENDING REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS FOR $320.00 ESTIMATE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT VW ADDRESSED WITH THE NHTSA BY A TOUAREG SERVICE PACK/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN IN LATE DECEMBER 2006 WHERE VVV REPLACED THE SUBJECT DEFECTIVE HARNESSES AT NO EXPENSE TO TOUAREG OWNERS. THE VW ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT ACCORDING TO THE VEHICLE RECORDS THIS REPLACEMENT WAS NOT PERFORMED ON MY TOUAREG. PLEASE ADVISE WHY THIS DEFECTIVE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS WAS NOT REPLACED DURING THIS CAMPAIGN. BASED UPON MY CONCERN AS A SAFETY AND HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, AND MY REVIEW OF THE INFORMATION AND FILES AVAILABLE FROM NHTSA CONCERNING THE PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION OF THIS PROBLEM IN 2006, I BELIEVE THAT VWS FAILURE TO CONTINUE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY NHTSA FOR CONSIDERATION OF REOPENING OF THIS INVESTIGATION. AS STATED IN THE ODI RESUME FOR INVESTIGATION: PE 06-022, SUBJECT: SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION, .THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I EXPECT NHTSA WILL REQUEST DATA FROM VW ON HOW MANY VW TOUAREGS HAVE REPORTED, OR BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2006, AND HOW MANY OWNERS HAVE PAID VW OR OTHER REPAIR FACILITIES TO REPLACE THESE AIR BAG WIRING HARNESSES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT. THE TOUAREG SERVICE PACK/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN IN LATE DECEMBER 2006 WHERE VVV REPLACED THE SUBJECT DEFECTIVE HARNESSES AT NO EXPENSE TO TOUAREG OWNERS WAS AN ACTION TAKEN AT THAT TIME TO AVOID A RECALL. RECONSIDER!
NHTSA ODI #10759641
74,218 miles · Feb 13, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD NOT OPERATE IN LOW BEAM MODE. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTED THAT THE INSULATION FOR THE WIRING INSIDE EACH HEADLIGHT UNIT WAS BRITTLE, CRACKED AND IN SOME CASES THE INSULATION HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OFF. THIS CAUSED BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO GROUND OUT AND FAIL, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DURING VEH…
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BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD NOT OPERATE IN LOW BEAM MODE. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTED THAT THE INSULATION FOR THE WIRING INSIDE EACH HEADLIGHT UNIT WAS BRITTLE, CRACKED AND IN SOME CASES THE INSULATION HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OFF. THIS CAUSED BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO GROUND OUT AND FAIL, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10683124
108,000 miles · Jan 22, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine
IT'S NOT LETTING ME SELECT ANY PARTS THERE IS A GLITCH IN THIS WEBSITE. IT IS MY ENTIRE WIRING SYSTEM! HAS COST US 100S OF DOLLARS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10678248
50,000 miles · Mar 20, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
SMELL OF GAS AFTER REFUELING -- APPARENTLY SIMILAR TO MERCEDE BENZ --DEALER REPORTS THE GASKETS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK HAVE FAILED FOR A REPAIR COST OF $8-900.00: WATER COOLED ALTERNATOR FAILURE REQUIRING $8-900.00
NHTSA ODI #10504036
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.