IllustrationDISSATISFACTION WITH THE WEAR OF OEM TIRES. ONLY 6/10 OF TREAD AFTER 6,000 MILES. *NM
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Touareg years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
200–25K
325–50K
1050–75K
1275–100K
13100–150K
0150K+
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
What owners actually said
75 reportsVOLKSWAGEN TOUREG,2005, HEADLIGHTS GO OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THEY STAY OFF FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND COME BACK ON. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT HAS GONE OFF AND COME BACK ON SEVERAL SECONDS LATER. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH I SAW A BEAUTIFUL SHINY PRIUS AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IN TIME WITH MY VW JETTA. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD. *JB
THE BRAKES IN MY 2005 JETTA GLI MAKE A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN I BACK UP. IT WAS A RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME THE FIRST DAY THAT THEY HAD TAKEN CARE OF IT, AND THAT IF I KEEP ON HEARING THE NOISE TAKE IT BACK. WELL THE NOISE ITS PRETTY BAD, SO I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY SAID THEY COULDNT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, BUT I DON'T THINK THEY …
Read full complaint
THE BRAKES IN MY 2005 JETTA GLI MAKE A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN I BACK UP. IT WAS A RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME THE FIRST DAY THAT THEY HAD TAKEN CARE OF IT, AND THAT IF I KEEP ON HEARING THE NOISE TAKE IT BACK. WELL THE NOISE ITS PRETTY BAD, SO I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY SAID THEY COULDNT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, BUT I DON'T THINK THEY EVEN LOOKED AT THE CAR, BECAUSE WHEN I PICKED IT UP IT WAS EXACTLY HOW I LEFT IT AND USUALLY THEY WASH YOU CAR OR PUT PLASTIC WHEN THEY SEE IT.
JUST BOUGHT MY 2005 VW JETTA GLS TDI DIESEL (TURBO) MODEL CAR FROM LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN COLUMBUS, GA. MY WIFE AND I DROVE OFF THE LOT (LITERALLY) AND SHE IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON HER NEW DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT (BLACK LEATHER SEAT) TO TEST IT (LUCKY SHE DID). THE SEAT WOULD NOT WORK AT FIRST, THEN IT GOT HOT, AND HOTTER, AND START…
Read full complaint
JUST BOUGHT MY 2005 VW JETTA GLS TDI DIESEL (TURBO) MODEL CAR FROM LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN COLUMBUS, GA. MY WIFE AND I DROVE OFF THE LOT (LITERALLY) AND SHE IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON HER NEW DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT (BLACK LEATHER SEAT) TO TEST IT (LUCKY SHE DID). THE SEAT WOULD NOT WORK AT FIRST, THEN IT GOT HOT, AND HOTTER, AND STARTED BURNING HER. SHE CUT OFF THE HEAT SWITCH FOR THE SEAT, AND THE SEAT REMAINED HOT. THE SWITCH STARTED GETTING TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND SMELLED OF SMOKE, SO WE TURNED AROUND AND BROUGHT THE CAR BACK THAT SAME DAY/MINUTE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS JUST THE SWITCH. THEY REPLACED THE SWITCH AND WHEN I PICKED IT UP,BUT IT THEN IT TOOK ABOUT 5 MINUTES TO GET WARM, BUT THE SWITCH WASN'T SMOKING OR EXTREMELY HOT AS BEFORE. THE NEXT DAY, THE HEATED SEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. OUR THIRD DAY OF OWNERSHIP, WE HAD TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE FOR THE FOLLOWING MONDAY AND DO WITHOUT THE HEATED SEAT ALL TOGETHER. THE VW SERVICE ADVISOR ADVISED ME HE MIGHT HAVE TO REPLACE THE HEATING ELEMENT IN THE SEAT ITSELF ALTHOUGH HE COMMENTED "HE KNEW NOTHING OF SUCH PROBLEMS AS THIS"-?. ANYWAY, HERE WE SIT WITH A LOANER AWAITING THE VERDICT, AND IT APPEARS WE MIGHT BE INHERITING A PROBLEM FROM WAY BACK. MY ISSUE IS THAT THE SWITCH GOT EXTREMELY HOT, AND THE SEAT WAS HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BURN OR A CAR FIRE. YES, I KNOW..KEEP THE SWITCH OFF -BUT, WE HAD IT OFF AND THE SEAT STILL KEPT GETTING HOTTER (DURING THE FIRST INCIDENT). I'M AFRAID THESE THINGS ARE GOING TO GO BAD AND SOMEONE WILL HAVE A LITTLE DIESEL CAR BURNING UP AROUND THEM WITH A FAULTY SEATBELT TRAPPING THEM IN A FIRE! HELP, AND PLEASE GET ENGINEERING ON THIS ONE ( RE: # PE 03052)*JB
Official recalls
217V583000 · 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
2PE06022 · 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.