RoadVitals

2014 Volkswagen Touareg

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.
27
Latest Jan 24, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 16, 2018
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.
3
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, most frequently naming the steering, engine and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 960 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering825.0%
  • Engine721.9%
  • Electrical39.4%
  • Suspension39.4%
  • Airbags26.3%
  • Interior & seats13.1%
  • Other / unspecified13.1%
  • Powertrain (other)13.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

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.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

May 16, 2018
252 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
The risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 01C5/01C6View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Mar 24, 2016
46,574 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
The risk: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 46G4View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Jan 24, 2024

The safety computer which checks the different sensors and reports their condition on the i instrument dash indicated air bag sensor failure, This automobile has not been in any accident.. A rear seat belt came apart. The top plastic locking system came apart from the metal part of the locking system, Making the seat belt not useable . The sear belt was not used very much, since we are retired sad my wife does all the driving/ Ergo the rear seat is not use very often. The VW dealer does not believe this type of failure is a future safety condition. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11567556
Incident
Dec 15, 2023
Engine
Filed Mar 24, 2022

Wet Air intake filter. Clearly showed water damage and rot on the air filter. This is a repeated issue.

NHTSA ID
11458241
Incident
Mar 19, 2022
Heating & air conditioningElectrical
Filed Oct 20, 2021
Fire reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a burning odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle and smoke was seen coming from the front console. After stopping the vehicle to inspect the cause it was discovered that the front passenger side seat heater had malfunctioned burning a hole into the seat and the passenger's pants. During the incident, the passenger sustained a burn to the left thigh area. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 128,000.

NHTSA ID
11437449
Incident
Oct 17, 2021
Mileage
128,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 14, 2021
1 injury reported

Vehicle has 72000 miles on it, Driver seat heater burned a hole on the leather, burning my pants, underwear and skin while I was driving. I had to pull over because smoke started to come out of the seat. VW of Fort Myers checked it out and confirmed the heater was bad, but they said they don't make the replacement part anymore. No warning lights came on.

NHTSA ID
11429131
Incident
Feb 3, 2021
Electrical
Filed Aug 5, 2021
Fire reported

I attempted to start the vehicle and the starter button clicked followed by a strong ozone electrical smell and copious smoke from under the hood. We called the local fire department but canceled the call as the smoke seemed to be clearing. VW dealer says the starter, alternator, battery and two wiring harnesses need to be replaced. Full details pending as they are still working on it but estimate cost of nearly $4000. This is a serious concern and was transporting my 92 year old Mom. Fortunately the burning stopped on its own. Please contact Wyoming Valley VW at 272-770-2997 for details.

NHTSA ID
11427867
Incident
Jul 8, 2021
Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2021

After recently purchasing this vehicle I noticed the car be long more and more sluggish. While driving one morning I experienced loss in power and an flashing check engine light and glow plug light on the dash. The car went into “limp” mode and I could not accelerate past 40 MPG on a busy road. I pulled over slowly and let the car sit. After turning the car on off and back on, the CEL went away . I attempted to pull out into traffic and with my foot to the floor, the car has no acceleration leaving me going extremely slow into traffic. The cars acceleration has been terrible and really not safe to drive. I have several CEL codes including P0402. After having the car inspected we found that the intake filter had Completely deteriorated at the bottom. Almost as if water had been sitting in the bottom of the air filter box. After removing the old filter and replacing it with a new one, we also cleaned the mass airflow sensor, unplugged it and plugged it back in. This did help the vehicle drive much better. Unfortunately, this only lasted for a very short time. Within several miles later I’m driving a vehicle acceleration issues persisted again. Some fluid was found to be inside of the oil as well. The car vehicle Is now scheduled to go back to have a full examination in service. Based on some recent finds it also seems that there have been many others who have experienced the same issue. Reference the lawsuit in China. https://www.caixinglobal.com/2018-03-16/volkswagen-apologizes-for-engine-defect-101222386.html

NHTSA ID
11422465
Incident
Jun 22, 2021
Engine
Filed Dec 29, 2020

KEEP GETTING WATER IN MY AIR FILTER BOX, SOAKING THE AIR FILTER. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THEY REMOVED SOME PART IN THE DRAIN. DOESNT SEEM LIKE A FIX TO ME

NHTSA ID
11385403
Incident
Dec 1, 2020
Mileage
75,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2020

ENGINE AIR FILTER AND HOUSING ARE WET, THIS IS AN ONGOING EVENT. I REMEDY IT BUY BUYING A NEW FILTER, DRYING OUT THE HOUSING AND REPLACING THE WET FILTER. I AM AFRAID AT SOME POINT THE WATER WILL ENTER THE ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE AND PERHAPS AN ACCIDENT IF THE CAR STALLS.

NHTSA ID
11373836
Incident
Nov 7, 2020

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

VOS-26-42

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.

V1718062017813_24

ENGINE

Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement

TT 13-20-01_3

ENGINE

Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.

TT 10-18-02_2

ENGINE

Lubricating engine components before reassembly.

V6919012010479_17

AIR BAGS

Inquiries

V1719012012855_81

ENGINE

Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards

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

Volkswagen Touareg by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2018000
2017241037.2
2016442045.6
2015242039.9
2014Viewing272050.8
2013302145.8
2012282152.6
2011162152.2
2010251145.3
2009192143.8
2008564050.6
2007930
2006371033.7
2005752248.4
20042314256.8
2003000

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.