VehicleVerdict

2014 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg sits mid-pack among Touareg years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 37, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (8), engine (7), and electrical system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 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, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering823%
Engine720%
Electrical System411%
Suspension39%
Other39%
Airbags26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Transmission13%
Fuel System13%
Seat Belts13%
Seats13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2014 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.

“STRONG VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL (&NOISE) WHILE DRIVING WHEN MAKING TURNS. THIS IS SPORADIC AND HAPPENS WHETHER TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN LEAVIN MY DRIVEWAY, ON PAVED ROADS, CITY STREETS... I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE THIS STARTED BUT IT STARTED IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 1, 2018

“ENGINE AIR FILTER AND HOUSING ARE WET, THIS IS AN ONGOING EVENT. I REMEDY IT BUY BUYING A NEW FILTER, DRYING OUT THE HOUSING AND REPLACING THE WET FILTER. I AM AFRAID AT SOME POINT THE WATER WILL ENTER THE ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE AND PERHAPS AN ACCIDENT IF THE CAR STALLS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 7, 2020

“I attempted to start the vehicle and the starter button clicked followed by a strong ozone electrical smell and copious smoke from under the hood. We called the local fire department but canceled the call as the smoke seemed to be clearing. VW dealer says the starter, alternator, battery and two…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 2021 · fire

“AT ROAD SPEEDS, 65-75 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A VIBRATION, AND ALL PARTS (DASH, SEATS ETC) VIBRATE. IF YOU TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF WHEEL, IT WILL VISIBLY SHAKE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR OVER TWO WEEKS COMBINED WITH THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS TO NO AVAIL. ON LIFT OVER TWO DAYS WITH 60 PSI IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 14, 2014

“WHEN TURNING ON THE AIR CONDITIONING OF THE CAR IT COMES A VERY STRONG SMELL OF ENGINE FUMES IN THE CABIN. IT DOES GIVE US HEADACHE EVERY TIME WE BREATH IT IN. I DO HAVE A SMALL CHILD IN THE CAR SO THAT MAKES IT WORSE. EVERY TIME I GIVE IT FOR INSPECTION IN THE VW DEALERSHIP THEY REFUSE TO SMELL IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 1, 2016

2014 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

It is close to typical for the Touareg: 35 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2014 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (8 complaints), engine (7 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 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.