51 of the
373 complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg are about the
transmission — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
44,500 miles.
C
51
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Automatic Transmission
2651.0%
Power Train
1121.6%
Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
47.8%
Driveline
47.8%
Transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)
35.9%
Manual Transmission
12.0%
Driveshaft
12.0%
Floor Shift
12.0%
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
at 5 milesSherman Oaks, CA
POWER TRAIN
( STARTED NOTICING THIS PROBLEM ABOUT 1 TO 2 YEARS AGO)WHILE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS IN 5TH GEAR AND SPEEDS OF UNDER 50 MI./HR, WHEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE AUTOMATIC DOWN SHIFT OCCURS WITH A VERY HARSH "KICK" TO A POINT THAT THE PASSENGERS FEEL THE JOLT. A FEW YEARS AGO, A SIMILAR PROBLEM REGARDING THE DOWN-SHIFT WAS SUBJECT OF RECALL WHICH THE DEALERS HAD TO INSTALL A "PATCH" ( UPDATED SOFTWARE) IN ORDER TO FIX THAT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11109524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION JUMPS, LUNGES, HAS DONE THIS SINCE 2009. THE DEALER STATES IT NEEDS REPLACING. SHOULD BE REPLACED BY VOLKSWAGEN.
NHTSA complaint #10875094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesAlamo, CA
POWER TRAIN
DRIVING ALONG IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD UNDER SLIGHT ACCELERATION AND A LOUD THUMPING NOISE BEGINS IN THE TRANSMISSION HUMP UNDER THE ARMREST - FELT LIKE SOMETHING HEAVY HAD BECOME WRAPPED AROUND THE DRIVESHAFT AND WAS CAUSING INTENSE VIBRATION ABOVE 30MPH. PARK THE CAR AND TOW TO REPAIR SHOP AND LEARN THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD BROKEN AND REQUIRED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A VEHICLE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN OFFROAD AND VAST MAJORITY OF MILES ARE COMMUTING ON THE FREEWAY AND GENERAL AROUND-TOWN DRIVING. NO WAY SHOULD A WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLE DOING LIGHT HIGHWAY DRIVING SUFFER A DRIVESHAFT FAILURE AT ONLY 105K MILES. CLEARLY A DEFECT THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. REPAIR BILL WAS APPROXIMATELY $1600.
NHTSA complaint #10745485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,496 milesMacomb, MI
POWER TRAIN
AIRBAG MODULE DEFECTIVE WITH ONLY 54,496 MILES AND A $1200 COST TO FIX. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! DASH LIGHTING HAS WENT ON AND OFF FOR AIRBAG. A WASHER PUMP DEFECTIVE, POWER TRAIN TRANSMISSION JUMPS AND HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND KNOWN PROBLEM BY VOLKSWAGEN BUT NOBODY WANTS TO ADMIT THE DEFECT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10681122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesTucson, AZ
POWER TRAIN
CAR STALLS, SKIPS GEARS, JERKS, WHEN COMING FROM A FULL STOP TO ACCELERATING JERKS AND PULL REALLY HARD GOING INTO 1ST AND 2ND GEAR,, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AFTER PAYING 800 DOLLAR THEY COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG,, AND THAT WAS VW DEALER.... I'VE BEEN SEEIN ALOT OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SPECIFIC MODEL AND YEAR, CAN SOME PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF VOLKSWAGEN IS NOT GOING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE ATLEAST TELL ME WHAT COULD BE WRONG, SO I CAN FIX IT AND GET RID OF THIS STUPID CAR. IM BETTER OFF WITH AN AMERICAN CAR...
NHTSA complaint #10650277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMount Vernon, KY
POWER TRAIN
THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING ON THE DRIVE SHAFT WENT OUT. AT FIRST IT SOUNDED LIKE I HAD A FLAT TIRE BUT UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE. I WAS TOLD A DESIGN FLAW AND ALL OF THESE WOULD FAIL.. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT HAS TO BE REPLACED. BUT IT WILL NOT BE COVERED SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SINCE THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY VW AND NOT COSTING ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS OVER A GRAND TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10509086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN
REAR CENTER DRIVE SHAFT FROM GEARBOX TO DIFFERENTIAL, MIDDLE BEARING FAILS. VOLKSWAGEN ONLY SUPPLIES NEW SHAFTS FOR $1,400 NO BEARINGS OR EXCHANGE. THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF TOUAREGS ACCORDING THE CLUBTOUAREG FORUM. THIS IS A PREMATURE DESIGN FAILURE OF THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10480612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
POWER TRAIN
WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, A LOUD, REPETITIOUS BANG/CLUNK FROM THE MIDDLE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE STARTED, SOUNDING SIMILAR TO A BLOWN TIRE. NO ABNORMAL OPERATIONS NOTED PRIOR TO THIS. LIMPED THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP AT 15 MPH AND FOUND THE CENTER DRIVESHAFT CARRIER BEARING FAILED. THE SERVICE TECH ACTED AS IF THIS WAS COMMON AND WAS NOT SURPRISED. I HAVE A 1981 MERCURY WITH OVER 305000 MILES AND NEVER LOST A BEARING IN MY DRIVESHAFT. MECHANICAL PARTS FAIL. THE WORST PART OF THIS EVENT IS VOA'S REACTION THAT SOMEHOW THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR A POOR/WEAK DESIGN. LIST OF OTHER MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURES WITH NO RECALL THAT ARE COMMON TO ALL TOUAREGS OF THIS GENERATION ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY'S OWN SERVICE TECH'S: CENTER DIFFERENTIAL LOCK MOTOR FAIL REAR DIFF. LOCK MOTOR FAIL COOLING FANS DO NOT SHUT OFF, DRAIN BATTERY THERMOSTAT HOUSING LEAK RADIO FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10464652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesMinnetrista, MN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AT 94,000 MILES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, TOLD TRANSMISSION NON-SERVICEABLE VW DOES NOT RECOMMEND ANY TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENT. COULD BE GEAR BOX COST $2400 OR ENTIRE TRANSMISSION COST $7,000. VWA WILL PAY $1,000 TO OUR CHOICE OF GEAR BOX OR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BUT IF WE CHOOSE WRONG REPAIR WILL NOT PAY FOR ANYTHING FURTHER! VWA OBVIOUSLY IS AWARE OF PROBLEM AND DESIGNED THE TRANSMISSION IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CAN'T BE SERVICED. WE HAVE HAD PRIOR ENGINE COIL RECALL REPLACED, UPDATED COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND REPLACED DRIVE-TRAIN AT COST OF $1900 AT 74,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10354882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesMinnetrista, MN
POWER TRAIN
AT 94,000 MILES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, TOLD TRANSMISSION NON-SERVICEABLE VW DOES NOT RECOMMEND ANY TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENT. COULD BE GEAR BOX COST $2400 OR ENTIRE TRANSMISSION COST $7,000. VWA WILL PAY $1,000 TO OUR CHOICE OF GEAR BOX OR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BUT IF WE CHOOSE WRONG REPAIR WILL NOT PAY FOR ANYTHING FURTHER! VWA OBVIOUSLY IS AWARE OF PROBLEM AND DESIGNED THE TRANSMISSION IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CAN'T BE SERVICED. WE HAVE HAD PRIOR ENGINE COIL RECALL REPLACED, UPDATED COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND REPLACED DRIVE-TRAIN AT COST OF $1900 AT 74,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10354882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,285 milesWhitestone, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK AND HE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED, THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED WATER WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND SETTLING IN THE TRUNK NEAR THE SPARE TIRE. THE DEALER REMOVED THE SHIFTER CABLE AND REPLACED THE HARNESS, A WIRE AND THE SHIFTER COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,285 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,065. UPDATED 11/02/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY. THE TIRE SENSORS WOULD COME ON. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 11/04/10
NHTSA complaint #10347465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,950 milesWaipahu, HI
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND FROM BELOW ON MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. LOOKED UNDER MY CAR, THE MIDDLE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS GONE. THERE WAS A KNOCKING AND THUMPING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE UNDERCARRIAGE, BUT WHEN THE PART CAME IN AND INSTALLED IT, THE KNOCKING WAS STILL THERE. DROVE IT LAST NIGHT BECAUSE I NEED MY CAR; I HEARD MY CAR HAVE RATTLING NOISES UNDERNEATH. SOUNDS LIKE THERE'S LOSS PARTS UNDER THE CAR. I NEVER TOOK MY CAR OFF ROAD, THE ROADS ON OAHU ARE TERRIBLE, BUT NEVER HAD THIS EVER DONE ON MY OLDER CARS. I WAS RESEARCHING ONLINE AND SAW THAT A LOT OF OTHER TOUAREG OWNERS HAVE/HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M NOT GOING TO PAY FOR A DEFAULT PART, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE DRIVE SHAFT AND ITS BEARINGS ARE THE MAIN PARTS OF THE CAR POWERTRAIN. I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AND FEEL THAT VOLKSWAGEN WILL NEED TO PAY FOR THIS FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10336523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesWyckoff, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2004 VW TOUAREG V-8 MANY PROBLEMS BUT 3 WORTH REPORTING: FOR NO APPARENT REASON PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED OR UNLATCHED BY USING ANY KNOWN MEANS INCLUDING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE, ELECTRIC LOCK ACTUATOR CLICKS AS IF THE DOOR IS UNLOCKED BUT THE DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED OR UNLATCHED. VEHICLE HAD TO BE BROUGHT TO VW DEALERSHIP AND WORKED ON BY DESTROYING THE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND PERHAPS CUTTING A WHOLE IN THE BODY PANNEL AT THE COST OF 2 HOURS OF DIAGNOSTICS, 8 HOURS OF LABOR TO OPEN DOOR AND PROBABLY 2 OR 3 ADDITIONAL HOURS OF REPLACING DOOR HANDLE IF BODY OF DOOR IS NOT BENT, PLUS PARTS VEHICLE HAS MANY ELECTRICAL GLITCHES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION OF AIR BAG IGNITERS....ONCE AGAIN HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SERIOUS HARM OCCUPANTS GIVEN THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES THIS IS A POTENTIAL DANGEROUS SITUATION AND HAS MADE ME LOSE ALL FAIH IN THIS MANUFACTURER. VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WHEN STOPPED AT TRAFIC LIGHTS AND BEGINNING TO PROCCEED ON A GREEN.
NHTSA complaint #10334661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMeriden, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAVE A 2004 TOUAREG AND HAVE BEEN HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES HARD SHIFTS, BUCKING AND HARD DOWNSHIFTS. I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE VW DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCESS THE HIGHWAY AND IN SEVERAL CASES IT SHIFTS SO HARD THAT IT KNOCKS IT'S SELF OUT AND YOU HAVE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY UNTIL RESETS TO 4TH GEAR FROM 6TH. I NOW HAVE TO SHIFT MANUALLY. I HAVE THIS ISSU E DAILY AND I KNOW THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10332622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,800 milesChicago, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAR: 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG V6 SUV 38,900MILES PROBLEM: CAR FREQUENTLY JERKS WHILE SLOWING DOWN (AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-40MPH). WAS TOLD DRIVE SHAFT WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,150 PARTS PLUS LABOR OF APPROX. $1,000 WHICH INCLUDED COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC. UPON PICK UP FROM MECHANIC PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED SO I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THAT DAMAGED DRIVE SHAFT DAMAGED 2 VALVES IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH NOW ALSO NEED REPLACING AT A COST OF $1600. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED A 'BULLETIN" ON THE CAR REGARDING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM SEVERAL OWNERS. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 39,000 MILES AND IS DRIVEN WITH CARE. IT SEEMS EXTREMELY PREMATURE TO HAVE ANYTHING OF THIS NATURE HAPPEN ESPECIALLY AT A COST OF ALMOST $4000 OUT OF POCKET TO ME AND OTHER OWNERS. I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO VOLKSWAGEN'S RESPONSIBILITY IN CORRECTION/REIMBURSEMENT (POSSIBLE RECALL) OF THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10326523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,850 milesBloomfield Hills, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUREG SUV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT WOULD EITHER SHUDDER OR STALL. ALSO, WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 1 MPH AND HIGHER, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE IN BETWEEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. TO DATE, NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE NOR WERE THERE ANY RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,850.
NHTSA complaint #10322920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSilver Spring, MD
POWER TRAIN
IN DECEMBER 2009 MY 2004 VW TOUAREG WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE IDLING WHILE MY SON, WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR, GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO SPEAK TO A PARKING LOT ATTENDANT. HIS WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THEIR TWO CHILDREN WERE IN CAR SEATS IN THE REAR SEAT. ABOUT 2 MINUTES LATER, WHILE MY SON WAS STILL OUT OF THE CAR, THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS INTO A BUSY STREET IN NYC. HE RAN AFTER THE CAR WHILE HIS WIFE FRANTICALLY TRIED TO GET OUT OF HER SEAT BELT TO MOVE INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. HE CAUGHT UP WITH THE CAR AND JUMPED IN AND HIT THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. HE LOOKED OVER AT THE GEAR SHIFT THINKING THAT IT HAD BEEN MOVED INADVERTENTLY BUT THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK. HE THEN TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CAR WAS IDLING IN PARK ON A RELATIVELY FLAT SURFACE - THERE ARE NO REAL HILLS IN NYC. HE TOOK HIS LIFE IN HIS HANDS TO AVOID A DISASTER WHEREBY THE CAR WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY BEEN HIT BROADSIDE IN THE BUSY ADJOINING STREET WITH HIS FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO A VW DEALER REPAIR SHOP NEAR MY HOME IN MARYLAND THE NEXT WEEK AND THEY CHECKED THE CAR OUT THOROUGHLY, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, NOR COULD THEY DUPLICATE THE EXPERIENCE. THIS WAS A FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10313074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2004 VW TOUAREG MILES 72,000 BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE OF TRANSMISSION WAS ACTING UP. TOLD I NEED NEW TRANSMISSION, NOT UNDER WARRANTY HOW CAN THE CAR NEED NEW TRANSMISSION AT 72,000 MILES OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD TROUBLES WITH THIS SUV VW SHOULD REPLACE THIS, TONS OF STUFF HAS GONE WRONG WITH SUV.
NHTSA complaint #10308826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesPinellas Park, FL
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE A 2004 VW TOUAREG V8, I HAVE A AIRBAG LIGHT THAT COME ON (AIRBAG FAULT), NOW THE TRAN LIGHT IS COMING ON WHEN I START THE SUV.
NHTSA complaint #10291911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesWhite Plains, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A TIGHT PARKING LOT AND MANEUVERING AROUND A TREE IN ORDER TO PULL FURTHER UP INTO THE SPACE. AS I GENTLY PUSHED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR TO INCH INTO THE SPOT, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED CRASHING INTO A WOODEN GARBAGE BOX. I JAMMED ON THE BRAKES BEFORE GOING THROUGH THE FENCE. I WAS INCREDIBLY LUCKY THAT I WAS NO LONGER AIMING AT THE TREE. IT WAS AS THOUGH THE CAR SUDDENLY WANTED TO PEAL OUT IN A MANNER THAT WAS TOTALLY OUT OF SYNC WITH THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT JUST STARTED SPEEDING TOWARD THE FENCE/BOX. LOOKING BACK ON IT, I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE AS I STARTED TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN. THOUGH THE REACTION OF THE CAR WAS SIMILAR, IT WAS NOT NEARLY SO PRONOUNCED. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS TRIPPING OVER ITSELF. I HAD THE INSURANCE TOW THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC BUT SO FAR HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I SPOKE WITH BOTH THE LOCAL VW SERVICEMAN AND VW NORTH AMERICA BUT THEY DENIED EVER HEARING ABOUT SUCH A PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER 6 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE THE OTHER DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10288702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesMclean, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHEN THE CONTACT ACCELERATED MORE THAN 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING, SHAKING AND WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. EVENTUALLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING AT THE DESIRED SPEED. OCCASIONALLY, WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF; HOWEVER, IT WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED 4 MONTHS LATER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 10/06/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BURNT. UPDATED 10/06/09
NHTSA complaint #10281787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leander, TX
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
I HAVE HAD MY 2004 VW TOUAREG SINCE JUNE 2006 AND HAVE HAD PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT WITHIN 6 WEEKS OF BUYING THE CAR, THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE BRAKES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND I AM GETTING ANOTHER "CHECK BRAKE PADS" ERROR AGAIN, THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM CONTINUALLY TELLS ME I HAVE A FLAT, THE RADIO AMPLIFIER WAS MAKING A LOUD CRACKING SO THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A FUSE AND BLEW THE 2 BACK SPEAKERS (WHICH THEY WOULD NOT FIX, HEWLETT VW IN GEORGETOWN, TEXAS), THE AUTO DIFFERENTIAL IS GOING OUT. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO END IN SIGHT FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10252545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesSavannah, GA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
DRIVE SHAFT SUPPORT BEARING FAILURE @ 62,000 MILES. MANUFACTURER VW DOES NOT SELL INDIVIDUAL BROKE PART BUT SELLS ASSEMBLY WHICH COST $1,100 PLUS TAX. THIS IS COMMON AND SHOULD BE A FACTORY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10245752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesEL Dorado Springs, MOFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MULTIPLE ENGINE LIGHT FAILURES FOR OVER 4 YEARS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY WHILE WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY. VERY DANGEROUS...ESSENTIALLY NO WARNING. HAVE REPLACED WIRING HARNESS IN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES MANY TIMES. UNSAFE HANDLING AND ACCELERATION...CAR JUMPS FORWARD AT STOPS WHILE IT IS DOWNSHIFTING. THINK THE TRANSMISSION, TIRES AND BRAKES SHOULD BE TESTED. THINK YOU WILL FIND THEY ARE DEFECTIVE. ENGINE BLEW UP AT 44,000 MILES. VERY DANGEROUS CAR..AND YOU WILL FIND OTHER TOUAREGS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES. SHOULD BE RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10238426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesEast Walpole, MA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
DRIVE TRAIN FAILED WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. ALSO, THE MODULE FAILED WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DRIVE TRAIN BEING REPLACED. THE ABS MODULE HOWEVER; FAILED 3 MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. AS A RESULT I SKIDDED UNPREDICTABLY ON ICE AND CAME WITHIN INCHES OF CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. $1500 WAS QUOTED TO ME TO REPLACE THE MODULE.
NHTSA complaint #10212149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Desert, CA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
2004 VW TOUAREG WITH TIRE FAILURE AND KEY PROGRAMMING. CONSUMER STATES HE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TO A PUNCTURE IN ONE OF THE SIDEWALL TIRES. THE SECOND KEY RECEIVED NEEDED TO BE PROGRAMMED AND DEALER CHARGED HIM FOR PROGRAMMING. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE GETS LOW GAS MILEAGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER, THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF REPEATEDLY. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED DUE TO A VIBRATION WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10210527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesTruckee, CA
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
THE ESP LIGHT CAME ON STEADY AND THE LIGHTS AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH CAME ON FLASHING. THEN THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED INTO THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE PEOPLE INDICATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THESE RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10205718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesEssex, MD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATION HAS BEEN SLUGGISH. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THE ENGINE WAS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OFTEN TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. NEITHER ROAD NOR WEATHER CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FACTORS IN THE FAILURE.*AK WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP, ACCELERATION IS SLOW BUT STEADY, WHEN ACCELERATING WHILE MOVING BETWEEN 40 MPH ACCELERATION IS NON-EXISTENT FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS AND THEN TAKES OFF FAST. UPDATED 03/30/07.
NHTSA complaint #10177812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesDarien, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A WEEK AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BY THE SERVICE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE ENGINE WARNING MESSAGE READ "TURN THE MOTOR OFF IMMEDIATELY", AS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND STALLED THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STEER AND COAST TO A STOP ON THE BREAK DOWN LANE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND STALLED 7 TIMES BEFORE MAKING ONE MILE TO THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY. THE SERVICE DEALER PROVIDED A NUMBER TO A TOWING SERVICE. THE SERVICE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS AN ALTERNATOR AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE, DUE TO LEAKAGE FROM THE ENGINE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND IN THE GARAGE OR DRIVEWAY, BEFORE OR AFTER THE PROBLEM OR WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/25/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10167886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesCentennial, CO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT SMOOTHLY. AS AN ALTERNATIVE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES WHICH IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD NOT STOP IN TIME THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE PRESSURE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A DEALERSHIP FOR 3 AND A HALF WEEKS AND THE DEALER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING UNDER NORMAL OPERATING STANDARDS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.
NHTSA complaint #10161013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.