VehicleVerdict

2005 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 106 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Touareg year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 14 Touareg years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (23), electrical system (14), and transmission (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

106

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2322%
Electrical System1413%
Transmission1110%
Tires & Wheels98%
Airbags88%
Seat Belts77%
Visibility & Wipers44%
Steering44%
Engine44%
Brakes44%
Lighting44%
Body & Structure33%
Other33%
Seats33%
Suspension22%
Latches & Locks22%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Gas leak (see pics). I started noticing a strong gasoline smell and my car keeps running out of gas almost immediately after filling up. This has not been inspected nor confirmed by a dealer. This is my only source of transportation and needs to be fixed ASAP. There is not a VW dealership where I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 27, 2022

“BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD NOT OPERATE IN LOW BEAM MODE. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTED THAT THE INSULATION FOR THE WIRING INSIDE EACH HEADLIGHT UNIT WAS BRITTLE, CRACKED AND IN SOME CASES THE INSULATION HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OFF. THIS CAUSED BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO GROUND OUT AND FAIL,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 16, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE CONTACT'S WARRANTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED RECENTLY AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED LESS THAN 30,000 MILES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 10, 2013

“I LEASE A 2005 TOUAREG V6 AND ALL TIRES OF THE CAR ARE WORM OUT AFTER 8K MILES. MAKER REFUSES TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE TIRES ALSO HAS A DEEP CRACK. THE LEASE VEHICLE RETURN FINAL INSPECTION CAME OUT WITH 150$ CHARGE FOR EACH TIRE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 5, 2007

“MY 2005 TOUAREG HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE ON 5 OUT OF THE 8 AIR BAGS IN THE CAR. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IF WAS DEFECTIVE, THAN AFTER IT WAS REPLACED IT CAME DISCONNECTED. THE 2 FRONT WINDSHIELD AIRBAG COVERS HAD TO BE PLACED. THE 2 BACK COVERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. SEAT BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2006

2005 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 106 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 14 Touareg years. It is one of the Touareg years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (23 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).

Does the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 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.