VehicleVerdict

2008 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 73 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Touareg year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 14 Touareg years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 25 reports (34% of the total).

73

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2534%
Electrical System811%
Engine710%
Lighting68%
Tires & Wheels45%
Seat Belts45%
Other34%
Body & Structure34%
Transmission34%
Brakes34%
Airbags23%
Suspension23%
Steering11%
Seats11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

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

17V151000Fuel SystemMarch 8, 2017 · 20,908 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.

09V248000Body & StructureJuly 2, 2009 · 14,416 units

Defect

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 14,416 MY 2007-2009 TOUAREG VEHICLES. THE FASTENING STRUTS ON THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT WEDGES TO THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

08V035000Fuel SystemJanuary 28, 2008 · 96 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS CHANGED DURING PRODUCTION WHICH COULD LEAD TO INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTOR.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

07V285000OtherJune 25, 2007 · 3,100 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL IS MISSING THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS.

Consequence

THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) TO WARN DRIVERS OF SIGNIFICANT UNDER-INFLATION OF TIRES AND THE RESULTING SAFETY PROBLEMS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE SENT AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE REQUIRED TPMS INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was driving the vehicle and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood I pulled over immediately and the whole engine compartment was on fire I tried to put fire but Fire department showed up and extinguish the fire, fire was due to a fuel leak”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 10, 2024 · fire

“Protective coating on wires in the headlight and turn signal assemblies crumbled and disintegrated, causing all the lighting components and ballast for HID lights, light level adjusters and the fuses and relays to short out, sparks and potential fire hazard.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 30, 2022 · fire

“I was driving the vehicle and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood I pulled over immediately and the whole engine compartment was on fire I tried to put fire but Fire department showed up and extinguish the fire, fire was due to a fuel leak”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 10, 2024 · fire

“Protective coating on wires in the headlight and turn signal assemblies crumbled and disintegrated, causing all the lighting components and ballast for HID lights, light level adjusters and the fuses and relays to short out, sparks and potential fire hazard.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 30, 2022 · fire

“SEAT BELT RETRACTORS, FIRST REAR PASSENGER BELT STOP RETRACTING, THEN REAR CENTER BELT BECAME UNUSABLE BECAUSE IT ONLY RETRACTS SYNCHING TIGHTER AS FOLD DOWN SEAT OPERATED. NOW, DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS LOOSING ITS ABILITY TO RETRACT INTO COLUMN. NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES HAVE OCCURRED BUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 4, 2015

2008 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 73 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 14 Touareg years. It is one of the Touareg years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (25 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 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.