2006 Volkswagen Touareg Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system1327.7%
- Electrical714.9%
- Powertrain (other)510.6%
- Airbags48.5%
- Brakes48.5%
- Exterior lighting48.5%
- Engine36.4%
- Driver assistance24.3%
- Interior & seats24.3%
- Visibility12.1%
- Body & structure12.1%
- Seat belts12.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSING DETERIORATED LEAVING EXPOSED WIRE. SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP CONCERNING SEVERAL VEHICLE REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FROM THE BEGINNING, THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE UNIT WAS REMOVED AND INSTALLED AGAIN. THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED, THE EVAP PURGE VALVE WAS REPLACED, THE IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED, CORROSION BUILT UP IN THE SENSOR AND WIRING OF THE HEADLIGHT, AND THE WIRING AND HEADLIGHT WERE REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DUE TO A FAULTY PURGE VALVE, FOR THE THIRD TIME. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE CONSUMER FELT VIBRATIONS AND HEARD LOUD NOISES UNDER THE CENTER ARM REST. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE PROPELLER SHAFT WAS BROKEN. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE PADS MATERIAL, WAS METAL ON METAL. THE BRAKES ONLY LASTED 24,600 MILES. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THE WATER PUMP AND OIL PAN WERE LEAKING.
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, BEGAN TO HEAR A THUNKING NOISE CONSISTENT WITH A FLAT TIRE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION DETERMINED THE NOISE WAS ORIGINATING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN THE CENTER. DEALER WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE AS A FAILED CARRIER BEARING OVER THE PHONE AS IT IS A "RECURRING ISSUE" (DEALER'S WORDS). SINCE THIS WAS ONLY A "RECURRING ISSUE AND NOT A PROBLEM", VOLKSWAGEN STUCK ME WITH A $1483 REPAIR BILL AND A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR OR LOANER VEHICLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP CONCERNING SEVERAL VEHICLE REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FROM THE BEGINNING, THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE UNIT WAS REMOVED AND INSTALLED AGAIN. THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED, THE EVAP PURGE VALVE WAS REPLACED, THE IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED, CORROSION BUILT UP IN THE SENSOR AND WIRING OF THE HEADLIGHT, AND THE WIRING AND HEADLIGHT WERE REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DUE TO A FAULTY PURGE VALVE, FOR THE THIRD TIME. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE CONSUMER FELT VIBRATIONS AND HEARD LOUD NOISES UNDER THE CENTER ARM REST. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE PROPELLER SHAFT WAS BROKEN. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE PADS MATERIAL, WAS METAL ON METAL. THE BRAKES ONLY LASTED 24,600 MILES. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THE WATER PUMP AND OIL PAN WERE LEAKING.
SQUEALING NOISE AFTER I STOP AND BEGIN TO ACCELERATE OR WHEN I DRIVE SLOW. DEALER SAYS TOUAREGS ARE ROUGH ON BRAKES. IT HAS ABOUT 42,000 MILES ON IT. HE SUGGESTS I LIVE WITH THE SQUEALING NOISE FOR A YEAR OR TWO UNTIL THE BRAKES REALLY GO. OR THEY CAN REPLACE THEM NOW - $700+. UGH. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 60 DAYS AGO. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSING DETERIORATED LEAVING EXPOSED WIRE. SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP CONCERNING SEVERAL VEHICLE REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FROM THE BEGINNING, THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE UNIT WAS REMOVED AND INSTALLED AGAIN. THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED, THE EVAP PURGE VALVE WAS REPLACED, THE IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED, CORROSION BUILT UP IN THE SENSOR AND WIRING OF THE HEADLIGHT, AND THE WIRING AND HEADLIGHT WERE REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DUE TO A FAULTY PURGE VALVE, FOR THE THIRD TIME. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE CONSUMER FELT VIBRATIONS AND HEARD LOUD NOISES UNDER THE CENTER ARM REST. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE PROPELLER SHAFT WAS BROKEN. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE PADS MATERIAL, WAS METAL ON METAL. THE BRAKES ONLY LASTED 24,600 MILES. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THE WATER PUMP AND OIL PAN WERE LEAKING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN ORDER TO FLIP BACKSEATS DOWN TO GIVE REAR MORE CARGO SPACE THE FRONT SEATS MUST BE MOVED FORWARD. HOWEVER WHEN FRONT SEATS ARE SLID FORWARD MORE THEN A FEW INCHES THE WIRES FOR THE AIRBAG SENSORS UNDER THE SEATS ARE TORN AND RIPPED OUT OF PLACE SINCE THE HARNESS IS TO SHORT. THIS IN TURN DISABLES THE AIRBAGS. VW IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND MAKES CUSTOMERS BUY A NEW WIRING HARNESS THAT IS LONG ENOUGH TO MOVE SEATS FORWARD WITH OUT TEARING TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY WHILE HER KEYS AND DOG WERE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DOG WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE FOR 45 MINUTES. THE WINDOW HAD TO BE BROKEN. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES WOULD NOT HELP. THE DOG WAS TAKEN TO THE VET AND GIVEN AN IV OF FLUIDS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSING DETERIORATED LEAVING EXPOSED WIRE. SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A BRAND NEW VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG AND THE SEAT, STEERING WHEEL AND DASH INSTRUMENTS ARE TOTALLY MISALIGNED AND IT IS CAUSING BACK AND SHOULDER PAIN. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO WORK OUT WITH VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME TO TAKE A HIKE. VW SERVICE MANAGER OF 21 YEARS TOLD ME I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS COMPLAINED AND THAT HE THOUGHT A CASE RECENTLY WENT TO ARBITRATION. THIS IS MY 2ND V-10 TWIN TURBO DIESEL THAT I HAVE HAD IN 5 MOTHS BECAUSE MY FIRST ONE TURNED OUT TO BE A LEMON AND I CANT TELL YOU HOW DIFFICULT VW WAS TO TRY AND GET A NEW CAR... I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY HEALTH AND THE OTHERS THAT MAY BE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING AND THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING, I AM ALWAYS LEANING 2 INCHES TO THE LEFT AND IF I WAS TO GET INTO AND ACCIDENT, I KNOW THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE LEANING OVER BUT FOR THOSE THAT ARE SITTING UP STRAIGHT... VW KNOWS THAT ALL THE TOUAREGS ARE LIKE THIS AND I HAVE EVEN HAD SALES PEOPLE FROM OTHER DEALERS TELL ME THEY HAVE HEARD SOME COMPLAINTS BUT ONCE AGAIN VW WILL DO NOTHING... THIS IS A $70,000 DOLLAR CAR AND I CAN HARDLY DRIVE IT. I AM FORCED TO RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I SOLE MY OTHER CAR TO GET THIS ONE BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG I CAN CONTINUE. I SPEND 3 HOURS A DAY IN MY CAR AND MY BACK AND SHOULDER IS TWEAKED. I HAVE HAD 5 PEOPLE GET IN MY CAR AND THEY NOTICE IT RIGHT AWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL IS OFF CENTER TO THE LEFT BY OVER AN INCH AND WHEN YOU DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK, YOUR MISERABLE. HELP PLEASE, VW TOLD ME TO BEAT IT! *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY PRE-LOCKS WHEN THE REAR SEAT IS PLACED IN THE EXTENDED CARGO POSITION. THIS DEFECT PROHIBITS THE USE OF RIGHT OUTBOARD SEATING POSITION AS WELL AS THE CENTER SEATING POSITION SINCE THE SEAT BACK CANNOT BE RETURNED TO THE USE POSITION. I HAVE INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS IN ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THIS SHORTCOMING. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND VW NOW WANTS ME TO PAY FOR THE THE REPAIR (LABOR) WITH NO GARANTEE THAT THIS ACTION WILL RESOLVE THE DEFECT. AS A RESULT, I HAVE DISCONNECTED THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY AT THE ANCHOR NEAR THE FLOOR TO ALLOW PROPER OPERATION OF THE SEAT BACK AND THE RIGHT OUTBOARD SEATING POSITION. THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED SINCE A SAFETY DEVICE WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .