2004 Volkswagen Touareg
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel filter flange for cracks, replacing the flange if cracks are found. If no cracks are found, a protective cover will be installed onto the filter flange. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Ai.
Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." all three rear seat positions and the front passenger position are equipped with seat belt retractors that have a locking feature which converts the retractor from an emergency locking retractor (elr) mode to an…
Risk and remedy
Risk
When involved in a crash, the child restraints may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injuries or death.
Remedy
Dealers will permanently install a 'clip' in each of the two rear outboard seat belts. The clips will prevent unwanted deactivation of the alr mode with child seat installations. the recall began on april 11, 2005. owners should contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
On certain sport utility vehicles, the rear seat belt latch attachment bolt may have been insufficiently riveted.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the belt buckle. owner notification began on june 21, 2004. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
On certain sport utility vehicles, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) wiring harness may have been improperly routed during assembly. an improperly routed TPMS wiring harness may contact the parking brake cable spring.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the TPMS wiring circuit could be interrupted, resulting in an inoperative TPMS, and causing a short-to-ground condition that could potentially result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the TPMS wiring harness routing and, if necessary, correct the wiring harness routing. owner notification began august 18, 2003. owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-893-5298.
Owner complaints
231 complaints9 involved a crash5 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have contacted Volkswagen about my recall over a month ago the man claimed he ordered the parts and would be in contact but has never contacted me ever since and since then my vehicle has completely stopped working and the gas smell is at a very dangerous level
- Fuel/propulsion system
The flange for the fuel does not leak from that i can see couse if it was leaking it would be on the ground.
- Exterior lighting
Hello: this is the 2nd VW TOUAREG this year to repair so far, this one is a 2004 model that I have had to replace complete left & right xenon headlamp assembly Very pricy. Wiring insulation turns brittle, cracks & falls off inside the headlamp assembly, This allows the bare wires to touch & short…
Hello: this is the 2nd VW TOUAREG this year to repair so far, this one is a 2004 model that I have had to replace complete left & right xenon headlamp assembly Very pricy. Wiring insulation turns brittle, cracks & falls off inside the headlamp assembly, This allows the bare wires to touch & short causing fuses to blow shutting off headlamps while driving at night. This I think should be recalled, I have fixed 5 of these TOUAREGs in 4 years for this same problem. THANK YOU 10/24/24
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My SUV was sitting for a few days at the airport and I when I got in the car, it started fine but the headlights, interior lights, power folding mirrors and the voltmeter were not working. I had to leave the car there since it was night time. The next day I drove it home in daylight and started…
My SUV was sitting for a few days at the airport and I when I got in the car, it started fine but the headlights, interior lights, power folding mirrors and the voltmeter were not working. I had to leave the car there since it was night time. The next day I drove it home in daylight and started checking fuses. I noticed two fuses (#2, #12) on the driver side fuse panel were failed. I replaced the #2, 5 amp, fuse and no changes were noticed. Then I replaced the #12, 25 amp, fuse and I heard a number of systems clicking and powering on; the lights flickered. Then I smelled burning and saw a puff of smoke come from under the dash. I immediately pulled the fuse . After troubleshooting, I found the body control module 7L6-937-049-K had caught fire internally and started to burn through the casing. Had I not pulled the fuse and disconnected the battery, this could have been catastrophic. Once I smelled the smoke, I realized it was like the acrid smell in the suv the night before. The fact the fuse blew the previous day saved the vehicle. It was parked on the fourth floor of parking garage at the airport so many vehicles could have been damaged and people endangered had it caught fire. Not to mention the disruption at an airport. There were no warning lamps. The only indication of a problem was the inoperable systems I mentioned. Also thinking back, the slight acrid smell was present the day I arrived at the airport, I had mistaken it for plane exhaust and car exhaust smells in the garage. The vehicle has not been inspected by any dealer, manufacturer or govermental agency. I have contacted the manufacturer for guidance and help with repairing. I am awaiting a response.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the fuel pump failed after the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump…
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the fuel pump failed after the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
Leaking gas caught on fire put it out but now I have no head lights no high beams replaced everything still nothing. All lights on dash go crazy kills battery all the time and had to replace something in the rear end. Overall it has cost me $2500 and I still have no headlights at all and leaking…
Leaking gas caught on fire put it out but now I have no head lights no high beams replaced everything still nothing. All lights on dash go crazy kills battery all the time and had to replace something in the rear end. Overall it has cost me $2500 and I still have no headlights at all and leaking gas. It’s my only vehicle I hope next time it doesn’t catch back on fire could have been worse and still could be. Somebody could get hurt and I have kids.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 mph, the driver’s side curtain air bag deployed inadvertently. Due to the inadvertent air bag deployment, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Light went out on dark road. Nearly crashed. Found insulation on wires for lights deteriorated. Harness was melted lower in the fender. Online search found same issue IS common and included fires.
- Fuel/propulsion system
SUV IS not getting gas to engine
- Fuel/propulsion system
There IS a strong smell of gasoline outside of the car after the car has been driven (or while it's driving, but it's not often I'm outside of the car while it's running). this IS due to the plastic housing on the fuel pump that has developed a crack, and IS leaking gasoline. this IS similar to…
There IS a strong smell of gasoline outside of the car after the car has been driven (or while it's driving, but it's not often I'm outside of the car while it's running). this IS due to the plastic housing on the fuel pump that has developed a crack, and IS leaking gasoline. this IS similar to another recall, 17v583000, which IS for the fuel filter flange, but VW IS saying they will not cover it under that because this IS the housing, not the flange. but it's the same result...
- Electrical system · Service brakes
Lights on the dash come on hill assist shuts on and off by itself brake light comes on and off sunroof has open by itself ac has stopped working and the next day works again heated steering wheel works when it wants this happened while you're driving or sitting still everything I have read on the internet has pointed to an electrical issue this IS an everyday thing
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel flank was sealed by the dealership. However, there IS fuel leaking.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I was driving on the highway @ 70mpr when all of a sudden without warning the car starts acting sluggish for a min then back to normal, and randomly for the next hour or so does(i had a ways to go) this a few more times. I got to my destination and let her rest for the night. The next morning it…
I was driving on the highway @ 70mpr when all of a sudden without warning the car starts acting sluggish for a min then back to normal, and randomly for the next hour or so does(i had a ways to go) this a few more times. I got to my destination and let her rest for the night. The next morning it was doing fine except now the emission control light came on and stayed on. By this time it was time for the 100,000 mile maintenance to be done and it did great until about 6 months later I was driving @ 35mpr when it started loosing power, tho I only lost a little bit of power steering was forced to come to a stop, which just happen to be a one way bridge, baby in the car and had to push myself the rest of the way across it. Once off the bridge I turned the car off (it stayed on til I did this) let it rest a minute and it started up fine and let me go a few blocks still sluggish and then lost power again. I repeated this process for about 5 miles or so when I was forced to park it cuz I didn't want to risk crossing the highway again. Had it towed to dealership where they did the flange recall, that didnt' fix the problem so had to replace both fuel pumps and that was roughly @ 103,000. 8 months later it happens again this time around 107,000. Dealership took 4 hours to diagnose only to tell me I need the fuel tank replaced because somehow all the wires, connectors, and caps that have to do with the fuel lines/tank/pumps are either missing, cracked, or damaged so I need a wiring harness as well. They are quoting a me $5000 fix!!!
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
Takata I was driving perfectly fine and I came upon a turning to make the left and out of no where my car start sliding out of control I tried to control it because there was a ditch close by where I was it was sliding to the right tried to spin the steering to the left but the car was just doing…
Takata I was driving perfectly fine and I came upon a turning to make the left and out of no where my car start sliding out of control I tried to control it because there was a ditch close by where I was it was sliding to the right tried to spin the steering to the left but the car was just doing what it felt like I ended up hitting in the rail where the ditch was and pushing the car back into the middle of the road bear in mind I had my children in my car no one can give me an explanation to my my car just spiral out of control and I know I was not driving fast I am not a fast driver one thing IS to be done and check out with this vehicle before it claim the life of anyone that god my love and my kids was spared the brakes speed control and body of the car was affected as well but it IS not allowing me to select all of the options above
- Air bags
Hit a very massive pothole and it caused the airbag faulty statement to appear on the dashboard. it appears the airbag attempted to discharge upon hitting a pothole and did not discharge and thus the airbag mechanism was considered faulty. a pothole/rumble strip should not cause a airbag fault to appear as this could be dangerous.
- Exterior lighting
The headlight assemblies on this vehicle fail due to the internal wiring inside of the housing. This leads to zero visibility during night time. The headlights when operating correctly also do not produce enough light output to be able to see during the night even with a brand new assembly.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The touareg made some rattling noise while I was driving at 35 mph. As soon I stopped and made it my destination and turned off the car the car wouldn't start up. I took it to the dealership and the dealership couldn't figure out why the car wouldn't start. Finally, after a well over a week, they…
The touareg made some rattling noise while I was driving at 35 mph. As soon I stopped and made it my destination and turned off the car the car wouldn't start up. I took it to the dealership and the dealership couldn't figure out why the car wouldn't start. Finally, after a well over a week, they determined that I needed to replace all six fuel injectors. The fuel injectors got replaced now the car turns on but as soon as you step on the gas the car dies.
- Wheels
From the date of purchase( in december of 2003), TPMS has been "on" in yellow/orange color indicating that the tire pressure in all/various locations need adjustment. After inspection by myself, gas station attendants, tire shop companies, and VW dealerships, I finally gave up. In the beginning…
From the date of purchase( in december of 2003), TPMS has been "on" in yellow/orange color indicating that the tire pressure in all/various locations need adjustment. After inspection by myself, gas station attendants, tire shop companies, and VW dealerships, I finally gave up. In the beginning, the dealership ( where I purchased the car) would not officially admit to the problem, but after a couple of years, in a very informal way, they claimed the this technology was brand new and that it has its flaws! That I should not take those warnings too seriously. Unaware of any recalls, I gave up on this topic. Now, I just want to be on the record!
- Power train
( started noticing this problem about 1 to 2 years ago)while the automatic transmission IS in 5TH gear and speeds of under 50 mi./hr, when stepping on the accelerator, the automatic down shift occurs with a very harsh "kick" to a point that the passengers feel the jolt. A few years ago, a similar…
( started noticing this problem about 1 to 2 years ago)while the automatic transmission IS in 5TH gear and speeds of under 50 mi./hr, when stepping on the accelerator, the automatic down shift occurs with a very harsh "kick" to a point that the passengers feel the jolt. A few years ago, a similar problem regarding the down-shift was subject of recall which the dealers had to install a "patch" ( updated software) in order to fix that problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I received a letter from volkswagen of america, in march of 2018, stating that there IS a safety recall 20ai-fuel pump flange for my make and model of vehicle. I had already had that repair done, due to a severe leak in my fuel pump (gas was pouring out of the bottom of the vehicle as as fast as…
I received a letter from volkswagen of america, in march of 2018, stating that there IS a safety recall 20ai-fuel pump flange for my make and model of vehicle. I had already had that repair done, due to a severe leak in my fuel pump (gas was pouring out of the bottom of the vehicle as as fast as I was pumping the gas in on one occasion). I had to have my vehicle towed to a repair facility and couldn't drive it until it was repaired. then, 3 years later, I recieved a recall announcement from volkswagen for the exact repair that I had done for the faulty fuel pump flange. I completed the reimbursement form and submitted it to volkswagen. my reimbursement was rejected because my repair was made prior to the recall being issued. I was told by volkswagen representatives that the nhtsa limits recall repairs and reimbursements, and it's the responsibility of the nhtsa because they set the timeline.
- Exterior lighting
The headlights continuously short out and stop working. The wires on the headlights have no insulation because it has fallen off. This problem has been fixed multiple times and still continues to happen. I contacted the local VW dealership and was not helped. I contacted VW corporate office and no…
The headlights continuously short out and stop working. The wires on the headlights have no insulation because it has fallen off. This problem has been fixed multiple times and still continues to happen. I contacted the local VW dealership and was not helped. I contacted VW corporate office and no help. There was a class action suit against VW for this very issue. More than once it has left my dad stranded because he had no headlights to drive home with.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen touareg. While driving approximately 40 mph, an odor of fumes was detected without warning. The vehicle was taken to coachella valley volkswagen (79050 varner rd, indio, ca 92203, 760-200-4000) where the technician found a fuel leak and replaced the filter…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen touareg. While driving approximately 40 mph, an odor of fumes was detected without warning. The vehicle was taken to coachella valley volkswagen (79050 varner rd, indio, ca 92203, 760-200-4000) where the technician found a fuel leak and replaced the filter flanges. The failure recurred four years later. The vehicle was taken to volkswagen of palm springs (67909 e palm canyon dr., cathedral city, ca 92234, 855-996-5429) where the filter flanges were replaced again due to a fuel leak. The contact later received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v583000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact called the manufacturer, reported the failures, and demanded reimbursement. The contact stated that the manufacturer denied the reimbursement, stating the repairs were performed prior to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen touareg. While driving various speeds, a strong fuel odor emitted through the vents of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge failed to provide the accurate reading. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v583000 (fuel…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen touareg. While driving various speeds, a strong fuel odor emitted through the vents of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge failed to provide the accurate reading. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v583000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the part was not available for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Fuel/propulsion system
There was a recall issued on my vehicle back on september 20TH 2017, I called the dealership on october 23RD 2017 to find out a resolution to this problem, they advised there was not a remedy yet but would contact me when there was. It has not been almost 6 months since the recall was issued with…
There was a recall issued on my vehicle back on september 20TH 2017, I called the dealership on october 23RD 2017 to find out a resolution to this problem, they advised there was not a remedy yet but would contact me when there was. It has not been almost 6 months since the recall was issued with no contact from dealer or resolution. This vehicle IS used by my wife to transport my children and it IS unsafe, as we have started to smell gasoline in and around the vehicle, I have no noticed any major leaks yet but I do not want her driving the vehicle until it IS fixed and it should not take 6 months to do so
- Fuel/propulsion system
Smelt fuel coming from rear bench seat - - opened covers to see cracks in both fuel filter cartridges. Had the fuel filters and cartridges on both sides replaced and checked by VW dealership in fairfield, ca.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Srs warning light illumination
My 2004-05 (to 11/2004) touareg vehicles have a potentially faulty/loose side air bag wiring connector that can cause the wiring circuit resistance to exceed the design limit and illuminate the supplemental restraint system (srs) air bag light.on 02/2005, VW issued a technical service bulletin (tsb #69-05-02) to…
My 2004-05 (to 11/2004) touareg vehicles have a potentially faulty/loose side air bag wiring connector that can cause the wiring circuit resistance to exceed the design limit and illuminate the supplemental restraint system (srs) air bag light.on 02/2005, VW issued a technical service bulletin (tsb #69-05-02) to address this condition by replacing the connector with a direct connection.vw's testing has shown that proper deployment of the side air bag IS not affected by the connector fault.however, there are a large number of warranty claims due to air bag light (abl) illumination.vw IS planning to initiate a touareg service pack/ customer satisfaction campaign (csc) in december 2006.vw will replace the side air bag wiring connector with a direct connection on all remaining uncorrected vehicles built prior to 11/2004.in addition, VW reports that a small number of vehicles built in october and november 2003, may contain an incorrectly manufactured side air bag module.this also may produce abl illumination that would become evident soon after the vehicle IS put into service.warranty data indicates that these modules have been corrected and no longer present a risk.vw has not received any alleged side air bag non-deployment report.action taken by the manufacturer IS sufficient to resolve the issue raised by this investigation.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Exterior door handle malfunction
VW issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) dated june 10, 2005, describing a condition of exterior door handle sticks in the opened position after the door IS opened.vw described the cause of the problem to be a potential for increased friction between the door handle and the lock cylinder housing . . . Because some…
VW issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) dated june 10, 2005, describing a condition of exterior door handle sticks in the opened position after the door IS opened.vw described the cause of the problem to be a potential for increased friction between the door handle and the lock cylinder housing . . . Because some guide nubs that were molded into the plastic door handle . . . Were slightly higher than specified.in addition to the tsb, VW has introduced production changes (lubrication, deletion of the guide nubs, introduction of a low friction guide surface on the lock cylinder housing) to address the problem.vw reports that the failure occurs predominantly in the very early life stage of the vehicle.odi examination of vw's warranty data shows fewer claims as the vehicle ages.the one injury resulted when the unlatched door hit the occupant's hand.a safety defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to monitor complaints andreserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241721Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241720Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240880Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair
- 10240879Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair
- 10240878Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair
- 10240855Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair
- 10240605P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239794After installing the -J345- trailer recognition control module (vehicles with PR code 1D8 only), wiring harness and plug, the following steps need to be performed in order to enable the system.
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10239534HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239532HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239424Corrosion, Rear Inner Doors in Door Fold Area
- 10239403If key blade is found to stick or bind when opening or closing, check position of roll pin that secures key blade to mechanism. If roll pin is sticking out on either side (as shown below), do not replace key. Instead, use appropriate sized punch and hammer to drive in the roll pin so that it is flush with edge of mechanism.
Every Volkswagen Touareg model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.