RoadVitals

2014 Volkswagen Touareg Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 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

  • Steering825.0%
  • Engine721.9%
  • Electrical39.4%
  • Suspension39.4%
  • Airbags26.3%
  • Interior & seats13.1%
  • Other / unspecified13.1%
  • Powertrain (other)13.1%
  • Seat belts13.1%
  • Tires & wheels13.1%
  • Body & structure13.1%
  • Heating & air conditioning13.1%
  • Driver assistance13.1%
  • Fuel system13.1%

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

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STRONG VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL (&NOISE) WHILE DRIVING WHEN MAKING TURNS. THIS IS SPORADIC AND HAPPENS WHETHER TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN LEAVIN MY DRIVEWAY, ON PAVED ROADS, CITY STREETS... I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE THIS STARTED BUT IT STARTED IN THE LAST 30 DAYS

NHTSA ID 11081937 · filed Mar 28, 2018

THE CARS' STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT 60MPH+ EVEN AFTER FOLLOWING VOLKSWAGENS' SERVICE BULLETINS, NEW TIRES, ALIGNMENT, ROADFORCE BALANCE, ETC. THE VIBRATION IS FELT THROUGHOUT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 10855320 · filed Apr 13, 2016
All 8 reports naming steering

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11458241 · filed Mar 24, 2022

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 · filed Jun 27, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 20, 2021

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 · filed Aug 5, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CARS' STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT 60MPH+ EVEN AFTER FOLLOWING VOLKSWAGENS' SERVICE BULLETINS, NEW TIRES, ALIGNMENT, ROADFORCE BALANCE, ETC. THE VIBRATION IS FELT THROUGHOUT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 10855320 · filed Apr 13, 2016

PURCHASED VEHICLE ON 2/1/15. I NOTICED WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 63 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BACK AND FORTH WHICH IS FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL, SEAT & FRONT END. I OPENED A CASE WITH VW ON ABOUT 2/11/15 AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR 2/16/15. ON 2/16/15 THE VW DEALER MADE A REPAIR WHICH HELPED REDUCE THE SWS, BUT IT DID NOT GO AWAY. I MADE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT FOR 2/23/15 FOR THEM TO REVISIT THIS PROBLEM. FOR THE SECOND APPOINTMENT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THEY DIDN'T DETECT ANY SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND FOUND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STILL SHAKING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 63 MPH. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP (SAME DAY) AND TOOK THE SERVICE ADVISOR WITH ME ON A TEST DRIVE. I DEMONSTRATED THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKE AND HE ACKNOWLEDGED IT. HE STATED THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET RID OF IT. I LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO WORK ON IT MORE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SWAPPED WHEELS WITH ANOTHER TOUAREG AND IT STILL HAD THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING PROBLEM. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND THIS PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10691016 · filed Feb 27, 2015

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 24, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA ID 10865099 · filed May 16, 2016

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 14, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VIBRATION IN DRIVE TRAIN. LOCAL DEALER PUT IN A NEW DRIVE TRAIN, THIS DID NOT WORK, THEN THEY PUT IN A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER, THIS DID NOT WORK. ALL UNDER WARRANTY (23,000 MILES ON A 20124 VW TOUAREG) NOW I AM GOING DIRECTLY TO VWOF AMERICA TO FILE A CASE. VW SAYS THIS IS NORMAL IN ALL NEW TOUAREGS. THIS IS NOT TRUE. IT DID NOT VIBRATE WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT IT AND IF YOU TEST DRIVE A NEW ONE ON THE LOT, IT DOES NOT VIBRATE. THE VIBRATIONS HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COASTING FROM 40 MPH TO 15 MPH, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING.

NHTSA ID 10852131 · filed Mar 29, 2016

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VIBRATION IN DRIVE TRAIN. LOCAL DEALER PUT IN A NEW DRIVE TRAIN, THIS DID NOT WORK, THEN THEY PUT IN A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER, THIS DID NOT WORK. ALL UNDER WARRANTY (23,000 MILES ON A 20124 VW TOUAREG) NOW I AM GOING DIRECTLY TO VWOF AMERICA TO FILE A CASE. VW SAYS THIS IS NORMAL IN ALL NEW TOUAREGS. THIS IS NOT TRUE. IT DID NOT VIBRATE WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT IT AND IF YOU TEST DRIVE A NEW ONE ON THE LOT, IT DOES NOT VIBRATE. THE VIBRATIONS HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COASTING FROM 40 MPH TO 15 MPH, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING.

NHTSA ID 10852131 · filed Mar 29, 2016

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 24, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TIRE PRESSURE DECREASED AND THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. DUE TO THE READ OUT, ADDITIONAL AIR WAS CONSTANTLY ADDED TO THE TIRES. ALL THE TIRES WERE AFFECTED BY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000.

NHTSA ID 10865377 · filed May 17, 2016

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 70MPH THE FRONT HALF OF OUR 'PANORAMIC' SUNROOF 'EXPLODED' FROM THE INSIDE OUT AS IF FROM CABIN PRESSURE. THE REMAINING GLASS WAS BLOWN UPWARDS. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES NEARBY NOR WAS THERE ANYTHING ABOVE OUR VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A PROJECTILE IN OR AROUND THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 10819131 · filed Jan 9, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 20, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000. *TT*JB

NHTSA ID 11172796 · filed Jan 29, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. REQUIRED TOW TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED AS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE IN MY VW TOUAREG TDI (DIESEL). HAVE OWNED SUV 4 MONTHS AND ONLY 4000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10705162 · filed Apr 12, 2015

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

Data on this page last refreshed .