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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 →

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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

16 reports
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115,000 miles · Sep 26, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE, MOSTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE, MOSTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V151000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #11030031

102,000 miles · Sep 5, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL LEAKING AT FUEL PUMP FLANGE. STRONG FUEL VAPOR ODOR IN THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED.

NHTSA ODI #11021518

77,000 miles · Jun 17, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

THE TOP OF THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL. THIS HOUSING IS UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CRACKS WEREN'T RELATED TO USAGE OF THE VEHICLE OR AN ACCIDENT. IT APPEARS TO BE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF THE PLASTIC. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY VW RECALL 20Z4 OR NHTSA REFERENCE #17V15…

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THE TOP OF THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL. THIS HOUSING IS UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE CRACKS WEREN'T RELATED TO USAGE OF THE VEHICLE OR AN ACCIDENT. IT APPEARS TO BE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF THE PLASTIC. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM COVERED BY VW RECALL 20Z4 OR NHTSA REFERENCE #17V151000. HOWEVER THOSE ONLY COVER VEHICLES BACK TO 2007.

NHTSA ODI #10995705

110,000 miles · Oct 20, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

SMALL CRACKS DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE ON THE FUEL TANK RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKING OUT WHEN THE DRIVERS DOOR WAS OPENED OR WHEN THE CAR WAS RUNNING. THIS RESULTED IN LARGE AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE LEAKING ONTO MY GARAGE FLOOR. THE FLANGE WAS REPLACED. THIS IS AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM THAT IS BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE AUDI Q7…

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SMALL CRACKS DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE ON THE FUEL TANK RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKING OUT WHEN THE DRIVERS DOOR WAS OPENED OR WHEN THE CAR WAS RUNNING. THIS RESULTED IN LARGE AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE LEAKING ONTO MY GARAGE FLOOR. THE FLANGE WAS REPLACED. THIS IS AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM THAT IS BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE AUDI Q7 WHICH HAS THE IDENTICAL VW PART NUMBER FOR THE AFFECTED PART. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THAT PROBLEM IS 16V60000 IF YOU HAVE A TOUAREG, PORSCHE CAYENNE, OR AUDI Q7 (THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PART) AND YOU SMELL GASOLINE, DO NOT OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR. DOING SO PRIMES THE FUEL SYSTEM PUTTING THE FLANGE UNDER PRESSURE CAUSING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL TO LEAK OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10917541

141,323 miles · Feb 18, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE READING. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK LEAKED GASOLINE CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE INSPECTED BY AN A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE READING. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK LEAKED GASOLINE CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,323.

NHTSA ODI #10564758

79,000 miles · Oct 28, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

VEHICLE HAS BEEN EMITTING AN ODOR OF GAS FOR SOME TIME. UPON INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE FUEL FILTER (ACCESSED UNDER THE REAR SEAT BUT PART OF THE FUEL TANK) HAD A 1/8" CRACK IN THE TOP OF THE FILTER ASSEMBLY. THIS CRACK WOULD LEAK GASOLINE WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE STOPPED (LIKELY DUE TO T…

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VEHICLE HAS BEEN EMITTING AN ODOR OF GAS FOR SOME TIME. UPON INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE FUEL FILTER (ACCESSED UNDER THE REAR SEAT BUT PART OF THE FUEL TANK) HAD A 1/8" CRACK IN THE TOP OF THE FILTER ASSEMBLY. THIS CRACK WOULD LEAK GASOLINE WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE STOPPED (LIKELY DUE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM STILL BEING PRESSURIZED). LEAKED GASOLINE WAS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK OBSERVED THROUGH TWO PORTS UNDER THE REAR BENCH SEAT. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON A POPULAR TOUAREG WEBSITE AND FOUND THAT 1 OR 2 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I SUSPECT THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT HAS BEEN LEAKED. AND OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED A LEAK EMANATING FROM THE SAME LOCATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10482487

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.