VehicleVerdict

2004 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 373 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.1 times the median Touareg year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 14 Touareg years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (57), transmission (51), and tires & wheels (41), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

373

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted373 complaints2004: 373 complaints2005: 106 complaints2006: 52 complaints2007: 9 complaints2008: 73 complaints2009: 25 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 37 complaints2013: 42 complaints2014: 35 complaints2015: 35 complaints2016: 67 complaints2017: 34 complaints
Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5715%
Transmission5114%
Tires & Wheels4111%
Fuel System339%
Engine298%
Airbags277%
Speed Control236%
Brakes216%
Suspension216%
Lighting133%
Steering123%
Visibility & Wipers113%
Other82%
Body & Structure82%
Latches & Locks82%
Seat Belts41%
Seats31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Trailer Hitch10%

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V583000Fuel SystemSeptember 20, 2017 · 73,941 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel filter flange for cracks, replacing the flange if cracks are found. If no cracks are found, a protective cover will be installed onto the filter flange. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Ai.

04V592000Seat BeltsDecember 15, 2004 · 50,483 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION. THE BELT MAY DEACTIVATE THE ALR MODE WITH CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINTS.

Consequence

WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THE CHILD RESTRAINTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY INSTALL A 'CLIP' IN EACH OF THE TWO REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS. THE CLIPS WILL PREVENT UNWANTED DEACTIVATION OF THE ALR MODE WITH CHILD SEAT INSTALLATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

04V233000Seat BeltsMay 19, 2004 · 24,269 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENTLY RIVETED.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BELT BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

03V266000Electrical SystemJuly 25, 2003 · 670 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED DURING ASSEMBLY. AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED TPMS WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTACT THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE SPRING.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE TPMS WIRING CIRCUIT COULD BE INTERRUPTED, RESULTING IN AN INOPERATIVE TPMS, AND CAUSING A SHORT-TO-GROUND CONDITION THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TPMS WIRING HARNESS ROUTING AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT THE WIRING HARNESS ROUTING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-893-5298.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Leaking gas caught on fire put it out but now I have no head lights no high beams replaced everything still nothing. All lights on dash go crazy kills battery all the time and had to replace something in the rear end. Overall it has cost me $2500 and I still have no headlights at all and leaking…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2021 · fire

“I BROUGHT A VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THIS VEHICLE HAS A LOT PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE AND ENGINE. SO I FILED A LEMON REQUEST. LAST MONTH, VW ASKED ME TO DROP THIS VEHICLE TO VW DEALER TO INVESTIGATE THE BRAKE PROBLEM. ON MARCH 23, THE VW EXPERT TEST DROVE MY TOUAREG AND HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE BRAKES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 23, 2006 · crash

“DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A FIRE HYDRANT. LEFT SIDE (DRIVER'S SIDE) WHEEL SHEARED OFF. DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC STATED THAT A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 22, 2005 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 15, 2009 · crash

“Leaking gas caught on fire put it out but now I have no head lights no high beams replaced everything still nothing. All lights on dash go crazy kills battery all the time and had to replace something in the rear end. Overall it has cost me $2500 and I still have no headlights at all and leaking…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 1, 2021 · fire

2004 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 373 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 14 Touareg years. It is one of the Touareg years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (57 complaints), transmission (51 complaints), tires & wheels (41 complaints).

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volkswagen Touareg years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Touareg years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2013. The cleanest record among Touareg years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.