2004 Volkswagen Touareg Complaint Log

BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE FRONT AIRBAG WIRING HARNESSES REQUIRED REPAIR WITHIN 600 MILES OF FIRST INCIDENT TO CORRECT PRIOR REPAIRS TO REPLACE HARNESS CONNECTORS WITH SPLICED WIRE UNDER VOLUNTARY SERVICE PACK "RECALL". BOTH REPAIRS WERE TRIGGERED BY AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT ON DASH. YOU HAD DONE AN INVESTIGATION IN 2006 ON THIS. VW WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS BECAUSE I WAS "OUT OF WARRANTY". IT COST ME $600 TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND I HAVE NO ASSURANCE FROM THE DEALER IT WON'T OCCUR AGAIN OR THAT I WILL NEED NEW HARNESSES OR AIRBAG MODULES. *TR

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY AT 65MPH ALL OF THE LIGHTS, BOTH EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, WENT OUT FOR ABOUT 7 SECONDS. THIS HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. THE CAR DOES NOT STALL, BUT IS COMPLETELY DARK. I ADVISED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA OF THIS PROBLEM BY LETTER DATED APRIL 17, 2014. ON TUESDAY APRIL 22, 2014 A REPRESENTATIVE OF VOLKSWAGEN CALLED ME AND ADVISED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS "OUT OF WARRANTY" THEY WOULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ANALYZE/DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS SURPRISED BY THIS INDIFFERENCE TO A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM SINCE THE 2004 TOUAREG IS NOTORIOUS FOR PROBLEMS WITH ITS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, INCLUDING REPORTS OF STALLING. THE LOCAL DEALER INSPECTED PARTS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR

THIS IS A PROBLEM IMPACTING A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF 2005-2006 VW TOUAREGS WITH HID HEADLIGHTS. WIRE IN HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS TO SMALL FOR LOAD. THE INSULATION DECAYS DUE TO HEAT AND RESULTS IN A SHORT WHICH WILL BLOW THE FUSE FOR AFFECTED HEADLIGHT. USUALLY OCCURS WHEN SWITCHING ON HIGH BEAMS OR HITTING A LARGE BUMP. WHILE THERE IS AN INEXPENSIVE DIY FIX, OUTLINED IN BELOW LINK, VW IS TELLING OWNERS THEY NEED TO SPEND $950 PER HEADLAMP TO REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY. HTTP://WWW.CLUBTOUAREG.COM/FORUMS/F43/TOUAREG-DEAD-XENON-FIX-CODE-01344-A-103130.HTML. *TR

CAR STALLS, SKIPS GEARS, JERKS, WHEN COMING FROM A FULL STOP TO ACCELERATING JERKS AND PULL REALLY HARD GOING INTO 1ST AND 2ND GEAR,, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AFTER PAYING 800 DOLLAR THEY COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG,, AND THAT WAS VW DEALER.... I'VE BEEN SEEIN ALOT OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SPECIFIC MODEL AND YEAR, CAN SOME PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF VOLKSWAGEN IS NOT GOING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE ATLEAST TELL ME WHAT COULD BE WRONG, SO I CAN FIX IT AND GET RID OF THIS STUPID CAR. IM BETTER OFF WITH AN AMERICAN CAR... *TR

AIR SHOCK EXTERIOR HOUSING AND COUPLING ON AIR HOSE ARE MADE OF TWO NON COMPATIBLE METALS CAUSING THE AIR SHOCK TO DETERIORATE. THIS CAUSES THE AIR SHOCK TO LOOSE AIR PRESSURE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SEAT BELT SHOULD BE REPLACED BUT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,000. *TR

THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING ON THE DRIVE SHAFT WENT OUT. AT FIRST IT SOUNDED LIKE I HAD A FLAT TIRE BUT UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE. I WAS TOLD A DESIGN FLAW AND ALL OF THESE WOULD FAIL.. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT HAS TO BE REPLACED. BUT IT WILL NOT BE COVERED SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SINCE THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY VW AND NOT COSTING ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS OVER A GRAND TO FIX. *TR

ALL OF THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE EXTREMELY LOOSE AND ONE OF THEM I HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE HANDLE GOES IN ALL THE WAY BECAUSE MY KIDS SIT IN THE BACK SEAT AND I'M AFRAID THAT THE DOOR MIGHT SWING OPEN ONE DAY AND AN ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR. ALSO THE DOOR HANDLES SOMETIMES DON'T OPEN ON THE FIRST PULL WHETHER ITS FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR SERVICE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED REPLACING. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ADVISED THAT THE BOLTS TO THE CALIPERS WERE FRACTURED ALONG WITH THE STEERING LINKS, WHICH WOULD ALSO NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BRAKE DISK, CALIPERS, BRAKE LINING, BOLTS AND THE STEERING KNUCKLES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,940. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000. UPDATED 11/12/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE HOLDING CALIPERS NOT FRACTURED, THREADS WERE BADLY RUSTED INTO STEERING KNUCKLE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF DRIVER SIDE STEERING KNUCKLE. THE FAILURES ARE NOT DUPLICATED ON THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER HAS THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OPERATED IN OFF ROAD CONDITION OR EXPOSED TO SALT WATER. UPDATED 12/11/2012 *JS

IN PREVIOUS WEEKS, SEVERAL INTERMITTENT MIL LIGHTS FOR LOOSE GAS CAP CAME ON AND OFF. CHECKED CODES, FOUND "LARGE EVAP LEAK" IN THE MEMORY WHICH CONFIRMED THE GAS CAP SUSPICION. I FOUND SEVERAL SMALL CRACKS IN THE SEAL AND WAS PLANNING ON REPLACING THE CAP. FAINT GASOLINE ODOR COULD BE DETECTED AFTER SHUTDOWN AND WHILE STORED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT. TODAY, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING A FILL-UP TO THE AUTO SHUTOFF LEVEL, A LARGE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE BEGAN DRIPPING FROM THE MID-LEFT UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR IN VERY CLOSE PROXIMITY TO HOT EXHAUST PARTS. (IGNITION OFF BUT STILL VERY HOT). I ESTIMATE AT LEAST 2-3 CUPS OF FUEL WAS SPILLED. NO MIL LIGHT AT THE TIME. I INSPECTED THE LEFT FUEL PUMP AREA AND FOUND A SEVERE FUEL LEAK (SOURCE NOT DETERMINED) ON THE EXPOSED TOP OF THE PUMP, SUBMERGING AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IN FUEL. WHAT IS MOST CONCERNING IS THE RATHER BENIGN "GASCAP" WARNING AND THEN THE MAJOR FUEL LEAK. THE MANUAL STATES IF THE MIL FLASHES AT ANY TIME, TO IMMEDIATELY TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. AT NO TIME DID THE MIL FLASH. IN FACT, IT WENT OUT BY ITSELF AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND WAS NOT ON AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TR

WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, A LOUD, REPETITIOUS BANG/CLUNK FROM THE MIDDLE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE STARTED, SOUNDING SIMILAR TO A BLOWN TIRE. NO ABNORMAL OPERATIONS NOTED PRIOR TO THIS. LIMPED THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP AT 15 MPH AND FOUND THE CENTER DRIVESHAFT CARRIER BEARING FAILED. THE SERVICE TECH ACTED AS IF THIS WAS COMMON AND WAS NOT SURPRISED. I HAVE A 1981 MERCURY WITH OVER 305000 MILES AND NEVER LOST A BEARING IN MY DRIVESHAFT. MECHANICAL PARTS FAIL. THE WORST PART OF THIS EVENT IS VOA'S REACTION THAT SOMEHOW THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR A POOR/WEAK DESIGN. LIST OF OTHER MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURES WITH NO RECALL THAT ARE COMMON TO ALL TOUAREGS OF THIS GENERATION ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY'S OWN SERVICE TECH'S: CENTER DIFFERENTIAL LOCK MOTOR FAIL REAR DIFF. LOCK MOTOR FAIL COOLING FANS DO NOT SHUT OFF, DRAIN BATTERY THERMOSTAT HOUSING LEAK RADIO FAILURE. *TR

I WENT TO START THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AND A RED WARNING ICON APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I LOOKED IT UP IN THE OWNERS MANUAL WHICH STATED THE ICON INDICATED A STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER, THE IGNITION KEY THEN STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH/LOCK AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. AS A RESULT THE TRUCK'S TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR COULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF THE "PARK" DETENT. THIS RESULTED IN MY NOT BEING ABLE TO GET THE TRUCK TO A POSITION WHERE A TOW TRUCK COULD ACCESS THE CAR UNTIL THE SNOW MELTED TWO MONTHS LATER. THE VW AUTHORIZED REPAIR CENTER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. FURTHER, THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE MODE FOR THIS MODEL AND THEY BELIEVED A RECALL OR CAMPAIGN WAS IMMINENT. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. IF IT HAD FAILED WHILE BEING DRIVEN THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. ALSO VW MARKETS THIS TRUCK AS SUITABLE FOR OFF ROAD TRAVEL IN REMOTE PLACES, IF IT FAILED WHILE I WAS IN A REMOTE AREA, I COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED AND PLACED IN GRAVE PERIL SINCE I WOULD NOT BEEN ABLE TO ROLL THE TRUCK TO AN AREA SUITABLE FOR RECOVERY OR FLAT TOW IT IF NECESSARY. *TR

I WAS DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE FROM MY HOUSE (2 MILES) WHEN I NOTICED MY CAR NOT DRIVING NORMALLY. I HAD DRIVEN IT THE 3 PREVIOUS DAYS WITH NO PROBLEM. I FINISHED MY ERRAND, THEN PROCEEDED TO HEAD HOME. IT WAS NOTICEABLY GETTING WORSE. I SMELLED SOMETHING AT A STOPLIGHT, NOT SURE IF IT WAS MY CAR, OR CAR ALONGSIDE OF ME. I SAW A LIGHT HAD COME ON, ON MY DASHBOARD (CK. ENGINE?) AND LOOKED AT THE GAUGES, EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. I DECIDED TO HEAD HOME FIRST TO HAVE MY NEIGHBOR FOLLOW ME UP TO REPAIR SHOP. PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, WENT INSIDE MY HOME TO CALL HER, LOOKED OUT MY OPEN FRONT DOOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER WHERE I SAW SMOKE AND SMELLED IT. RAN OUT, MY AUTO WAS SERIOUSLY SMOKING HEAVY BROWN SMOKE, RAN NEXT DOOR TO CALL 911, AND AUTO BURST INTO FLAMES AND CAUGHT HOUSE ON FIRE ALSO. I AM NOW IN A HOTEL BECAUSE OF MAJOR FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE. *KB

CONSTANT REPAIR OF 2004 VW TOUAREG: THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN CERTIFIED IN ALL STATES OF THE UNION AS BEING A CERTIFIED LEMON. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I HAD NO IDEA OF THIS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A FAN SENSOR WHICH IS A CERTIFIED VW DEFECT, BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE COST, REPAIR AND LABOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $550 AND FURTHER, THE VEHICLE LEFT ME STRANDED BECAUSE THE FAULTY SENSOR ALLOWED A FAN TO KEEP BLOWING THEREBY DRAINING MY BATTERY COMPLETELY. REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER DISINTEGRATED DURING HEAVY RAIN AND COST 65 TO REPAIR ALTHOUGH THE PIECE LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING A CHILD PUT TOGETHER. FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER FLEW OFF OF CAR WHILE RAINING, CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER AND BE STRANDED ONCE AGAIN. I GOT STRANDED AGAIN BECAUSE THE VW ENGINE COILS BURNT OUT WITHOUT NOTICE LEAVING ME STRANDED IN BLIZZARD CONDITIONS IN CHICAGO. I HAD TO GET A NEW BATTERY BUT WAS CHARGED $250 FOR THE BATTERY AND INSTALLATION BECAUSE VW CHOSE TO PUT THE BATTERY UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT. NOT THREE WEEKS HAVE PASSED AND I HAVEN'T EVEN DRIVEN THE VEHICLE BUT BOTH FUEL PUMPS AND THE FLANGE MODULE HAVE GONE OUT. I HAD TO PAY $1500 FOR LABOR, PARTS, SHOP AND REPAIRS. VEHICLE HAS 91,000 AND BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE GONE OUT AGAIN FOR THE 3RD TIME. RIGHT DOOR OPENS WHEN DRIVING ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS LOCKED, WHICH IS ANOTHER CERTIFIED DEFECT. VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND THEN HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO SPEED UP ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

2004 VW TOUREG FAULT WITH AIRBAGS. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS FAILED WHICH HAS RESULTED IN ALL OF THE AIRBAGS TO BE DEACTIVATED. THE WIRING IS ROUTED AROUND THE HORN WHICH HAS RESULTED IN ONE SIDE OF THE HORN TO NOT WORK. UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR

I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE. MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED, BUT NOT AS MUCH AS I THOUGHT IT WOULD. THE AIRBAG BARELY HIT MY UPPER BODY AND THEN IT SEEMED 3/4 DEFLATED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. I DON'T THINK THE AIRBAG WAS WORKING PROPERLY BECAUSE I WOULD THINK FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD HAVE BEEN ALOT FULLER AND WOULD HAVE ME PINNED UP AGAINST MY DRIVER SEAT, BUT IT DID NOT. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT MY CAR WITHOUT A STRUGGLE AND DON'T REMEMBER EVEN TOUCHING THE AIRBAG WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE. NONE OF THE OTHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO WHEN YOU GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I GUESS I'M LUCKY THAT WHEN I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THAT THE IMPACT WAS NOT HARDER, BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE THE AIRBAG WOULD HAVE KEPT ME FROM HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL WITH GREAT FORCE OR EVEN SAVING MY LIFE. I PLAN TO CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN DIRECTLY ABOUT MY COMPLAINT AS WELL. *TR

REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT WAS JAMMED AFTER FOLDING DOWN THE REAR SEAT. *TR

EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED THE WARNING LIGHT SHOWS THAT THE PARKING BRAKE IS ENGAGED. I NEVER USE THE PARKING BRAKE. I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL NEEDS TO BE "HAND LIFTED" TO CLEAR THE WARNING LIGHT. WHEN I TRIED THIS IT DID CLEAR THE WARNING LIGHT FROM THE DASH. MY QUESTION IS WHY WOULD MY PARKING BRAKE BE ENGAGED IF I NEVER HAVE USED THE PARKING BRAKE? IT MAY JUST BE SOME MALFUNCTION WITH THEIR WARNING LIGHTS OR SENSORS, BUT HOW I AM I TO KNOW IF THIS IS A REAL PARKING BRAKE WARNING? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER IT RAINED, SHE WOULD FIND STANDING WATER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE IGNITION, SPARKS EMITTED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUNROOF DRAINS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE ABS CONTROLLER HAD BECOME RUSTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ENGAGE IN FOUR BY FOUR MODE PERMANENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK AND HE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED, THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AND WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED WATER WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND SETTLING IN THE TRUNK NEAR THE SPARE TIRE. THE DEALER REMOVED THE SHIFTER CABLE AND REPLACED THE HARNESS, A WIRE AND THE SHIFTER COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,285 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,065. UPDATED 11/02/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY. THE TIRE SENSORS WOULD COME ON. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 11/04/10

I HAVE A 2004 TOUAREG AND HAVE BEEN HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES HARD SHIFTS, BUCKING AND HARD DOWNSHIFTS. I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE VW DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCESS THE HIGHWAY AND IN SEVERAL CASES IT SHIFTS SO HARD THAT IT KNOCKS IT'S SELF OUT AND YOU HAVE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY UNTIL RESETS TO 4TH GEAR FROM 6TH. I NOW HAVE TO SHIFT MANUALLY. I HAVE THIS ISSU E DAILY AND I KNOW THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE. *TR

HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND FROM BELOW ON MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. LOOKED UNDER MY CAR, THE MIDDLE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS GONE. THERE WAS A KNOCKING AND THUMPING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE UNDERCARRIAGE, BUT WHEN THE PART CAME IN AND INSTALLED IT, THE KNOCKING WAS STILL THERE. DROVE IT LAST NIGHT BECAUSE I NEED MY CAR; I HEARD MY CAR HAVE RATTLING NOISES UNDERNEATH. SOUNDS LIKE THERE'S LOSS PARTS UNDER THE CAR. I NEVER TOOK MY CAR OFF ROAD, THE ROADS ON OAHU ARE TERRIBLE, BUT NEVER HAD THIS EVER DONE ON MY OLDER CARS. I WAS RESEARCHING ONLINE AND SAW THAT A LOT OF OTHER TOUAREG OWNERS HAVE/HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M NOT GOING TO PAY FOR A DEFAULT PART, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE DRIVE SHAFT AND ITS BEARINGS ARE THE MAIN PARTS OF THE CAR POWERTRAIN. I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AND FEEL THAT VOLKSWAGEN WILL NEED TO PAY FOR THIS FIX. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AN ODOR OF FUMES WAS DETECTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COACHELLA VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN (79050 VARNER RD, INDIO, CA 92203, 760-200-4000) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN FOUND A FUEL LEAK AND REPLACED THE FILTER FLANGES. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF PALM SPRINGS (67909 E PALM CANYON DR., CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234, 855-996-5429) WHERE THE FILTER FLANGES WERE REPLACED AGAIN DUE TO A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V583000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, REPORTED THE FAILURES, AND DEMANDED REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE REIMBURSEMENT, STATING THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

2004 VW TOUAREG V-8 MANY PROBLEMS BUT 3 WORTH REPORTING: FOR NO APPARENT REASON PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED OR UNLATCHED BY USING ANY KNOWN MEANS INCLUDING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE, ELECTRIC LOCK ACTUATOR CLICKS AS IF THE DOOR IS UNLOCKED BUT THE DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED OR UNLATCHED. VEHICLE HAD TO BE BROUGHT TO VW DEALERSHIP AND WORKED ON BY DESTROYING THE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND PERHAPS CUTTING A WHOLE IN THE BODY PANNEL AT THE COST OF 2 HOURS OF DIAGNOSTICS, 8 HOURS OF LABOR TO OPEN DOOR AND PROBABLY 2 OR 3 ADDITIONAL HOURS OF REPLACING DOOR HANDLE IF BODY OF DOOR IS NOT BENT, PLUS PARTS VEHICLE HAS MANY ELECTRICAL GLITCHES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION OF AIR BAG IGNITERS....ONCE AGAIN HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SERIOUS HARM OCCUPANTS GIVEN THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES THIS IS A POTENTIAL DANGEROUS SITUATION AND HAS MADE ME LOSE ALL FAIH IN THIS MANUFACTURER. VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD WHEN STOPPED AT TRAFIC LIGHTS AND BEGINNING TO PROCCEED ON A GREEN. *TR

CAR: 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG V6 SUV 38,900MILES PROBLEM: CAR FREQUENTLY JERKS WHILE SLOWING DOWN (AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-40MPH). WAS TOLD DRIVE SHAFT WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,150 PARTS PLUS LABOR OF APPROX. $1,000 WHICH INCLUDED COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC. UPON PICK UP FROM MECHANIC PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED SO I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THAT DAMAGED DRIVE SHAFT DAMAGED 2 VALVES IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH NOW ALSO NEED REPLACING AT A COST OF $1600. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED A 'BULLETIN" ON THE CAR REGARDING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM SEVERAL OWNERS. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 39,000 MILES AND IS DRIVEN WITH CARE. IT SEEMS EXTREMELY PREMATURE TO HAVE ANYTHING OF THIS NATURE HAPPEN ESPECIALLY AT A COST OF ALMOST $4000 OUT OF POCKET TO ME AND OTHER OWNERS. I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO VOLKSWAGEN'S RESPONSIBILITY IN CORRECTION/REIMBURSEMENT (POSSIBLE RECALL) OF THIS SITUATION. *TR

AT 94,000 MILES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, TOLD TRANSMISSION NON-SERVICEABLE VW DOES NOT RECOMMEND ANY TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENT. COULD BE GEAR BOX COST $2400 OR ENTIRE TRANSMISSION COST $7,000. VWA WILL PAY $1,000 TO OUR CHOICE OF GEAR BOX OR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BUT IF WE CHOOSE WRONG REPAIR WILL NOT PAY FOR ANYTHING FURTHER! VWA OBVIOUSLY IS AWARE OF PROBLEM AND DESIGNED THE TRANSMISSION IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CAN'T BE SERVICED. WE HAVE HAD PRIOR ENGINE COIL RECALL REPLACED, UPDATED COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND REPLACED DRIVE-TRAIN AT COST OF $1900 AT 74,000 MILES. *TR

SENSORS ON THE DOOR HANDLE FOR THE 2004 VW TOUAREG FAILING TO WORK. I PUT MY CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND SHUT THE DOOR AND THE LOCKS ENGAGED WITH THE KEYS INSIDE. 2 YR OLD CHILD WAS LOCKED IN THE CAR UNTIL I COULD BREAK INTO THE HOUSE AND GET A SPARE SET OF KEYS. *TR

2004 VW TOUAREG MILES 72,000 BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP, BECAUSE OF TRANSMISSION WAS ACTING UP. TOLD I NEED NEW TRANSMISSION, NOT UNDER WARRANTY HOW CAN THE CAR NEED NEW TRANSMISSION AT 72,000 MILES OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD TROUBLES WITH THIS SUV VW SHOULD REPLACE THIS, TONS OF STUFF HAS GONE WRONG WITH SUV. *TR

UNEXPECTED AND SUDDEN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN, UNABLE TO START OR MOVE SHIFTER LEVER OUT OF GEAR. *TR

DRIVING 2004 TOUAREG EQUIPPED WITH AIR SUSPENSION. SPEED 55 STARTING RIGHT HAND SWEEPING TURN THE RIGHT SIDE AIR SUSPENSION BLEW OUT DROPPING THE FRONT END TO BUMP STOPS CAUSING REAR OF TRUCK TO BOUNCE AND GO SIDEWAYS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. APPARENTLY THERE IS A TSB TO CHANGE THE MATERIAL OF THE CONNECTOR THAT BLEW OUT, HOWEVER DEALERSHIP IS NOT WILLING TO PERFORM IT UNLESS I PAY FOR ANYTHING THEY MAY BREAK IN THE PROCESS OF THE REPAIR. CORROSION IS CAUSING FAILURES IN THE NORTHEAST. *TR

STRANDED WITH A DEAD BATTERY ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AS A RESULT OF A ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE WHICH VW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON AND FAILED TO NOTIFY THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. *TR UPDATED 01/25/10 *BF UPDATED 01/26/10.*JB

IN DECEMBER 2009 MY 2004 VW TOUAREG WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE IDLING WHILE MY SON, WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR, GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO SPEAK TO A PARKING LOT ATTENDANT. HIS WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THEIR TWO CHILDREN WERE IN CAR SEATS IN THE REAR SEAT. ABOUT 2 MINUTES LATER, WHILE MY SON WAS STILL OUT OF THE CAR, THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS INTO A BUSY STREET IN NYC. HE RAN AFTER THE CAR WHILE HIS WIFE FRANTICALLY TRIED TO GET OUT OF HER SEAT BELT TO MOVE INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. HE CAUGHT UP WITH THE CAR AND JUMPED IN AND HIT THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. HE LOOKED OVER AT THE GEAR SHIFT THINKING THAT IT HAD BEEN MOVED INADVERTENTLY BUT THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK. HE THEN TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CAR WAS IDLING IN PARK ON A RELATIVELY FLAT SURFACE - THERE ARE NO REAL HILLS IN NYC. HE TOOK HIS LIFE IN HIS HANDS TO AVOID A DISASTER WHEREBY THE CAR WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY BEEN HIT BROADSIDE IN THE BUSY ADJOINING STREET WITH HIS FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO A VW DEALER REPAIR SHOP NEAR MY HOME IN MARYLAND THE NEXT WEEK AND THEY CHECKED THE CAR OUT THOROUGHLY, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, NOR COULD THEY DUPLICATE THE EXPERIENCE. THIS WAS A FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A TIGHT PARKING LOT AND MANEUVERING AROUND A TREE IN ORDER TO PULL FURTHER UP INTO THE SPACE. AS I GENTLY PUSHED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR TO INCH INTO THE SPOT, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED CRASHING INTO A WOODEN GARBAGE BOX. I JAMMED ON THE BRAKES BEFORE GOING THROUGH THE FENCE. I WAS INCREDIBLY LUCKY THAT I WAS NO LONGER AIMING AT THE TREE. IT WAS AS THOUGH THE CAR SUDDENLY WANTED TO PEAL OUT IN A MANNER THAT WAS TOTALLY OUT OF SYNC WITH THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT JUST STARTED SPEEDING TOWARD THE FENCE/BOX. LOOKING BACK ON IT, I BELIEVE THAT THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE AS I STARTED TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN. THOUGH THE REACTION OF THE CAR WAS SIMILAR, IT WAS NOT NEARLY SO PRONOUNCED. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS TRIPPING OVER ITSELF. I HAD THE INSURANCE TOW THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC BUT SO FAR HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I SPOKE WITH BOTH THE LOCAL VW SERVICEMAN AND VW NORTH AMERICA BUT THEY DENIED EVER HEARING ABOUT SUCH A PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR OVER 6 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE THE OTHER DAY. *TR

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER INTO A PARKING SPACE, CRASHING INTO A WOODEN STRUCTURE. *TW

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE OCCUPYING THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 88000. UPDATED 11/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 11/24/09.*JB

REAR CENTER DRIVE SHAFT FROM GEARBOX TO DIFFERENTIAL, MIDDLE BEARING FAILS. VOLKSWAGEN ONLY SUPPLIES NEW SHAFTS FOR $1,400 NO BEARINGS OR EXCHANGE. THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF TOUAREGS ACCORDING THE CLUBTOUAREG FORUM. THIS IS A PREMATURE DESIGN FAILURE OF THIS CAR. *TR

I HAVE A 2004 VW TOUAREG V8, I HAVE A AIRBAG LIGHT THAT COME ON (AIRBAG FAULT), NOW THE TRAN LIGHT IS COMING ON WHEN I START THE SUV. *TR

TRANSMISSION JUMPS, LUNGES, HAS DONE THIS SINCE 2009. THE DEALER STATES IT NEEDS REPLACING. SHOULD BE REPLACED BY VOLKSWAGEN.

WE HAVE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG WHICH HAS HAD A CONTINUING PROBLEM SINCE JUNE 2009. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM CONTINUALLY COMES ON WITH LOUD AND SOMETIMES INTERMITTENT AND SOMETIMES CONTINUING BEEPING WARNING OF FLAT TIRES, OR THE SYSTEM IS "LEARNING". EACH WHEEL HAS A BATTERY OPERATED UNIT (WHEEL SENSOR) WHICH WILL NOT BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL THE BATTERY IS COMPLETELY DEAD. THERE IS A $75- CHARGE EACH TIME TO INFORM YOU THAT THE BATTERY IS NOT YET DEAD. IN THE MEANTIME YOU DRIVE ALONG WITH THE WARNING SIGNAL GOING OFF. *TR

THE AIRBAG ON THIS VEHICLE HAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOUR TIMES IN FIVE YEARS. WE AWAIT THE FOURTH REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WHILE RECOMMENDING THE CAR NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL A REPLACEMENT IS AVAILABLE ARE UNWILLING TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE STATING THE RISK OF OPERATING THE VEHICLE NOW RESTS WITH THE OWNER. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE FLAT TIRE CAUTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL THREE TO FOUR MILES WHEN THE EMERGENCY FLAT TIRE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT DID NOT NOTICE ANY FLAT TIRES. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A FAULTY MANUFACTURER DESIGN. THERE WAS NO REPAIR AVAILABLE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE TIRE PRESSURE MODULE TO AVOID THE FALSE WARNINGS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,083. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN UPDATED 03/23/09. *JB

THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WILL PERIODICALLY DISPLAY VARIOUS WARNING MESSAGES INDICATING A FLAT TIRE. TIRE PRESSURE HAS ALWAYS BEEN NORMAL (UNCHANGED FROM PRIOR TARE), AND VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE TIRE INCLUDING SOAP TEST HAS ALWAYS BEEN NORMAL. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, CITING INABILITY TO REPLICATE IT. *TR

FOR MONTHS I LISTENED TO "DEFECTIVE TIRE" WARNINGS AND "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE" WARNINGS - ALL TO NO AVAIL - EVERYTHING WAS FINE. FINALLY, A LIGHT CAME ON - "TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM FAULT". I TOOK IT IN THE VACAVILLE VW, AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS THE TPMS MODULE (NOT THE SENSOR). I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WAS FIRST TOLD THAT THE MODULE WAS A COVERED COMPONENT, WHILE THE SENSOR WAS NOT. I LEFT IT THERE FOR THE APPROPRIATE REPAIRS ON A THURSDAY (11-6-08). ON FRIDAY, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE, BUT WHEN TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER CHECKING...THEY FIND THE COIL IS BAD. VACAVILLE VW REPLACES THE COIL AND IT IS READY FOR PICKUP ON TUESDAY, 11-11-08. I PICK THE VEHICLE UP ON WEDNESDAY AND TWO DAYS LATER, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. IT IS NOW AT VACAVILLE VW AND I AM WAITING TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG NOW. *TR

DRIVE SHAFT SUPPORT BEARING FAILURE @ 62,000 MILES. MANUFACTURER VW DOES NOT SELL INDIVIDUAL BROKE PART BUT SELLS ASSEMBLY WHICH COST $1,100 PLUS TAX. THIS IS COMMON AND SHOULD BE A FACTORY RECALL. *TR

MULTIPLE ENGINE LIGHT FAILURES FOR OVER 4 YEARS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY WHILE WIFE WAS ON THE FREEWAY. VERY DANGEROUS...ESSENTIALLY NO WARNING. HAVE REPLACED WIRING HARNESS IN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES MANY TIMES. UNSAFE HANDLING AND ACCELERATION...CAR JUMPS FORWARD AT STOPS WHILE IT IS DOWNSHIFTING. THINK THE TRANSMISSION, TIRES AND BRAKES SHOULD BE TESTED. THINK YOU WILL FIND THEY ARE DEFECTIVE. ENGINE BLEW UP AT 44,000 MILES. VERY DANGEROUS CAR..AND YOU WILL FIND OTHER TOUAREGS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES. SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

SCREECHING BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE SCREECHING FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS AND THE VW DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PADS AND DISC. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE SCREECHING IS NORMAL. ALSO, SINCE I BOUGHT THE SUV IN SETPTMBER 2004, I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM WHICH RESULTED IN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. THE DEALER DID NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS AND I CHANGED ALL FOUR TIRES( 3 TIMES), BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS ABOUT 28,000 MILES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULE AT THE COST OF $3,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN IN 2006 FOR THE AIR BAG WIRING CONNECTOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. WHEN THE CONTACT ACCELERATED MORE THAN 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING, SHAKING AND WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. EVENTUALLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING AT THE DESIRED SPEED. OCCASIONALLY, WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF; HOWEVER, IT WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED 4 MONTHS LATER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 10/06/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BURNT. UPDATED 10/06/09

DRIVE TRAIN FAILED WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. ALSO, THE MODULE FAILED WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DRIVE TRAIN BEING REPLACED. THE ABS MODULE HOWEVER; FAILED 3 MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. AS A RESULT I SKIDDED UNPREDICTABLY ON ICE AND CAME WITHIN INCHES OF CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. $1500 WAS QUOTED TO ME TO REPLACE THE MODULE. *TR

THE ESP LIGHT CAME ON STEADY AND THE LIGHTS AROUND THE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH CAME ON FLASHING. THEN THE VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED INTO THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE PEOPLE INDICATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THESE RECALLS. *TR