NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
50 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Dec 22, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE HAD MY 2004 VW TOUAREG SINCE JUNE 2006 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT WITHIN 6 WEEKS OF BUYING THE CAR, THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE BRAKES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND I AM GETTING ANOTHER "CHECK BRAKE PA…
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I HAVE HAD MY 2004 VW TOUAREG SINCE JUNE 2006 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT WITHIN 6 WEEKS OF BUYING THE CAR, THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE BRAKES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND I AM GETTING ANOTHER "CHECK BRAKE PADS" ERROR AGAIN, THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM CONTINUALLY TELLS ME I HAVE A FLAT, THE RADIO AMPLIFIER WAS MAKING A LOUD CRACKING SO THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A FUSE AND BLEW THE 2 BACK SPEAKERS (WHICH THEY WOULD NOT FIX, HEWLETT VW IN GEORGETOWN, TEXAS), THE AUTO DIFFERENTIAL IS GOING OUT. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO END IN SIGHT FOR REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10252545
62,000 miles · Oct 17, 2008
Power Train
DRIVE SHAFT SUPPORT BEARING FAILURE @ 62,000 MILES. MANUFACTURER VW DOES NOT SELL INDIVIDUAL BROKE PART BUT SELLS ASSEMBLY WHICH COST $1,100 PLUS TAX. THIS IS COMMON AND SHOULD BE A FACTORY RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10245752
44,000 miles · Aug 15, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower TrainFire
MULTIPLE ENGINE LIGHT FAILURES FOR OVER 4 YEARS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY WHILE WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY. VERY DANGEROUS...ESSENTIALLY NO WARNING. HAVE REPLACED WIRING HARNESS IN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES MANY TIMES. UNSAFE HANDLING AND ACCELERATION...CAR JUMPS …
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MULTIPLE ENGINE LIGHT FAILURES FOR OVER 4 YEARS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY WHILE WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY. VERY DANGEROUS...ESSENTIALLY NO WARNING. HAVE REPLACED WIRING HARNESS IN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES MANY TIMES. UNSAFE HANDLING AND ACCELERATION...CAR JUMPS FORWARD AT STOPS WHILE IT IS DOWNSHIFTING. THINK THE TRANSMISSION, TIRES AND BRAKES SHOULD BE TESTED. THINK YOU WILL FIND THEY ARE DEFECTIVE. ENGINE BLEW UP AT 44,000 MILES. VERY DANGEROUS CAR..AND YOU WILL FIND OTHER TOUAREGS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES. SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238426
66,000 miles · Dec 17, 2007
Power Train
DRIVE TRAIN FAILED WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. ALSO, THE MODULE FAILED WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DRIVE TRAIN BEING REPLACED. THE ABS MODULE HOWEVER; FAILED 3 MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. AS A RESULT I SKIDDED UNPREDICTABLY ON ICE AND CAME WITHIN INCHES OF CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. $1500 WAS QUOTED TO ME TO REPLACE THE MODULE. …
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DRIVE TRAIN FAILED WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. ALSO, THE MODULE FAILED WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DRIVE TRAIN BEING REPLACED. THE ABS MODULE HOWEVER; FAILED 3 MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. AS A RESULT I SKIDDED UNPREDICTABLY ON ICE AND CAME WITHIN INCHES OF CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. $1500 WAS QUOTED TO ME TO REPLACE THE MODULE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212149
Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2007
EquipmentFuel System, GasolinePower Train
2004 VW TOUAREG WITH TIRE FAILURE AND KEY PROGRAMMING. CONSUMER STATES HE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TO A PUNCTURE IN ONE OF THE SIDEWALL TIRES. THE SECOND KEY RECEIVED NEEDED TO BE PROGRAMMED AND DEALER CHARGED HIM FOR PROGRAMMING. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE GETS LOW GAS MILEAGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUME…
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2004 VW TOUAREG WITH TIRE FAILURE AND KEY PROGRAMMING. CONSUMER STATES HE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TO A PUNCTURE IN ONE OF THE SIDEWALL TIRES. THE SECOND KEY RECEIVED NEEDED TO BE PROGRAMMED AND DEALER CHARGED HIM FOR PROGRAMMING. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE GETS LOW GAS MILEAGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER, THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF REPEATEDLY. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED DUE TO A VIBRATION WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10210527
34,000 miles · Oct 15, 2007
Electrical SystemPower Train
THE ESP LIGHT CAME ON STEADY AND THE LIGHTS AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH CAME ON FLASHING. THEN THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED INTO THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE PEOPLE INDICATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THESE RECALLS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10205718
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
34,000 miles · Sep 11, 2006
Electrical SystemPower Train
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A WEEK AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BY THE SERVICE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE ENGINE WARNING MESSAGE READ "TURN THE MOTOR OFF IMMEDIATELY", AS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND STALLED THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STEER AND COAST TO A STOP ON THE BREAK D…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A WEEK AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BY THE SERVICE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE ENGINE WARNING MESSAGE READ "TURN THE MOTOR OFF IMMEDIATELY", AS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND STALLED THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STEER AND COAST TO A STOP ON THE BREAK DOWN LANE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND STALLED 7 TIMES BEFORE MAKING ONE MILE TO THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY. THE SERVICE DEALER PROVIDED A NUMBER TO A TOWING SERVICE. THE SERVICE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS AN ALTERNATOR AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE, DUE TO LEAKAGE FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND IN THE GARAGE OR DRIVEWAY, BEFORE OR AFTER THE PROBLEM OR WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM
NHTSA ODI #10167886
15,000 miles · Jun 28, 2006
Power Train
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT SMOOTHLY. AS AN ALTERNATIVE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES WHICH IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD NOT STOP IN TIME THIS WAS CA…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT SMOOTHLY. AS AN ALTERNATIVE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES WHICH IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD NOT STOP IN TIME THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE PRESSURE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A DEALERSHIP FOR 3 AND A HALF WEEKS AND THE DEALER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING UNDER NORMAL OPERATING STANDARDS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10161013
29,500 miles · May 23, 2006
Power Train
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE ACTED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, REGARDLESS OF THE POSITION OF THE SHIFTER. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN ANY POSITION INCLUDING PARK. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTAR…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE ACTED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, REGARDLESS OF THE POSITION OF THE SHIFTER. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN ANY POSITION INCLUDING PARK. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART, THE TRANSMISSION RE-ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIRS. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, FLASHED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, ENGINE CONTROL MODULE, AND DIFFERENTIAL CONTROL MODULE HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 07/25/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10158125
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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