VehicleVerdict

2016 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 67 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Touareg year — the 2016 model ranks #4 of 14 Touareg years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (33% of the total).

67

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2233%
Driver Assistance1522%
Other1015%
Brakes57%
Electrical System57%
Body & Structure34%
Fuel System23%
Speed Control23%
Suspension11%
Steering11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

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

16V243000Tires & WheelsApril 26, 2016 · 366 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toureg vehicles manufactured July 7, 2015 to March 3, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be improperly calibrated and, as a result, the TPMS may fail to warn the driver that the tire pressure is low. Additionally, the tire pressures printed on the Safety Certification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence

If the vehicle is driven on underinflated tires, the tires may fail suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will correct the TPMS settings and replace the safety certification label, free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2016. Volkwagen's number for this recall is 44M9.

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.

“CONSTANT ISSUES WITH WATER ENTERING THE AIRBOX FROM FAULTY DESIGN. THIS CAN ENABLE PARTS OF THE FILTER TO ENTER THE ENGINE AND CAUSE CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE (HYDRO LOCK). THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY SAT OUTSIDE IN THE RAIN OR HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN THE RAIN; ALL NORMAL CONDITIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 5, 2018

“UNKNOWN- simply picking up my kids and various alerts came on the dashboard including the ABS brakes error, Parking brake error, and others that I am not sure of. I just bought this suv on Friday from DCH Acura of Montclair, NJ/ Lithia Motors in Verona, NJ [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 19, 2025

“UNKNOWN- simply picking up my kids and various alerts came on the dashboard including the ABS brakes error, Parking brake error, and others that I am not sure of. I just bought this suv on Friday from DCH Acura of Montclair, NJ/ Lithia Motors in Verona, NJ [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 19, 2025

“There was a big rain last week locally. I drove through a couple big puddles but nothing that's super uncommon for the area. Almost immediately, my car's electric components started going crazy. ACC stopped working completely. Lane assists aren't working. There was an error that I think was shift…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 5, 2022

“UNKNOWN- simply picking up my kids and various alerts came on the dashboard including the ABS brakes error, Parking brake error, and others that I am not sure of. I just bought this suv on Friday from DCH Acura of Montclair, NJ/ Lithia Motors in Verona, NJ [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 19, 2025

2016 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 67 complaints put the 2016 model at #4 of 14 Touareg years. It is one of the Touareg years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), driver assistance (15 complaints), other (10 complaints).

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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.