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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.

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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

Tires complaints

36 reports
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15,000 miles · Nov 7, 2005
Latches/locks/linkagesSuspensionTires

DOOR HANDLES STICK ON ALL FOUR DOORS. LAST YEAR, MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AS I WENT AROUND A CORNER, THE PASSENGER DOOR FLUNG OPEN AND MY HUSBAND ALMOST FELL OUT. LUCKILY HE WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT. THE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, THE DOOR HANDLES HAVE STARTED STICKING AGAIN. I HAVE …

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DOOR HANDLES STICK ON ALL FOUR DOORS. LAST YEAR, MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AS I WENT AROUND A CORNER, THE PASSENGER DOOR FLUNG OPEN AND MY HUSBAND ALMOST FELL OUT. LUCKILY HE WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT. THE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, THE DOOR HANDLES HAVE STARTED STICKING AGAIN. I HAVE TO PULL THE HANDLE AND LET IT GO QUICKLY TO LOOSEN THE HANDLE SO IT CLOSES FULLY. I NOTICED WITH 1000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE THAT THERE WAS A PULL IN THE FRONT END. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED TO BE ALIGNED. THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE ALIGNMENT, MY TIRES WERE COMPLETELY WORN TO THE TREAD BARS WITH 15,000 MILES ON ALL FOUR, THEY WERE CUPPED. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED 2 TIRES AND I PAID FOR 2 TIRES AND A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. *NM *AK

NHTSA ODI #10142016

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkagesPower TrainInjury

OUR 2004 VW TOUAREG V-8 HAS THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS DESPITE FIVE TRIPS TO THE DEALER: I) HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION; II) PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT; AND III) SHIFTS ROUGHLY AT LOW SPEEDS. PAST PROBLEMS INCLUDE: IV) THE LATCH ON THE REAR DOOR BROKE, SUCH THAT IT CAME CRASHING DOWN ON MY WIFE'S HEAD; V) THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH…

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OUR 2004 VW TOUAREG V-8 HAS THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS DESPITE FIVE TRIPS TO THE DEALER: I) HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION; II) PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT; AND III) SHIFTS ROUGHLY AT LOW SPEEDS. PAST PROBLEMS INCLUDE: IV) THE LATCH ON THE REAR DOOR BROKE, SUCH THAT IT CAME CRASHING DOWN ON MY WIFE'S HEAD; V) THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH WOULDN'T WORK; VI) THE CAR SHUDDERED BADLY WHEN YOU TRIED TO MAKE A TURN AT LOW SPEEDS (E.G., WHILE PARKING) AND VII) THE FLAT TIRE INDICATOR WENT ON EVEN THOUGH THE TIRE WAS NEITHER FLAT NOR LOW. WE HAVE AN ARBITRATION SCHEDULED FOR 11/9/05 UNDER CALIFORNIA'S LEMON LAW. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10140862

45 miles · Oct 25, 2005
Tires

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. IT GAVE INCORRECT READINGS. THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED ON. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SIX TIMES. THE TIRE PRESSURE HAS BEEN CHECKED, AND THE MONITOR HAS BEEN RESET. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE…

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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. IT GAVE INCORRECT READINGS. THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED ON. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SIX TIMES. THE TIRE PRESSURE HAS BEEN CHECKED, AND THE MONITOR HAS BEEN RESET. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10140776

16,000 miles · Sep 28, 2005
Power TrainTires

CONSUMERS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ERRATIC SHIFTING. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP CAR WILL HESITATE AND JERK. *TS THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO ONLY OCCURE WHIL THE TRANSMISSION IS IN LOWER GEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DELER AT LEAST THREE TIMES BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE OR FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUEMR HAS AL…

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CONSUMERS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ERRATIC SHIFTING. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP CAR WILL HESITATE AND JERK. *TS THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO ONLY OCCURE WHIL THE TRANSMISSION IS IN LOWER GEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DELER AT LEAST THREE TIMES BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE OR FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUEMR HAS ALSO CONTACTED TEHE MANUFCATURE BUT THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRE HAVE EXCESSIVE WEAR AT ONLY 16000 MILES. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10138832

20,800 miles · Sep 21, 2005
Tires

DUNLOP GRANDTRACK 8000 255X60X17 TIRES ARE WORN TO THE WEAR LINE (ALL4) AFTER 20955 MILES. TIRES ARE ON 2004 VW. TIRES WERE INSPECTED AND SHOW NO PROBLEMS OTHER THAN WEAR. DUNLOP WILL NOT REPLACE, VW HAS NOT REPLACED TIRES. TIRES ON A $42K VEHICLE SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 21,000 MILES. REPLACEMENT IS EST AT $1154.00

NHTSA ODI #10137231

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2005
Electrical SystemEquipmentSuspension

I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY VW TOUAREG V6. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE DEALER FOR FAILURES IN DESIGN. FOOTLIGHT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE CAR WAS OFF DUE TO TRUNK DOOR LATCH BEING BROKEN AT TIME OF PURCHASE. TIRES WERE WEARING FASTER THAN NORMAL AND THE ALIGNMENT WAS BAD. I WAS GIVEN NEW TIRES, HOWEVER, WH…

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I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY VW TOUAREG V6. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE DEALER FOR FAILURES IN DESIGN. FOOTLIGHT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE CAR WAS OFF DUE TO TRUNK DOOR LATCH BEING BROKEN AT TIME OF PURCHASE. TIRES WERE WEARING FASTER THAN NORMAL AND THE ALIGNMENT WAS BAD. I WAS GIVEN NEW TIRES, HOWEVER, WHEN I ASKED IF THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, I WAS TOLD YES AND THEY WERE UNSURE WHAT VW WOULD DO IN THE FUTURE. TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AT ANY TIME. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A MALFUNCTION THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE NUMEROUS COMPUTER OPTIONS. IT CAME ON AFTER A TIRE ROTATION AND OIL CHANGE AND THE DEALER SAID "DON'T WORRY, IT WILL RESET ITSELF AND GO OFF".RADIO HAS MYSTERIOUSLY STOPPED WORKING FOR 24 HOURS AT A TIME. CAR HAS ACTUALLY BEEN DEAD ON TWO OCCASIONS AND HAS LEFT ME STRANDED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE BATTERY IN THE TOUAREG CAN'T SUPPORT THE CAR AND THE COMPUTER MODULES. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS AS THE BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A MISTAKE BY VW AND I WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. I WAS ALSO TOLD TO NOT DRIVE IN THE CITY AS THIS MAKES THE PROBLEM MUCH WORSE. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY AREN'T SURE HOW THAT HAPPENED, BUT SIMPLY RESETTING THE CAR MADE IT RETURN. CD PLAYER WOULD NOT WORK,CAR WAS "RESET". I FIND THIS CAR TO BE THE BIGGEST JOKE EVER MADE. I UNFORTUNATELY AM OVER THE MILEAGE FOR THE LEMON LAW IN MAINE (I HAVE 27,000MILES ON THE CAR). I REALLY THINK THINGS ARE GETTING WORSE IN MY CAR THE LONGER I HAVE THE THING. MY BIGGEST CONCERN WITH THE CAR IS THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY IT COULD STOP WORKING AT ANY MOMENT. I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CARRY A SELF JUMPING SYSTEM IN A PRACTICALLY BRAND NEW $34,000 CAR. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY MY DEALERSHIP WHEN I STATED I WAS THINKING OF SELLING THE CAR, THAT THEY DIDN'T BLAME ME AS THEY HAD HEARD A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY THAT ABOUT THE TOUAREG. YEAH, I FEEL REALLY SAFE WITH THIS CAR. I THINK IT IS TIME SOMEONE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS CAR AND VW. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10136869

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2005
SuspensionTires

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILURE (TPMS) NO EVENTS LED TO FAILURE, SYSTEM JUST DISAPPEARED FROM CAR...TELLS ME I HAVE A FLAT TIRE WHEN I DON'T....TIRES LOSING PRESSURE NOW AND ALIGNMENT IS OFF FOR A SECOND TIME AFTER BEING SERVICED, TIRES WEARING INCORRECTLY AND AT A FAST RATE...THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE THAT NEED T…

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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILURE (TPMS) NO EVENTS LED TO FAILURE, SYSTEM JUST DISAPPEARED FROM CAR...TELLS ME I HAVE A FLAT TIRE WHEN I DON'T....TIRES LOSING PRESSURE NOW AND ALIGNMENT IS OFF FOR A SECOND TIME AFTER BEING SERVICED, TIRES WEARING INCORRECTLY AND AT A FAST RATE...THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE THAT NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED WITH VW BEFORE ANOTHER FORD/TIRE SITUATION/DEATH HAPPENS TO ALL OF US NOW VW TOUAREG OWNERS. (2004 VW TOUAREG V6 OWNER: BRAND NEW!)*JB

NHTSA ODI #10132743

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2005
Air BagsTires

DT: VW TOUAREG 2004. THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR IS ON; THIS MEANS THE AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED. THE AIR BAGS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED ONCE, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN IN TO A SERVICE DEALER TODAY. ALSO, AT 9,000 MILES ALL FOUR TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS UN…

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DT: VW TOUAREG 2004. THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR IS ON; THIS MEANS THE AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED. THE AIR BAGS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED ONCE, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN IN TO A SERVICE DEALER TODAY. ALSO, AT 9,000 MILES ALL FOUR TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS UNUSUAL WEAR FROM THE VEHICLE, AND TO CONTACT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. *AK *SC

NHTSA ODI #10126177

8,000 miles · May 18, 2005
Tires

CONCERNS REGARDING THE PERRELLI TIRE EQUIPMENT ON THE 2004.*MR...THE TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE WERE MUCH TOO SOFT FOR THE WEIGHT OF THIS VEHICLE. THE TIRES WORE OUT IN LESS THAN 8000 MILES. THIS CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE ROADWAYS NOT ONLLY FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT FOR OTHER VEHICLES AS WELLVOLKSWAGAGEN'S POLICY IS TO REPLACE…

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CONCERNS REGARDING THE PERRELLI TIRE EQUIPMENT ON THE 2004.*MR...THE TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE WERE MUCH TOO SOFT FOR THE WEIGHT OF THIS VEHICLE. THE TIRES WORE OUT IN LESS THAN 8000 MILES. THIS CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE ROADWAYS NOT ONLLY FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT FOR OTHER VEHICLES AS WELLVOLKSWAGAGEN'S POLICY IS TO REPLACE TWO TIRES, FORCING CONSUMERS TO PAY FOR THE OTHER TIRES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10121457

2,000 miles · Apr 11, 2005
Air BagsElectrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

MY 2004 TOUAREG WITH LESS THAN 5000 MILES HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICING 7 TIMES. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN WORKED ON AND LOOKED AT THREE TIMES. THEY STILL SQUEAL BUT THE PROBLEM HAS LESSENED. OF MORE CONCERN ARE THE SAFETY ISSUES THAT HAVE AFFECTED ME. I HAVE BEEN LOCKED OUT OF MY VEHICLE TWICE, EACH TIME WITH A DIFFERENT RESOLUTION.…

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MY 2004 TOUAREG WITH LESS THAN 5000 MILES HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICING 7 TIMES. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN WORKED ON AND LOOKED AT THREE TIMES. THEY STILL SQUEAL BUT THE PROBLEM HAS LESSENED. OF MORE CONCERN ARE THE SAFETY ISSUES THAT HAVE AFFECTED ME. I HAVE BEEN LOCKED OUT OF MY VEHICLE TWICE, EACH TIME WITH A DIFFERENT RESOLUTION. UPDATED SOFTWARE WAS THE LATEST FIX. MY AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT IS NOW ON. ANOTHER SOFTWARE RESOLUTION IS ON THE WAY. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE QUALITY OR SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE OR WHEN THE NEXT ISSUE WILL ARISE. VOLKSWAGEN TOLD ME MY CAR WAS NOT PROBLEMATIC AND I HAD "BUYERS REMORSE". I AM IN AWE OF THEIR LACK OF CONCERN ESPECIALLY WHEN I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY TOUAREG OWNER OUT THERE WITH PROBLEMS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10116727

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.