Owners have filed 52 complaints
about the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg with NHTSA between 2006 and 2024.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 36
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Touareg. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 10
1.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 44
26% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2006 compares with every other Volkswagen Touareg
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
25.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
512.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
410.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1230.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
923.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
25.1%
150,000+ miles
512.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2006peak 6Oct 2024
Recalls on the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
17V583000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20174584,170 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel pump flange may develop fine cracks or fissures, which could result in a fuel leak. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect for cracks and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. If no cracks are detected, a protective cover will be applied to the filter flange to prevent oxidization and future formation of cracks.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 32,667 milesLake Stevens, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
I AM AN AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE ADJUSTER. A 2006 VW TOUAREG BELONGING TO ONE OF MY CUSTOMERS CAUGHT FIRE AT HIS WORK. HE HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO LUNCH, THEN BACK TO WORK. 30 MINUTES AFTER HIS RETURN TO WORK, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. BOTH A VOLKSWAGEN REPRESENTATIVE AND A FORENSICS ENGINEER HIRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAVE INSPECTED THE DAMAGE. THE PRELIMINARY FINDING IS A FAULTY IGNITION COIL. IT APPEARS VW IS GOING TO 'TOTAL' THIS CUSTOMER'S CAR UNDER WARRANTY, AND PAY FOR ITS REPLACEMENT. THIS COMPLAINT IS ONLY TO ALERT NHTSA THAT THE IGNITION COIL MAY BE A KNOWN ISSUE AFFECTING ADDITIONAL VW VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10311165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Nipomo, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I get dizzy every time I drive my 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. There is a fuel smell inside the cabin and outside of the driver's rear wheel well. I noticed this during the short time I park in my garage. Since, the noticeable smell, I have been parking outside and have since minimized by use of the vehicle. I love the vehicle, but I am getting headaches and dizziness while driving it. Upon looking up more information on the fuel smell, I came across Volkswagen Manufacture Safety recall 20Ai and 20Z4. Since I last spoke of Community Volkswagen of Santa Maria, they said that the recall has been repaired. However, after further research, this is an Open Recall and is still eligible to be repaired. Please advise me on my next steps so as to not be in a dangerous situation while driving this vehicle. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11622862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesNorwood, GA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the passenger’s side front side air bag and the passenger’s side rear side air bag independently deployed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled after the air bags had deployed. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
NHTSA complaint #11605170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Surprise, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving the vehicle it will slow down and will not accelerate even while pressing the gas. It may even cut off. I have to keep pushing the pedal maybe 3 to 5 times before it will accelerate. This happens even on the freeway. I don't drive it anymore because of fear I might have an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11429718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPooler, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSING DETERIORATED LEAVING EXPOSED WIRE. SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11315655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPooler, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSING DETERIORATED LEAVING EXPOSED WIRE. SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11315655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPooler, GA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSING DETERIORATED LEAVING EXPOSED WIRE. SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11315655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSouth Hempstead, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V583000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), BUT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SERVICED. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ENOUGH TIMES FOR HIM TO DRIVE HOME. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VOLKSWAGEN OF HUNTINGTON (838 E JERICHO TURNPIKE, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746, (631) 533-5222) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TWO FUEL PUMPS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT HIS EXPENSE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMPS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11278155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesWest Lafayette, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I GOT MY CAR REPAIRED FOR THIS ISSUE AFTER SMELLING GAS LEAKAGE BEFORE VW RELEASED THE RELEVANT RECALL CAMPAIGN. I SENT VW ALL RECEIPT FOR REPAIR PAID BY MY POCKET MONEY, BUT VW REFUSED TO REIMBURSE FOR MY EXPENSE BECAUSE I GOT IT REPAIRED TOO EARLY. I DID ON 09/17/2014 BUT VW STATES THAT ONLY THE REPAIR WAS DONE BETWEEN 09/20/2016 AND 03/19/2018. THIS IS RIDICULOUS ANSWER. I AM HERE ATTACHING ALL THE RECEIPT AND THE LETTER FROM VW . CAR IS CURRENTLY IN MOTION AFTER REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11156841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocoee, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE A VW TOUAREG V8 2006. ON SATURDAY 12/01/18 I TOOK THE CAR TO VW DAVID MAUS DEALER @LEE RD, ORLANDO, FL FOR THE SAFETY RECALL -FUEL PUMP FLANGE REPLACEMENT'- AFTER THEY PERFORMED THE JOB, MY CAR STATED TO MISFIRES, DECREASE IN POWER AND ACCELERATION AND IT SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THEY WANT ME TO AUTHORIZE THEM TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST , THAT WILL COST ME $155. ON 12 /3/18 I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER , SHE SAID SHE WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE FUEL PUMP. , SO I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY INSIST ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST IF THEY KNOW WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. THEY BROKE THE FUEL PUMP AND NOW THEY WANT ME TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT EXPENSE AND THE REPAIRS. I REFUSE TO PAID FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIRS, , BECAUSE MY CAR WAS FINE. THEY BROKE THE PARTS SO THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. VW COMPANY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND SAYS THAT IF THE DEALER SAYS THE ISSUES IS RELATED DUE TO THE WORK THEY DID ' I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE. BUT IF THE DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT RELATED, THEN I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXPENSES. I KEEP SAYING MY CAR WAS FINE BEFORE THEY PUT THEIR HANDS ON MY CAR, SO WHAT EVER THEY DID THEY BROKE MY CAR AND I SHOULD NOT BE CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #11155999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Pleasant, SC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS RELATED TO A SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RECALL , DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSED ONLY A PORTION OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY NORMALLY WOULD NOT PROVIDE A REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLES REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC.
NHTSA complaint #11096333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,287 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V583000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION VOLKSWAGEN OF LAS VEGAS (6375 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146, (702) 605-5802), BUT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,287. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11075067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,287 milesLAS Vegas, NV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V583000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION VOLKSWAGEN OF LAS VEGAS (6375 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146, (702) 605-5802), BUT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,287. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11075067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesTorrance, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SMELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COMING FROM THE FUEL FILTER TANK AREA. FUEL TANK IS LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM THE REAR SEATS. THE FUEL FUMES ARE VERY STRONG WE ARE AFRAID THE CAR MIGHT CATCH FIRE. THE FUMES SMELL LIKE FRESH FUEL. THE FUEL FUMES ARE VERY STRONG ESPECIALLY AFTER USING THE CAR AFTER A 3 MILE ROUND TRIP GROCERY ERRANDS.
NHTSA complaint #11057438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesOrlando, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION HAS MELTED CREATING SEVERAL SHORTS AND CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO STOP WORKING COMPLETELY. IT APPEARS TO BE ALL OF THE WIRING HEADING TO AND INCLUDING THE HEADLIGHT. IT HAS CAUSED FALSE CODES TO APPEAR AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11053313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesOrlando, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION HAS MELTED CREATING SEVERAL SHORTS AND CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO STOP WORKING COMPLETELY. IT APPEARS TO BE ALL OF THE WIRING HEADING TO AND INCLUDING THE HEADLIGHT. IT HAS CAUSED FALSE CODES TO APPEAR AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11053313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesOrlando, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION HAS MELTED CREATING SEVERAL SHORTS AND CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO STOP WORKING COMPLETELY. IT APPEARS TO BE ALL OF THE WIRING HEADING TO AND INCLUDING THE HEADLIGHT. IT HAS CAUSED FALSE CODES TO APPEAR AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11053313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER BECAUSE OF A FUEL SMELL AND A SUDDEN JOLT THAT I GET UNDERCARRIAGE WHEN DRIVING. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT SURE WHERE THE JOLT IS COMING FROM THEY DON'T KNOW IF IT IS THE TRANSMISSION OR A FUEL LEAK. I'M VERY AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND I WOULD LIKE FOR VOLKSWAGEN TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK FROM ME. PLEASE SEE ENCLOSED LETTER FROM VW. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #11050968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,290 milesLafayette, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS SMELLING LIKE GAS - THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO RUNNING OVER DEBRIS BUT NO DAMAGE TO TANK FOUND IN INSPECTION. MECHANIC REMOVED TANK SHIELDS AND STRAPS AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE WAS LEAKING DUE TO A CRACK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH CONNECTOR SEAL. CAR OWNER HAS THE PART IF IT NEEDS TO BE SENT IN FOR REVIEW. DID RESEARCH AND NOTICED THAT 2007-2010 VW TOUAREG'S WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE (HTTPS://WWW.NHTSA.GOV/VEHICLE/2007/VOLKSWAGEN/TOUAREG/4%252520DR/AWD#RECALLS). WANT TO ENSURE THAT THIS RECALL SHOULD NOT BE WIDENED AS RESEARCH ON SEVERAL VW OWNER SITES HAVE NOTED THIS SAME ISSUE WITH MORE YEARS. OWNER CALLED VW TO PUT IN COMPLAINT BUT WAS TOLD THE CAR IS NOT UNDER RECALL AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. MECHANIC BILL ATTACHED - PART IS IN OWNER'S POSSESSION FOR REVIEW IF NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #11021494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMiami, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH OF THE BACK DOORS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. CAN NOT OPEN EITHER OF THE REAR DOORS. THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANY SPECIFIC EVENT THAT WE KNOW OF. FIRST ONE DOOR STOPPED WORKING AND ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE OTHER DOOR STOPPED WORKING. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF THE OTHER DOORS FAILED SOON.
NHTSA complaint #10957847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chester, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAD MY TOUAREG IN PUERTO RICO FOR OVER 10 YEARS IN STORAGE. SINCE CAR HAD NOT USED FOR NORMALLY BUSINESS DAYS. THE HEADLIGHT CABLES AND LIGHTS ARE GOT BAD. ALL CABLES GOT DRY AND BROKE IN THE OUTSIDE CAUSE THE HEAT OF THE ISLAND. THE CONTROL UNIT GOT BAD. ALL FRONT LIGHT SISTEM DOESNOT WORK CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAVE 86000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10918437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesRichardson, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE HAVING VEHICLE LOOKED AT OIL CHANGE PLACE I COMPLAINED TO ATTENDANT ABOUT STRONG FUEL ODOR. HE LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND SAW A GAS DRIP NEAR EXHAUST SYSTEM. HE LOOKED UNDER SEAT AND REMOVED COMPARTMENT FOR PUMP. HE SAID LOOKED LIKE A DEFECTIVE PIECE ON TOP THAT WAS SEEPING GAS THROUGH MEMBRANE. HAVE STOPPED DRIVING VEHICLE FOR FEAR OF EXPLOSION OR FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10916872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,500 milesMiddletown, RI
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW AND I'M GETTING CONCERNED. WAS THERE A RECALL OR WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10749686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,500 milesMiddletown, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW AND I'M GETTING CONCERNED. WAS THERE A RECALL OR WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10749686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesWest Lafayette, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS PRESENT ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM AND NO OTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10617203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,255 milesBaldwin Place, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ALL HEADLAMPS FLICKERED WITH NO NOTICE AND THEN WENT DARK. USED BRIGHT HEADLAMPS BUT THEY WOULD NOT STAY ON PERMANENTLY. HAD TO DRIVE HOLDING BRIGHTS IN MANUAL MODE. IMMEDIATELY PHONED VW TO EXPLAIN AND THEY ADVISED I NEEDED NEW HEADLAMP BULBS. HARD TO BELIEVE ALL OF MY BULBS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I'VE GOOGLED TO LEARN THAT VW HAS HEADLAMP PROBLEMS REPORTED BUT THE CONSUMER IS STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST TO REPAIR/REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10584136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.