VehicleVerdict

2011 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 2011 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.

20

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System630%
Engine420%
Other315%
Steering315%
Transmission15%
Electrical System15%
Speed Control15%
Airbags15%

Does the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

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

18V329000OtherMay 16, 2018 · 252 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

16V170000BrakesMarch 24, 2016 · 46,574 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.

Consequence

If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE RECENTLY COMPLETED A 70,000 MILE SERVICE AT THE LOCAL VW DEALER. TWO DAYS AFTER THE SERVICE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT THE FAINT SMELL OF FUEL ON THE DRIVER'S REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED. WITH EACH PASSING DAY, THE SCENT OF FUEL CONTINUES TO INCREASE AND NOW ENTERS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 6, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF NORWOOD (1280 PROVIDENCE HWY, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDING TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 29, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 1, 2012

“MY DIESEL VW TOUAREG NEEDS THE NOX SENSOR REPLACED. WHY IS THIS NOT CONSIDERED PART OF THE WARRANTY FOR THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM ? SINDE THE EPA HAS DESIGNATED THE VW DIESELS MUST BE EITHER BUYBACK OR REPLACED/REPAIRED IT SEEMS APPARENT THAT THIS SENSOR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO THE FUNCTION OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 7, 2017

“KEY CAME OUT OF THE CAR WHILE RUNNING. COULD NOT GET THE KEY BACK INTO IGNITION AND COULD NOT SHUT THE CAR OFF. AFTER TALKING TO VW CUSTOMER CARE, THE ONLY SOLUTIONS PROVIDED WERE TO LET THE CAR RUN UNTIL IT RUNS OUT OF FUEL THEN WE CAN TOW IT. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DIESEL AND THE TANK WAS FUEL (26…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 2012

2011 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

The record is thin — 20 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 2011 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (6 complaints), engine (4 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 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.