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2005 Volkswagen Touareg

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 27.5.

About this comparison →
75Owner complaints

Model-year median: 27.5

2Recall campaigns

View recall details →

2Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
231
200475
200537
20069
200756
2008
Compare all Touareg years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Fuel/propulsion System
16Electrical System
14Power Train
10Tires
9Air Bags
8
All reported categories
Seat Belts
7Fuel System, Gasoline
5Exterior Lighting
4Service Brakes, Hydraulic
4Steering
4Engine
3Seats
3Structure
3Unknown Or Other
3Latches/locks/linkages
2Suspension
2Visibility
2Visibility/wiper
2Engine And Engine Cooling
1Fuel System, Diesel
1Fuel System, Other
1Vehicle Speed Control
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

58 reports with mileage · 17 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.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

14 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2012
Electrical SystemSteering

2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER STATES WHEN HE INSERTS THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE, IT DOES NOT START. THE CONSUMER STATED IF HE REMOVED THE KEY, PRESSED THE LOCK BUTTON AND THEN THE UNLOCK THE BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB, THEN TRY AGAIN, THE VEHICLE GENERALLY STARTED UP. WHEN THE VEHICLE DID NOT START, THE VEHIC…

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2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER STATES WHEN HE INSERTS THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE, IT DOES NOT START. THE CONSUMER STATED IF HE REMOVED THE KEY, PRESSED THE LOCK BUTTON AND THEN THE UNLOCK THE BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB, THEN TRY AGAIN, THE VEHICLE GENERALLY STARTED UP. WHEN THE VEHICLE DID NOT START, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TOWED, AS THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 12 TIMES TO CORRECT THE SAME ISSUE. TO DATE, THE ACCESS/START MODULE WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE J519 VEHICLE ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT AND BATTERY WERE ALSO REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10449798

52,000 miles · Feb 9, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE HEADLIGHTS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 6 TO 8 TIMES AND WHEN THE DEALER PERFORMED THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST, NO CODES WERE PRODUCED. HE CALLED THE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE HEADLIGHTS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 6 TO 8 TIMES AND WHEN THE DEALER PERFORMED THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST, NO CODES WERE PRODUCED. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE DEFECT BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER 2010 FREE OF CHARGE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.

NHTSA ODI #10307939

1,242 miles · Jan 26, 2007
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

I CURRENTLY OWN A 2005 V-6 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 15,000 MILES. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AFTER OWNING VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE EXEMPLIFIED OBVIOUS SHIFTING CONCERNS AS WELL AS POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN HOPES TO CORRECT THE ISSUES DESCRIBED ABOVE, HOWEVER, IT HAS NOT IMPROVED. I WAS ASK…

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I CURRENTLY OWN A 2005 V-6 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 15,000 MILES. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AFTER OWNING VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE EXEMPLIFIED OBVIOUS SHIFTING CONCERNS AS WELL AS POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN HOPES TO CORRECT THE ISSUES DESCRIBED ABOVE, HOWEVER, IT HAS NOT IMPROVED. I WAS ASKED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR, TO BREAK IT IN. IN THIS TIME, MY CAR HAS WORSENED. THE SHIFTING IS MORE ERRATIC, LOSING POWER, JUMPING GEARS, AND NEARLY STALLING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP AND AT INTERSECTIONS. AS A RESULT OF THE ERRATIC SHIFTING, I HAVE BEEN NEARLY REAR-ENDED. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN 5 TIMES FOR 3 TO 8 DAYS AT A TIME. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS ISSUE, SINCE IT HAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THE ONLY SERVICE THE MANUFACTURER HAS DONE TO MY VEHICLE IN HOPES TO CORRECT THE POOR SHIFTING AND POOR GAS MILEAGE (11-12 MPG) IS COMPUTER SOFTWARE UPDATES. NONE OF WHICH HAVE EVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS. IN ADDITION, WITH EACH MONTH THAT PASSES, NEW MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ARISE. THE SEAT ADJUSTMENTS FAIL, ALONG WITH THE RADIO, THE TRUNK HATCH, THE AIRBAG, ETC. THE CAR OVERHEATS AND SMOKE COMES FROM THE TIRES & WHEELS, OF WHICH THE MANUFACTURER TOOK NOTICE TO, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT VOLKSWAGEN HAS HAD 5-6 ATTEMPTS TO SERVICE THE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS SINCE MAY 2005 AND IT IS NOW JANUARY 07 AND MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. IN ADDITION, THE TIRES (W/ PADS/ROTORS (SP?) ARE COMPLETELY WORN, AND THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 12K MILES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10180801

500 miles · Jan 12, 2007
Electrical System

2005 VW TOUREG, LOTS OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES, HAD 04 ALSO TRADED ON LEMON DEAL--SAID KINKS WERE WORKED OUT NOT TRUE OUR SUV HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME I HAVE LOST COUNT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10178508

Official recalls

2

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.

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.