VehicleVerdict

2009 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

25

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1144%
Steering312%
Engine28%
Transmission28%
Airbags28%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Electrical System14%
Lighting14%
Other14%
Body & Structure14%

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“STARTED WITH FAINT SMELL OF GAS OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE ON DRIVERS SIDE. THE GAS SMELL IS STRONGEST WHEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR SOME TIME LIKE OVER NIGHT. DEVELOPED OVERTIME THAT THE GAS SMELL BEGAN TO BE SMELLED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY THE GAS SMELL IS EXTREMELY STRONG BOTH INSIDE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 16, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE EPS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND SPEED DECREASED TO 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE REGAINED ACCELERATION AFTER THE EPS LIGHT SHUT OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 24, 2014

“I OWN A 2009 TOUAREG 2, V6 AUTOMATIC & HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH IT. I PURCHASED IT AS A PRE-OWNED VW CERTIFIED VEHICLE IN JANUARY OF 2012 WITH 32,423 MILES ON IT. IN MARCH OF 2013 (62227 MILES) WHILE DRIVING HOME I HAD INCREASED DIFFICULTY STEERING. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE POWER STEERING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 8, 2013

“THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS CRACKING ALL THE WAY AROUND THE AIRBAG CONTAINER. I FEAR THAT THE AIRBAG WILL BE ABLE TO COME LOSE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY OR BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL AND THUS UNSAFE WHEN IN NEED”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 29, 2015

“WHILE DRIVING AFTER REFILLING THE DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID WITH PEAK BRAND ISO 22241-1 COMPLIANT DEF THE NO START IN 450 MILE WARNING CAME ON. TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THE VW DEALERSHIP REPLACES THE PUMP, HEATER, AND CONTROLLER. BUT THEY FAILED AT FLUSHING OUT THE LINES AND INJECTOR FOR WITHIN 50…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 10, 2016

2009 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (11 complaints), steering (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.