Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
710–25K
2225–50K
1950–75K
2875–100K
18100–150K
7150K+
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
109,000 miles · Dec 4, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL 20AI REGARDING MY VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG, IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RECALL AS IT INVOLVES THE FUEL POSSIBLE LEAKAGE; HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR IS NOT YET AVAILABLE, AND I AM SUPPOSED WATCH OUT FOR FUEL LEAK/SMELL !!! I AM NOW NOT ENJOYING DRIVING MY CAR AND FEELING IT IS SAFE ANYMORE FOR KIDS. I AM REQUESTIN…
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I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL 20AI REGARDING MY VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG, IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RECALL AS IT INVOLVES THE FUEL POSSIBLE LEAKAGE; HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR IS NOT YET AVAILABLE, AND I AM SUPPOSED WATCH OUT FOR FUEL LEAK/SMELL !!! I AM NOW NOT ENJOYING DRIVING MY CAR AND FEELING IT IS SAFE ANYMORE FOR KIDS. I AM REQUESTING THAT THIS SAFETY RECALL BE FIXED RIGHT NOW. I DON'T KNOW HOW, BUT PROBABLY THE CAR MAKER KNOWS, AS HE KNEW HOW TO MANUFACTURE, SELL AND MAKE PROFIT OUT OF THESE CARS.
NHTSA ODI #11052407
220,638 miles · Nov 28, 2017
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (PLATINUM VOLKSWAGEN, 45 NELSON AVE, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (PLATINUM VOLKSWAGEN, 45 NELSON AVE, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,638. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11048857
169,000 miles · Nov 21, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
I SMELL GAS INSIDE THE CAR AND YESTERDAY I GOT MAIL FROM VOLKSWAGEN ABOUT A RECALL BECAUSE OF A CRACKED FUEL PUMP FLANGE.
NHTSA ODI #11047699
140,000 miles · Oct 24, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
TAKATA RECALL VEHICLE STARTS LEAKING A LOT OF GAS WHEN I GAS ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE BACK HOME AFTER WORK I HAD TO CALL A TOWN TRUCK BECAUSE I WAS SCARED IT COULD IT EXPLODE WHILE DRIVING VW SHOULD PUT MORE ATTENTION THIS MISTAKES COULD END UP IN FATALITY. FOR EXAMPLE I USE TO SIT MY 5 YEARS OLD CHILD ON TOP OF …
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TAKATA RECALL VEHICLE STARTS LEAKING A LOT OF GAS WHEN I GAS ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE BACK HOME AFTER WORK I HAD TO CALL A TOWN TRUCK BECAUSE I WAS SCARED IT COULD IT EXPLODE WHILE DRIVING VW SHOULD PUT MORE ATTENTION THIS MISTAKES COULD END UP IN FATALITY. FOR EXAMPLE I USE TO SIT MY 5 YEARS OLD CHILD ON TOP OF THIS FUEL PUMP RIGHT BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE WHAT IF IT XPLODE ?? WHO'S GOING TO TAKE THAT
NHTSA ODI #11039457
Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2017
Unknown Or Other
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF MY CAR IS PART OF THE RECALL CARS
NHTSA ODI #11036006
95,171 miles · Oct 10, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FUELED UP, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INTO THE VENTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FUELED UP, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INTO THE VENTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V583000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,171.
NHTSA ODI #11032774
Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2017
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
SOME WEEKS AGO, THE TV NEWS REPORTED A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD NO OTHER NOTIFICATION. I HAVE LIVED HERE FOR 51 YEARS AND HAVEN'T CHANGED MY PHONE NUMBER. WHAT IS MOST DISTURBING IS THAT YOUR WEBSITE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THIS!!! BESIDES CASHING YOUR PAYCHECK, WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO TO JUSTIFY BREATHING???
NHTSA ODI #11032057
Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
FUEL FLANGE IS DEFECTIVE ON THIS TRUCK BUT IS EXCLUDED BY VW FOR SOME STRANGE REASON CONSIDERING IT ONLY MENTION TOUAREGS STARTING AT 2007 &2010 THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PART THAT'S DEFECTIVE THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO COVER MY VEHICLE AND THEY CONFIRMED THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM WHY IS THIS YEAR 2004 NOT COVERED
NHTSA ODI #11030630
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
FUEL FLANGE ON DRIVER SIDE IS CRACKING AND LEAKING FUEL UNDER PRESSURE. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 2007 - 2010 MODELS. MINE IS SUFFERING THE SAME PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #10978801
140,232 miles · Mar 11, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, I STARTED BLOWING FUSES FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL. I WOULD HAVE NO FRONT OR REAR TURN SIGNAL, AS WELL AS NO HAZARDS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I LOOKED INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND FOUND THAT ALL THE WIRING WAS EXPOSED DUE TO THE WIRING INSULATION ROTTING OFF, LEAVING EXPOSED WIRING. I AM A FIREF…
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ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, I STARTED BLOWING FUSES FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL. I WOULD HAVE NO FRONT OR REAR TURN SIGNAL, AS WELL AS NO HAZARDS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I LOOKED INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND FOUND THAT ALL THE WIRING WAS EXPOSED DUE TO THE WIRING INSULATION ROTTING OFF, LEAVING EXPOSED WIRING. I AM A FIREFIGHTER, AND THIS IS A VEHICLE FIRE, WAITING TO HAPPEN. YOU CANT EVEN WRAP ELECTRICAL TAPE AROUND IT, DUE TO THE HEADLAMP UNIT NOT BEING ABLE TO BE TAKEN APART. I HAVE NO LEFT TURN SIGNALS, AND RISK BEING HIT, SIDESWIPED, OR GETTING A TICKET FROM THE POLICE FOR SOMETHING I CANNOT FIX. I HAVE REPLACED 4 DIFFERENT FUSES NOW TRYING TO FIX THIS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2004 Volkswagen Touareg Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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