Volkswagen Touareg Best and Worst Years (2005–2017)
Volkswagen Touareg years to avoid: 2007, 2008, 2014, and 2016. Best years: 2009, 2015, and 2017. Based on 414 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns across 13 model years (2005–2017).
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2007Avoid 2008Avoid 2014Avoid 2016Best 2009Best 2015Best 2017
- Model years
- 13
- 2005–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 414
- Recall campaigns
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 8
- Top problem area
- Fuel System
Touareg Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Volkswagen Touareg problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Caution | 67 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | 15 | — |
| 2006 | Good | 25 | 37 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Fuel System | 16 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 83 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 16 | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 100 | 56 | 1 | 4 | 4 | Fuel System | 16 | — |
| 2009 | Best | 8 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | 16 | — |
| 2010 | Caution | 50 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Fuel System | 18 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 42 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 58 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | 21 | — |
| 2013 | Good | 33 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | 21 | — |
| 2014 | Avoid | 75 | 27 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2015 | Best | 0 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 92 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 21.5 | — |
| 2017 | Best | 17 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 19 | — |
Touareg years to avoid: what went wrong
2008 Volkswagen Touareg Index 100 · 56 complaints · 4 recalls
Owners filed 56 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg, led by fuel system (25), electrical system (10), and engine (7). NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 1 crashes and 4 fires.
2016 Volkswagen Touareg Index 92 · 44 complaints · 2 recalls
Owners filed 44 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg, led by engine (23), collision avoidance & cameras (9), and brakes (5). NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this year.
2007 Volkswagen Touareg Index 83 · 9 complaints · 3 recalls
Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Volkswagen Touareg, led by engine (3), fuel system (2), and brakes (1). NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this year.
2014 Volkswagen Touareg Index 75 · 27 complaints · 2 recalls
Owners filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, led by engine (8), steering (8), and suspension, wheels & tires (5). NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 1 crashes and 2 fires.
Most common Volkswagen Touareg problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Fuel System118 (29%)
- Engine108 (26%)
- Electrical System57 (14%)
- Other42 (10%)
- Steering34 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires32 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain31 (7%)
- Airbags26 (6%)
- Structure & Body25 (6%)
- Brakes23 (6%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Volkswagen Touareg should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2007, 2008, 2014, and 2016 Volkswagen Touareg have the highest Complaint Index among 13 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2008 model year ranks worst with 56 complaints and 4 recalls.
- What is the best year for the Volkswagen Touareg?
- The 2009, 2015, and 2017 Volkswagen Touareg have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2015 at 24 complaints and 2 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
- What are the most common problems with the Volkswagen Touareg?
- Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are fuel system (118, 29%), engine (108, 26%), and electrical system (57, 14%).
- How many recalls does the Volkswagen Touareg have?
- NHTSA lists 10 distinct recall campaigns covering Volkswagen Touareg model years 2005–2017. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.