YearToAvoid

2010 Volkswagen Touareg Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#7 most-complained of 13 Touareg years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg has 25 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 50, and ranks 7th worst of 13 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Fuel system problems make up 72% of complaints, with one fire reported and a fuel filter flange recall.

Complaints
25
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18
16 city / 21.5 hwy

Top 2010 Volkswagen Touareg problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Fuel System18 (72%)
  2. Engine8 (32%)
  3. Other3 (12%)
  4. Electrical System2 (8%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (8%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain2 (8%)
  7. Airbags1 (4%)
  8. Brakes1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Vehicles stall or lose power suddenly at highway speeds, sometimes near 55-75 mph, with no warning lights or noise beforehand.
  • High pressure fuel pump failures cause engine shutdown and, in some cases, the vehicle will not restart.
  • A shock absorber with an incorrectly welded bracket bent and rested on the drive shaft, compromising handling and contributing to a crash at 100,000 miles.
  • An electrical short near the fuel filler area at 7,000 miles created heat that melted part of the tank and fuel cap strap, triggering a fire.
  • Owners describe ABS control module issues not covered by an earlier recall aimed at other model years.
  • Diesel exhaust odor entering the cabin caused breathing discomfort for one owner, requiring repeated dealer visits.
2010 Volkswagen Touareg complaints: complaints filed per month5Apr 2011Jan 2014Jul 2014Feb 2015Feb 2017Sep 2018Jul 2019Oct 2024
37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2011 to Oct 2024; peak Oct 2014 (5).

2010 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 17V151000Mar 8, 2017Fuel System20,908 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline

    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.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    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.

2010 Volkswagen Touareg fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16 MPG
Highway
21.5 MPG
Combined
18 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,850
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Diesel
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2010 compared with other Touareg years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008Avoid10056416
2009Good819216
2010Caution5025118
2011Good4216221
2012Caution5828221

All Volkswagen Touareg years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
Compared to other Touareg years, 2010 has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 7th worst out of 13 years, earning a Caution verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
What is the main problem with the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg?
Fuel system issues dominate, making up 72% of complaints (18 of 25), with a median failure mileage of 55,000 miles.
Does the 2010 Touareg have a recall?
Yes. NHTSA recall 17V151000 covers 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles because the fuel filter flange may crack and leak fuel.
Which Touareg years are better than 2010?
2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 all earn Good or Best verdicts with lower complaint indexes than the 2010 model's 50.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Touareg?
EPA rates the 2010 Touareg at 18 mpg combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.