This page covers 3 recalls, 27 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg.
19–23 mpg combined
10.2–12.4 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints filed for the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg spread across several systems, but engine and steering draw the most reports. On the engine side, owners describe issues including water intrusion into the air intake, with wet, damaged air filters appearing to be a recurring symptom rather than a one-time event. Steering complaints round out the second-highest category, though the representative reports don't detail a single dominant symptom there. The electrical system also draws attention: multiple owners report smoke and strong burning odors, with the starter circuit producing smoke and an ozone smell in at least one case, and seat heaters in both the driver and passenger positions reportedly burning through seat material and, in some accounts, the occupant's clothing. Those seat heater reports describe smoke visible inside the cabin with no warning lights beforehand.
27
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg has 3 recalls, the most serious being a brake pedal that can physically dislodge while driving, leaving the driver unable to slow or stop the vehicle.
A missing securing clip on the brake pedal pivot pin allows the pin to shift out of position, causing the pedal to come loose underfoot. This affects all Touareg trims. On hybrid models only, the high-voltage battery tray can fail to drain water properly, allowing moisture to pool and cause an electrical short that raises the risk of a fire. The third recall stems from modifications made during an internal evaluation period that may have left certain vehicles out of compliance with regulatory requirements, which carries a general elevated risk of crash, fire, or injury.
At a glance
What can fail
Modifications made during an internal evaluation period may have left these vehicles not fully compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair vehicles to restore full compliance or Volkswagen will repurchase them at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal pivot pin may lack a securing clip, allowing the pin to shift and the brake pedal to come loose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly and install any missing securing clips at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water may not drain properly from the hybrid battery tray, allowing water to collect and cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly from the hybrid battery tray.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
