Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported
Overview
Our database contains 56 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 417 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
Monthly complaints peaked at 3 in May 2017. Most recent month: 1.View as table
Monthly owner complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
Month
Complaints filed
Cumulative
Feb 2008
1
1
May 2008
1
2
Jan 2009
1
3
Sep 2009
1
4
Feb 2010
2
6
Apr 2010
1
7
Jun 2010
1
8
Jul 2010
1
9
Apr 2013
1
10
Dec 2013
1
11
Jul 2014
2
13
Oct 2014
1
14
Dec 2014
1
15
May 2015
1
16
Nov 2015
1
17
Feb 2016
1
18
Sep 2016
1
19
Jan 2017
1
20
Apr 2017
2
22
May 2017
3
25
Jun 2017
3
28
Jul 2017
2
30
Aug 2017
1
31
Sep 2017
1
32
Oct 2017
1
33
Nov 2017
2
35
Jan 2018
1
36
May 2018
2
38
Aug 2018
1
39
Sep 2018
1
40
Feb 2019
2
42
Apr 2019
2
44
May 2019
1
45
Jun 2019
1
46
Aug 2019
1
47
Apr 2020
1
48
Jul 2020
1
49
Oct 2020
1
50
Nov 2020
1
51
Dec 2020
1
52
Jun 2021
1
53
Jul 2022
1
54
Feb 2023
1
55
Nov 2024
1
56
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 20Z4View on NHTSA.gov
The defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 14,416 MY 2007-2009 TOUAREG VEHICLES. THE FASTENING STRUTS ON THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT WEDGES TO THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number 66D6/S5View on NHTSA.gov
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Jan 28, 2008
96 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS CHANGED DURING PRODUCTION WHICH COULD LEAD TO INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTOR.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number 20NA (R4)View on NHTSA.gov
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I was driving the vehicle and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood I pulled over immediately and the whole engine compartment was on fire I tried to put fire but Fire department showed up and extinguish the fire, fire was due to a fuel leak
NHTSA ID
11627551
Incident
Jul 10, 2024
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Feb 21, 2023
Fire reported
Protective coating on wires in the headlight and turn signal assemblies crumbled and disintegrated, causing all the lighting components and ballast for HID lights, light level adjusters and the fuses and relays to short out, sparks and potential fire hazard.
NHTSA ID
11508422
Incident
May 30, 2022
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 14, 2022
2008 Touareg 3.6L/V6 Intake Manifold/Valve Cover explosion.... March 2021, several incidents while driving vehicle would completely shut off/ loose power, with no prior warning or apparent cause, leaving driver at a total loss of steering control, as well as leaving vehicle completely disabled supposedly resulting from battery dying. Engine code scanner findings: several cylinders misfiring, possible timing chain, & (P0456) EVAP leak (among others). Repairs performed: 06/25/21 valve cover & battery replacement. Shortly after repairs noticed (never before seen) oil leak caused from recently repaired (faulty part) valve cover, which was then replaced again. (Jump ahead to present) July 14, 2022, upon attempted ignition, quickly noticed vehicle TRYING to turn over for several seconds without success, so turned key to off immediately heard an extremely loud "BOOM" followed by smoke bellowing out from under my hood/ engine. Popped hood to inspect the cause & discovered the valve cover had blown its top right off, exploded into several pieces, exposing valves to naked eye. Vehicle was then stranded, not starting, engine would not turn over. Had to have it towed to shop, awaiting update & information.
NHTSA ID
11474003
Incident
Jul 14, 2022
Suspension
Filed Jun 15, 2021
During the time that I drive this vehicle, I noticed from early times that the steering wheel is likely to shake after certain speed, likely around 70+. I have consulted many VW dealership but they couldn't figure out the problem. I did some research online and found a lot of people have experienced similar issue. And it is concluded that this is very likely a suspension problem. From many others' feedback, VW dealership cannot solve this problem, and even many after the VW changed a new Touareg for the customers for free, the new vehicle still have the same problem. Because this is really annoying, with this steering wheel shaking at high speed for the whole front body of the car, I think I should report this problem to let it be known, and hopefully VW can have some solution figured out, that all cars affected can be repaired, to prevent any accidents that this could lead to, and to let people be able to drive smoothly in their car in all speeds, just like every other models/brands of cars.
NHTSA ID
11420951
Incident
Jun 15, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Dec 29, 2020
ON DECEMBER 28, 2020 I DETECTED THE DISTINCT ODOR OF GASOLINE OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF OUR 2008 VW TOUAREG WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY, NOT RUNNING. LATER WHILE DRIVING THE PUNGENT ODOR WAS ALSO DISCERNABLE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. A PICTURE OF THE TANK REFLECTS WETNESS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS MORNING DURING A CALL TO DONALDSON'S VW SERVICE, THEY RESPONDED THAT THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE REGARDING A FUEL LEAK, FOR WHICH A HISTORY OF RECALLS EXIST. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT A PRIOR RECALL SERVICE REQUIRES INCREMENTAL REMEDIATION? WHAT RECOURSE IS AVAILABLE TO HAVE A VW DEALER RESOLVE THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT AT VOLKSWAGEN'S EXPENSE? A BRIEF INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS PRECEDENT FOR VW TOUAREG FUEL LEAKS AFFECTING PRODUCTION YEARS 2004 THROUGH 2013 (AND POSSIBLY BEYOND THE SCOPE OF MY SEARCH). SAFETY RECALL 20AI (NHTSA: 17V583) - FUEL FILTER FLANGE LEAK CERTAIN 2004-2007 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG SAFETY RECALL 20Z4 (NHTSA: 17V151000) - FUEL PUMP FLANGE MAY CRACK CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE 2007 - 2010 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG SAFETY RECALL 24BK (NHTSA: 15V019000) - FUEL LEAKAGE AFFECTING VARIOUS AUDI AND VW MODELS SPANNING 2011 - 2013 THANK YOU FOR YOUR INDULGENCE AND POTENTIAL ASSISTANCE!
NHTSA ID
11385438
Incident
Dec 28, 2020
Mileage
78,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 30, 2020
UPON STARTING THE ENGINE IN MY 2008 VW TOUAREG AS NORMAL TO LEAVE, THE ENGINE TURNED OVER TO START, BUT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS TURNING OVER LONGER THAN USUAL. I GRABBED MY KEY IN THE IGNITION TO TURN IT OFF. A FEW SECONDS LATER, I HEAR A LOUD POP, FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A FEW PUFFS OF WHITE SMOKE EMERGE. I OPEN THE HOOD AND SEE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD EXPLODED AND WAS IN PIECES.
NHTSA ID
11377040
Incident
Nov 29, 2020
Mileage
113,659 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 9, 2020
WHILE DRIVING, FIRST SIDE MARKER AND RIGHT SIDE TURN SIGNAL BEGAN TO FAIL, THEN WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHT FAILED. UPON INSPECTION ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE FAILED COMPONENTS, INSULATION WAS CRUMBLING & NON- EXISTENT. IMMEDIATELY CHECKED THE LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. SAME CONDITION OF WIRE INSULATION FALLING OFF WIRES, CAUSING SHORTING OUT OF COMPONENTS. REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHT HOUSING ASSEMBLY, BULBS, BALLASTS AND CONTROLLERS WAS REQUIRED TO OPERATE VEHICLE CONDITION. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP (PRESTON VW, BOARDMAN, OHIO), THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROPLEMS WITH THE TOUAREG RELATED TO WIRING OR THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. TOTAL COST TO REPLACE W OEM THROUGH ROCK AUTO AUTO PARTS (MOST COST EFFECTIVE) WAS TOTAL$1,314.82
NHTSA ID
11363544
Incident
Sep 15, 2020
Mileage
165,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 27, 2020
INSULATION ON WIRES IN HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FALLS OFF WIRES CAUSING SHORTS AND DISABLES BOTH HEADLIGHTS CAUSING LOSS OF VISION AT NIGHT. THIS ALSO STOPS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. ALSO PLASTIC HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAZES AND SCRATCHES RESULTING IN POOR LIGHT BEFORE THE SHORTING WIRES DISABLE ALL HEADLIGHTS.
NHTSA ID
11341573
Incident
May 5, 2020
Mileage
75,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
V171901201285567
ENGINE
VW Engine oil quality standards
V171905201285566
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
VW Engine oil quality standards
V271901201189425
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
V0018092053065_4
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
V171901201285565
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V271503201607612
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.