2005 Volkswagen Touareg
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2005 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.
Owner complaints
75 complaints1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
My OBD port cannot be read. It will not communicate, or I cannot communicate with the vehicle using any OBD reading software. Myself or my mechanic. This is a major safety concern due to several reasons. Most importantly, I'm being told that it can affect, or it's probably caused by, electrical…
My OBD port cannot be read. It will not communicate, or I cannot communicate with the vehicle using any OBD reading software. Myself or my mechanic. This is a major safety concern due to several reasons. Most importantly, I'm being told that it can affect, or it's probably caused by, electrical problems that are well known on this particular model and year for this maker. Something's wrong with it, where it's either being shorted somewhere, or for whatever reason, because it's not communicating. It's caused the vehicle to shut off randomly, sometimes it will allow you to restart, and then sometimes it will not. And this is a cause of concern if and when I drive on the highway.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had…
The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
- Electrical system · Power train · Visibility/wiper
Due to a leak in either the sunroof or the windshield water continuously drips down every time it rains onto the floorboard of the driver side of this vehicle, creating a sopping wet floor board that has 2 inches of water, which in turn soaks the whole electrical system for this vehicle. I mean the…
Due to a leak in either the sunroof or the windshield water continuously drips down every time it rains onto the floorboard of the driver side of this vehicle, creating a sopping wet floor board that has 2 inches of water, which in turn soaks the whole electrical system for this vehicle. I mean the water continuously drips from the time you purchase this vehicle until forever I guarantee that anybody who has a v8 version of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg has a sopping wet driver, side floor board! The water never has a chance to dry, especially in colder climates Mine went into limp mode due to this electrical system, failing. VW MECHANICS told me I needed a whole new engine w! When I did my research and I found out that this is very common on this model, and if there are some wires that inevitably get corroded from all the water that ruins the electrical system underneath the driver side floor board, and therefore the wires become corroded and severed which creates a real problem for the electrical system to function
- Fuel/propulsion system
The issue explained in Recall Notice 20Ai has reappeared after being 'fixed'. Issue Summary: On certain vehicles, the fuel pump flange may develop fine cracks or fissures, which could result in a fuel leak. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury…
The issue explained in Recall Notice 20Ai has reappeared after being 'fixed'. Issue Summary: On certain vehicles, the fuel pump flange may develop fine cracks or fissures, which could result in a fuel leak. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Date of Recall Repair: 02/25/2019 Date of noticed failure: 08/07/2023 It has not been communicated that this part will continue to be a hazard, and I have now discovered that even when noted that this recall action has been completed, my vehicle has gasoline leaking into the passenger compartment via the same avenue as Recall 20Ai notes. This is highly concerning as all impacted VW Touaregs that were 'recalled' may still be at risk of vehicle fire or ignition.
- Electrical system
After doing major research with other owners of like year and model I have discovered that i'm not the only one that is experiencing headlight electronics or headlight electrical system within the headlight assembly frying the electrical wires, cracking the brittle wire coating and exposing many of…
After doing major research with other owners of like year and model I have discovered that i'm not the only one that is experiencing headlight electronics or headlight electrical system within the headlight assembly frying the electrical wires, cracking the brittle wire coating and exposing many of the electrical wires together within the housing unit of the headlight Assembly. This caused many short circuits Headlights Shutting off at random times but most importantly shutting off at night on a dark highway. Depending on the bumps and bruises of the streets would cause the Wires to touch each other and short circuit. Although this is a 17-year-old vehicle but I've never experienced electrical components being degraded this much For like Like age of any vehicle.
- Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system · Seat belts
Gas leak (see pics). I started noticing a strong gasoline smell and my car keeps running out of gas almost immediately after filling up. This has not been inspected nor confirmed by a dealer. This is my only source of transportation and needs to be fixed ASAP. There is not a VW dealership where I live, the closest being in Mario, IL, or St. Louis, MO.
- Fuel/propulsion system
My vehicle is leaking gas, I was told there is a recall on my vehicle so I took it into the volkswagen dealership where I was told that the recall only covers the driver side leak but not the passenger side leak which makes absolutely no sense. Because when I drive off of the service lot the…
My vehicle is leaking gas, I was told there is a recall on my vehicle so I took it into the volkswagen dealership where I was told that the recall only covers the driver side leak but not the passenger side leak which makes absolutely no sense. Because when I drive off of the service lot the problem still exists which means I could be blown up or cause injury of fire. This recall should cover ALL aspects of the fuel leak! Not just one side! Making customers pay for this is disgusting! I am a single mom and don't have an extra $600 to spend on an issue that should have been corrected by the manufacturer.
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Passenger airbag warning light on dash shows airbag will not deploy in a crash. Water comes from behind dashboard onto drivers and passenger side floor board when turning while driving likely cause by clogged ac drains behind wheel wells. Fuel pump premature failure, after refueling. Headliner falling from ceiling on to driver and passengers while driving on highway, weather was hot and humid.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I took my SUV to the dealership for a fuel pump recall, about 3,000 miles after my SUV IS causing problems like start but turn off within 40 seconds. I took it to a local mechanic for diagnosis and he says IS the fuel pump. I contacted the dealership but they are kind of unresponsive...no advisors available, no returned calls (volkswagen south coast santa ana ca).
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
When I get gas for my touareg 2005 I'll shut the SUV off pop open the fuel box door and put the gas in then as I put cap back on shut door get in the SUV I try to start the SUV but it seems as if the cars either out of gas or battery has died so after the first like say 4-6 times of this happening…
When I get gas for my touareg 2005 I'll shut the SUV off pop open the fuel box door and put the gas in then as I put cap back on shut door get in the SUV I try to start the SUV but it seems as if the cars either out of gas or battery has died so after the first like say 4-6 times of this happening to me I tried to leave the car running as I put the gas in the SUV in hopes of it still remain on and running but sure enough the suvs battery light will pop on and the car will lose life but the lights and stuff still remain on but no driving happening so I'D have to turn the key off then try and start it up again but as I turn the key I'll have to pump the gas peddle a bunch to catch the flow I guess
- Electrical system · Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen touareg. The contact stated that each time it rained, water accumulated on the front driver side floor through the front driver side door. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wires on the front driver side floor…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen touareg. The contact stated that each time it rained, water accumulated on the front driver side floor through the front driver side door. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wires on the front driver side floor were corroded and needed to be replaced. The contact later called stone mountain volkswagen at (678) 367-4286 (located at 3500 stone mountain hwy, snellville, ga 30078) and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Overall life of car have had to replace the majority of the hoses in the engine, the fuel line, the emergency brake release leavor-3 times, the horn on the passenger and drivers side. And with the recall the gas flange - cracking. The product VW uses in this vehicle IS inferior- plastic expands…
Overall life of car have had to replace the majority of the hoses in the engine, the fuel line, the emergency brake release leavor-3 times, the horn on the passenger and drivers side. And with the recall the gas flange - cracking. The product VW uses in this vehicle IS inferior- plastic expands when hot and contracts when cold= cracking. Please recall this vehicle due to the potential of the gas flange or whatever else IS related to the gas before anyone in my family or others die. Or my cas goes up into flames causing severe trauma- especially because you already know there IS a problem. We have paid thousands of dollars in repair costs in this vehicle that VW of america will not help - the entire enterrier plastic coating to the vehicle has melted - the drivers side visitor hangs as the spring action or what ever it's called IS broken. We have owned many cars, fords, toyota's, honda's and several vws. The touareg and all of primary safety features should always function safely-the gas issue IS a major issue that should automatically be a recall to save lives!
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen touareg. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v583000. (Fuel system, gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen touareg. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v583000. (Fuel system, gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The volkswagen dealer (perry volkswagen, 12200 los osos valley rd, san luis obispo, ca 93405, 805-544-5200) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
2005 volkswagen touareg. Consumer writes in regards to the fuel filter flange. *Ld the consumer requested to be reimbursed for the fuel filter flange recall. *Js
- Fuel/propulsion system
In june 2017, I noticed fuel smell inside the vehicle. On july 1, 2017, I inspected the issue and discovered that the fuel filter flange was damaged and leaking fuel (fumes) close to electrical components and under the seat where my son sits. Please see the attached photo. I ordered the retainer…
In june 2017, I noticed fuel smell inside the vehicle. On july 1, 2017, I inspected the issue and discovered that the fuel filter flange was damaged and leaking fuel (fumes) close to electrical components and under the seat where my son sits. Please see the attached photo. I ordered the retainer rings and gaskets (both sides) from a VW dealership. On july 14, 2017, I ordered ta new fuel filter flange from a seller on ebay that specializes in new VW parts. The fuel filter flange was new and manufactured by vdo (continental). I installed all the parts towards the end of july 2017 and this fixed the problem. I actually replaced both sides (driver & passenger) because both sides are a problem. please keep in mind that I wasn't or shouldn't have waited until the recall notice. This was a serious safety flaw and needed to be fixed immediately. I have a good knowledge in mechanics and capable to perform most repairs. I didn't drive the car until I received the parts and fixed the issue. I submitted my receipts for reimbursement under the recall. Please see the letter from VW denying any reimbursement. They claim that my parts were not new and not VW approved parts. The retainer ring & gasket was purchased by a VW dealership and the fuel filter flange was new and manufactured by vdo, which IS the oe company that makes them for VW. Volkswagen of america IS clearly not taking this issue serious and doesn't care about the safety of its consumers. They are denying claims for reimbursement and disregarding this serious issue. I had no choice and fixed the issue immediately.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle cabin could smell gas, factory issued letter to us with recall and free repair and replacement, but after contact VW dealership, the dealership refuse to repair it for free, quote 480 dollars for fixing this recall issue.
- Steering
The steering wheel locking device does not block the steering wheel any more after parking the vehicle and removing the key ignition lock. Instead when turning the steering wheel there IS a pronounced rattling noise coming from inside the steering wheel. The wheel locking mechanism does not work.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gasoline leaking from the tank runs over the right-side exhaust tubes to the ground. The flow of the fuel leakage IS very high at a drop-rate of more than one drop per second with the vehicle parked and the engine running at idle speed. Once the engine IS turned off the leakage stops within short…
Gasoline leaking from the tank runs over the right-side exhaust tubes to the ground. The flow of the fuel leakage IS very high at a drop-rate of more than one drop per second with the vehicle parked and the engine running at idle speed. Once the engine IS turned off the leakage stops within short time. I got aware of the defect due to the strong gasoline smell after stopping and getting off the vehicle. I investigated and saw gasoline dropping to the ground between the rear wheels. The fact that the fuel IS running over the exhaust tube made me ground the vehicle immediately for safety reasons. Although I need this vehicle I decided to keep it grounded due to the high risk that the gasoline gets ignited by the hot exhaust tube.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen touareg. While the vehicle was parked, there was an odor of fuel emitted in and around the vehicle, mostly on the passenger side and the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen touareg. While the vehicle was parked, there was an odor of fuel emitted in and around the vehicle, mostly on the passenger side and the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 17v151000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in the recall and did not offer further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel leaking at fuel pump flange. strong fuel vapor odor in the cabin while driving and parked.
- Visibility/wiper
I went in vacation and left my car parked in the driveway with the windows up and doors locked.when I came back to my car the adhesive/glue must have melted due to the heat outside the car caused the rear view mirror to detach from the windshield and it IS now dangling by the wires from the inside of the car/windshield
- Fuel/propulsion system
The top of the fuel filter housing cracked and was leaking fuel. This housing IS underneath the rear seat behind the driver's seat. The cracks weren't related to usage of the vehicle or an accident. It appears to be general deterioration of the plastic. This IS the same problem covered by VW recall 20Z4 or nhtsa reference #17v151000. However those only cover vehicles back to 2007.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Small cracks developed in the fuel filter flange on the fuel tank resulting in fuel leaking out when the drivers door was opened or when the car was running. this resulted in large amounts of gasoline leaking onto my garage floor. the flange was replaced. this IS an identical problem that IS…
Small cracks developed in the fuel filter flange on the fuel tank resulting in fuel leaking out when the drivers door was opened or when the car was running. this resulted in large amounts of gasoline leaking onto my garage floor. the flange was replaced. this IS an identical problem that IS being experienced by the audi Q7 which has the identical VW part number for the affected part. the nhtsa recall number for that problem IS 16v60000 if you have a touareg, porsche cayenne, or audi Q7 (they all have the same part) and you smell gasoline, do not open the drivers door. doing so primes the fuel system putting the flange under pressure causing large amounts of fuel to leak out.
- Air bags · Electrical system
I am the owner of a 2005 VW touareg which recently had the air bag warning light come on and stay on. I took the touareg to a volkswagen dealer where I was charged $104.48 for a diagnostic test. The diagnostic test provided the stored fault code of 01218, front side passenger airbag ignitor upper…
I am the owner of a 2005 VW touareg which recently had the air bag warning light come on and stay on. I took the touareg to a volkswagen dealer where I was charged $104.48 for a diagnostic test. The diagnostic test provided the stored fault code of 01218, front side passenger airbag ignitor upper limit exceeded, thus recommending replacement of the airbag wiring harness for $320.00 estimate. It IS my understanding that this IS a known manufacturers defect that VW addressed with the nhtsa by a touareg service pack/customer satisfaction campaign in late december 2006 where vvv replaced the subject defective harnesses at no expense to touareg owners. The VW assistant service manager informed me that according to the vehicle records this replacement was not performed on my touareg. please advise why this defective airbag wiring harness was not replaced during this campaign. based upon my concern as a safety and health professional, and my review of the information and files available from nhtsa concerning the previous investigation of this problem in 2006, I believe that vws failure to continue to correct this problem needs to be addressed by nhtsa for consideration of reopening of this investigation. as stated in the odi resume for investigation: pe 06-022, subject: srs warning light illumination, .the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. I expect nhtsa will request data from VW on how many VW touaregs have reported, or been diagnosed with this problem since 2006, and how many owners have paid VW or other repair facilities to replace these air bag wiring harnesses and related equipment. The touareg service pack/customer satisfaction campaign in late december 2006 where vvv replaced the subject defective harnesses at no expense to touareg owners was an action taken at that time to avoid a recall. Reconsider!
- Seat belts
Tried to buckle up one of the rear seat belts and buckle plastic housing broke. The dealer failed to acknowledge that a seat belt mechanism should never fail. Instead, the dealer said I had to pay out of pocket to have it replaced. I contacted volkswagen of america to report this concern and asked them to cover for this repair. They declined to cover this repair free of charge.
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
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253180Antenna Diagnosis Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252220All Vehicles with Bluetooth Phone Kit Installed ? Streaming Audio from Phone to Radio
- 10243066VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242404VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242400VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242381VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242358VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241721Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241720Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241345Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is Switched OFF
- 10241344Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 10241342Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 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.
Every Volkswagen Touareg model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.