VehicleVerdict

2006 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 Volkswagen Touareg sits mid-pack among Touareg years: 52 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 37, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (25% of the total).

52

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 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, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1325%
Electrical System917%
Brakes612%
Transmission510%
Engine48%
Lighting48%
Airbags48%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Latches & Locks12%
Other12%
Seat Belts12%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FUEL SMELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE COMING FROM THE FUEL FILTER TANK AREA. FUEL TANK IS LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM THE REAR SEATS. THE FUEL FUMES ARE VERY STRONG WE ARE AFRAID THE CAR MIGHT CATCH FIRE. THE FUMES SMELL LIKE FRESH FUEL. THE FUEL FUMES ARE VERY STRONG ESPECIALLY AFTER USING THE CAR AFTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 3, 2017

“I AM AN AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE ADJUSTER. A 2006 VW TOUAREG BELONGING TO ONE OF MY CUSTOMERS CAUGHT FIRE AT HIS WORK. HE HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO LUNCH, THEN BACK TO WORK. 30 MINUTES AFTER HIS RETURN TO WORK, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. BOTH A VOLKSWAGEN REPRESENTATIVE AND A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 30, 2009 · fire

“CONSTANT SQUEAKING BRAKES WHEN I CAME OFF OF THE BRAKES, NOT PUSHING DOWN THIS OCCURRED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. I TOOK IN TO DEALER, WAS INITIALLY TOLD NO PROBLEM EXISTED IT WAS BRAKE DUST, AND MAY NEED MORE EXPENSIVE PADS. I TOOK IT BACK ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER (SEPT 2007) AT MY 20K MILE CHECK AND WAS TOLD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 6, 2007

“WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, BEGAN TO HEAR A THUNKING NOISE CONSISTENT WITH A FLAT TIRE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION DETERMINED THE NOISE WAS ORIGINATING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN THE CENTER. DEALER WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE AS A FAILED CARRIER BEARING OVER THE PHONE AS IT IS A "RECURRING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 27, 2012

“I HAD MY TOUAREG IN PUERTO RICO FOR OVER 10 YEARS IN STORAGE. SINCE CAR HAD NOT USED FOR NORMALLY BUSINESS DAYS. THE HEADLIGHT CABLES AND LIGHTS ARE GOT BAD. ALL CABLES GOT DRY AND BROKE IN THE OUTSIDE CAUSE THE HEAT OF THE ISLAND. THE CONTROL UNIT GOT BAD. ALL FRONT LIGHT SISTEM DOESNOT WORK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 5, 2015

2006 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

It is close to typical for the Touareg: 52 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (13 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.