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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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11,000 miles · Feb 7, 2005
Tires

TIRES ON SUV DOES NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *BF THE CONSUMERS 2004 VW TOUREG NEEDED NEW TIRES AT 11000 MILES. THE TIRES THE VEHICLE CAME WITH WERE DUNLOP 255/60R17 106H. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BOOK GIVES AN EXAMPLE OF AN 18 INCH TIRE STATING THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THE TIRE SUPPORTS THE WEIGHT OF…

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TIRES ON SUV DOES NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *BF THE CONSUMERS 2004 VW TOUREG NEEDED NEW TIRES AT 11000 MILES. THE TIRES THE VEHICLE CAME WITH WERE DUNLOP 255/60R17 106H. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BOOK GIVES AN EXAMPLE OF AN 18 INCH TIRE STATING THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THE TIRE SUPPORTS THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *TC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10111688

2,200 miles · Aug 1, 2004
Tires

THE COMPUTER PROGRAM CONTROLLING THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS FLAWED. THE COMPUTER WILL INDICATE (ON DASH DISPLAY) THAT A TIRE IS FLAT WHEN THE ACTUAL PRESSURE IS ABOUT 4 POUNDS EITHER HIGH OR LOW. IT WILL NOT SHOW THE ACTUAL TIRE INVOLVED OR CONDITION. IT ALSO CAUSES AN AUDIO ALARM TO BE SOUNDED CONTINUALLY UNTIL THE …

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THE COMPUTER PROGRAM CONTROLLING THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS FLAWED. THE COMPUTER WILL INDICATE (ON DASH DISPLAY) THAT A TIRE IS FLAT WHEN THE ACTUAL PRESSURE IS ABOUT 4 POUNDS EITHER HIGH OR LOW. IT WILL NOT SHOW THE ACTUAL TIRE INVOLVED OR CONDITION. IT ALSO CAUSES AN AUDIO ALARM TO BE SOUNDED CONTINUALLY UNTIL THE CAR IS PULLED OVER, STOPPED AND THE SYSTEM DISABLED FROM THE ON DASH CONTROLS. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE WHEN ON A FREEWAY. THE ALARM IS TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY IN ERROR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10083096

2,297 miles · Jun 3, 2004
Tires

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

NHTSA ODI #10075654

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

1,000 miles · Feb 25, 2004
Tires

2004 VW TOUAREG - TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS BEEN FAULTY ALMOST DAILY SINCE PURCHASE - VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES IN AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR WITH NO SUCESS - INCLUDING REPLACING THE TIRE PRESSURE SWITCH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10059005

400 miles · Feb 21, 2004
Tires

TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, HOPEFULLY WILL SOON BE CLASSIFIED AS A RECALL. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO VW SERVICE 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED, BUT EITHER THE SERVICE BULLETINS ARE INADEQUATE OR THE SERVICE DEPT AT ABQ DEALERSHIP INCOMPETENT. REGARDLESS THEY HAVE NOT BEEN A…

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TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, HOPEFULLY WILL SOON BE CLASSIFIED AS A RECALL. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO VW SERVICE 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED, BUT EITHER THE SERVICE BULLETINS ARE INADEQUATE OR THE SERVICE DEPT AT ABQ DEALERSHIP INCOMPETENT. REGARDLESS THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE ERROR (MONITORING FAILURE) LIGHT COMES ON SPORADICALLY INFORMING ME THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH AT LEAST ONE OF THE TIRES. I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET FIXED, THEY RESET THE MOTORING SYSTEM AND A FEW DAYS LATER THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. AS OF TODAY THEY HAVE COMPLETED THE LAST STEP IN THE SERVICE TECH BULLETIN. PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10058652

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.