YearToAvoid

2015 Volkswagen Touareg Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 15 of 24 total complaints (63%) filed on the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg, with a median failure mileage of 41,000 miles. No related recalls are listed for this issue on this model year.

Engine complaints
15
63% of 24
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
41,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Water repeatedly collects in the air intake box and soaks the air filter, even when the vehicle was not driven through standing water.
  • Some owners report the wet air filter led to mold growth, clogged drain tubes, and warnings of possible engine hydrolocking.
  • Under acceleration, some vehicles stuttered and emitted white smoke or steam from the exhaust, which owners linked to water ingestion.
  • One owner reported the exhaust manifold's pre-cat pipe separated due to a failed weld, producing flames from the engine compartment.
  • Owners describe multiple warning lights (check engine, glow plug, diesel particulate filter) appearing alongside water intrusion and loss of power.
  • A separate complaint described significant throttle lag, with a noticeable delay between pressing the pedal and the vehicle responding.

When 2015 Volkswagen Touareg engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 28, 2018, latest Jul 10, 2023.

2015 Volkswagen Touareg engine complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2018Jan 2019Oct 2019Feb 2020Jun 2020Nov 2020Sep 2021
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2018 to Jul 2023; peak Dec 2018 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Touareg model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20054 (5%)
  2. 20064 (11%)
  3. 20073 (33%)
  4. 20087 (13%)
  5. 20092 (11%)
  6. 20108 (32%)
  7. 20115 (31%)
  8. 20126 (21%)
  9. 20134 (13%)
  10. 20148 (30%)
  11. 201515 (63%)
  12. 201623 (52%)
  13. 201719 (79%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common engine problem on the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg?
Owners most frequently report water entering the air intake box and soaking the air filter, sometimes leading to mold, clogged drains, or concerns about engine hydrolocking.
How many engine complaints has NHTSA received for the 2015 Touareg?
NHTSA lists 15 engine complaints for the 2015 Touareg, which is 63% of the 24 total complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Touareg engine water intrusion issue?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this issue on the 2015 Touareg, though some owner complaints reference recalls issued in other countries.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically appear?
The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2015 Touareg is 41,000 miles.
Did these engine complaints involve crashes or fires?
NHTSA data for the 2015 Touareg engine complaints show zero crashes and zero fires reported.

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.