VehicleVerdict

2017 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg sits mid-pack among Touareg years: 34 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 37, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 56% of all reports (19 of 34), far ahead of other at 6.

34

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1956%
Other618%
Driver Assistance26%
Steering13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Brakes13%
Transmission13%
Electrical System13%
Seats13%

Does the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V321000OtherMay 5, 2021 · 46 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Consequence

Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.

Remedy

Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE ENGINE AIR FILTER BOX GETS FLOODED WITH WATER WHICH COULD LEAD TO ENTERING WATER IN THE ENGINE AND SEIZE THE ENGINE OPERATION. I NOTICED THAT THIS HAPPENS TO MULTIPLE TOUAREG OWNERS AND VW OF AMERICA DOES NOT WANT TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT LOOKS LIKE VW OF EUROPE AND CHINA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 15, 2019

“Exhaust line for cylinders 4-6 developed crack immediately before catalytic converter. Problem has occurred in other Touaregs, there is even a recall for 2014 models. Crack allows exhaust to leak nearby air intake to cabin. Noticeable exhaust smell inside cabin, especially when stopped. No warning,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 20, 2023

“While using Adaptive Cruise Control, vehicle intermittently displays "ACC not available" cruise control completely disengages and does not allow for traditional cruise control functions. Typically ACC begins to function again after about 5 mins or by powering off and powering on vehicle. Vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 24, 2023

“Power seat reclining function on passenger and driver side. Due to the top of the adjustment lever being positioned too close to the top of the set cushion, if you sit on the edge of the seat, the seat back will continue to recline until you get up if you notice it or it hits the back seat bottom…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · August 5, 2022

“While driving the power train was seriously impacted, it is no longer operational and available for inspection at the dealer now. This is absolutely a safety risk as there was power loss and inconsistency which could have been very dangerous depending on the level of control required by the traffic…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 8, 2021

2017 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

It is close to typical for the Touareg: 34 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (19 complaints), other (6 complaints), driver assistance (2 complaints).

Does the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 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.