Volkswagen Touareg Recalls

The Volkswagen Touareg has 23 recalls spanning the 2004–2017 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2011–2016 models where a missing securing clip on the brake pedal pivot pin can allow the pedal to dislodge entirely, leaving the driver unable to apply the brakes.

The brake pedal issue on 2011–2016 vehicles is the most consequential of several recalls touching that generation. The 2011–2015 Touareg Hybrid has its own fire-related concern: water can pool in the high-voltage battery tray and cause an electrical short in the battery pack. The 2012 Hybrid also has a fuel injection rail that can leak fuel near ignition sources. The 2016 model year has a tire pressure monitoring system that can be miscalibrated and fail to warn of underinflated tires, which can lead to a sudden tire failure. A 2016 tire pressure sensor calibration issue is separate from a 2004 wiring recall where the tire pressure monitoring harness can contact the parking brake cable spring, short to ground, and start a fire.

On the fuel system side, recalls span a wide stretch of production. The 2007–2010 model years share a fuel filter flange that can crack and leak fuel near hot engine components. The 2008 model year has an additional fuel supply line connector that can lose its seal and leak. The 2007 model year also has a fuel pump flange prone to cracking and leaking. These fuel leak risks are consistent across that mid-generation span and all carry fire potential.

Going back to the earliest production, 2004 models have several issues. The fuel pump flange on 2004 gasoline models can crack and leak, and a broader recall covers 2004–2007 fuel filter flanges with the same cracking risk. On the safety restraint side, 2004 rear seat belt latch bolts may be insufficiently riveted, reducing the belt's ability to hold an occupant in a crash. Child restraint anchoring on 2004 models also did not meet federal occupant protection standards.

The 2007 model year has a roof edge spoiler whose fastening struts can crack over time, allowing the spoiler to detach at speed and strike pedestrians or become a road hazard for other drivers. The 2011 Touareg Hybrid has a certification label with incorrect tire pressure information, which can lead to improper inflation. The 2017 model year is subject to a recall covering vehicles that were internal-use units sold without full confirmation of regulatory compliance.