VehicleVerdict

2010 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg sits mid-pack among Touareg years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 37, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 49% of all reports (18 of 37), far ahead of engine at 8.

37

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 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, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1849%
Engine822%
Other38%
Transmission25%
Electrical System25%
Brakes13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DURING THE PROCESS OF FILLING THE ALMOST EMPTY TANK WITH DIESEL FUEL, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT (PER REPORT OF THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT WAS CALLED IN) CREATED HEAT THAT WAS ABLE TO MELT PART OF THE TANK IN THE AREA OF THE FILLING NOZZLE, COMPLETELY MELTED THE RUBBER STRAP HOLDING THE FUEL CAP AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 15, 2011 · fire

“PERSISTENT DIESEL EXHAUST LEAK WHICH INTERFERES WITH MY BREATHING IN THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO THE NAPLETON VW SANFORD/ORLANDO DEALER 5 TIMES AND THEY FIX SOMETHING DIFFERENT EACH TIME WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR 5TH REPAIR EVEN THOUGH ISSUE WAS BROUGHT TO THEIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 27, 2015

“TAKATA RECALL FOR AIRBAG DASH LIGHT ON. ALSO, CHECK 'ENGINE LIGHT' FOR DIESEL DEF HEATING ELEMENT FAULT. BOTH LIGHTS APPEARED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE/STATIONARY AND HAVE REMAINED ON EVER SINCE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 17, 2019

“DURING THE PROCESS OF FILLING THE ALMOST EMPTY TANK WITH DIESEL FUEL, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT (PER REPORT OF THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT WAS CALLED IN) CREATED HEAT THAT WAS ABLE TO MELT PART OF THE TANK IN THE AREA OF THE FILLING NOZZLE, COMPLETELY MELTED THE RUBBER STRAP HOLDING THE FUEL CAP AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 15, 2011 · fire

“WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER/TURNED OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO NOISES, NO VIBRATIONS, NO SIGNS OF ANYTHING. VEHICLE STALLED AT FREEWAY SPEED AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO VW DEALER WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 2, 2014

2010 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

It is close to typical for the Touareg: 37 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2010 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (18 complaints), engine (8 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 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.