2010 Volkswagen Touareg
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2010 Volkswagen Touareg. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.
Owner complaints
25 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
Previous recall in 2017 regarding fuel filter housing cracks and seals has failed. In 2017 it was approved to allow VW to use cellophane sticky tape to cover the fuel filter crack in plastic housing. It has failed. The car has 43,000 miles, the cabin has strong odor smell. The left rear wheel arch has extremely strong gasoline smell. How was VW able to get approval to fix a serious fuel leak with sticky tape?
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have a 2010 VW Touarge V6, recently it started leaking fuel out, after taking the car to VW dealership, they told me the fuel was leaking out from the fuel filter flange. VW had a recall on (2007-2010 VW Touarge) fuel filter flange back in 2017 (see below)…
I have a 2010 VW Touarge V6, recently it started leaking fuel out, after taking the car to VW dealership, they told me the fuel was leaking out from the fuel filter flange. VW had a recall on (2007-2010 VW Touarge) fuel filter flange back in 2017 (see below) https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCRIT-17V151-3759.pdf They acknowledges that there was a flaw in the fuel filter flange that the plastic part could crack and leak out fuel after some years. Back in 2017, I took the car to VW dealership and the recall repair they did on my car was to install a protective film on the flange (since they deemed that the flange was not broken when examined during the recall repair at the time). Now 4 years later, the flange is cracking and leaking fuel out, obviously the recall fix (protective film) did not stop the flange from cracking or fuel from leaking out. I have contacted VW customer care and stated that they failed to fix the fuel leaking hazard as the protective film was ineffective in stopping fuel to leak out from a now broken flange. I hoped they could cover the fix of the broken flange. VW customer service refused to fix the problem for me under the recall and asked me to be fully responsible for the fix, as they claimed that the "recall was done", despite that I showed they the recall details, and mentioned that the problematic flange was not replaced, and questions the effectiveness of the recall repair done in 2017. I feel I have to question whether the original recall fix was proper (that for un-cracking flange at the time, only a protective film was installed instead of replacing the problematic fuel filter flange, that had big leaking problems) So please help to investigate the case, and let VW know that they should always put customer's safety first. Looks to me, they used a cheap method (a plastic film) to avoid replacing an already inexpensive flange part, and in exchange, customer had to face such safety hazard and big car repair bill...
- Engine · Unknown or other
my 2010 vw touareg tdi 3.0 have 2 service campaign 23r3 and 26k2 which is commonly known for vw tdi diesel scandal. i took my car to vw they said they will replace the catalytic converts and knox sensors. and the ad blue box. today i got a call stating that my car will not get a catalytic converter…
my 2010 vw touareg tdi 3.0 have 2 service campaign 23r3 and 26k2 which is commonly known for vw tdi diesel scandal. i took my car to vw they said they will replace the catalytic converts and knox sensors. and the ad blue box. today i got a call stating that my car will not get a catalytic converter that's epa compliant. and they can only do computer software and replce 2 glow plugs out of the 6 and that's cant be done before i replace a knox sensor which is the service campaign is for then when the check engine light is off i can take it back to vvw to replace the parts and program the computer. or pay then $900 for that sensor.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Safety recall 20Z4 fuel pump flange VW had a safety recall about the fuel pump flange. But they did not replace the flange for me. Instead they only put a protective film there which did not work. Now my vehicle IS leaking fuel but VW refused to cover it. The problem IS still there and their recall simply do not fix the problem. the vehicle was stationary. It has been leaking fuel for a few days.
- Fuel/propulsion system
High pressure fuel pump failed causing our vehicle to stall with no power in the middle of a very busy off ramp from the highway. I had my son, wife and dog in the car. I could not move the 5000lb vehicle off the road, so I removed my family to side of the road while directed traffic. VW dealer…
High pressure fuel pump failed causing our vehicle to stall with no power in the middle of a very busy off ramp from the highway. I had my son, wife and dog in the car. I could not move the 5000lb vehicle off the road, so I removed my family to side of the road while directed traffic. VW dealer then came for us while I waited for the tow truck. Very dangerous. Now at dealer and VW IS claiming many many very expensive issues with it due to this failure that they will not pay for, we were 837 miles from our home. Had to stay 2 nights in a hotel and rent a car to drive home. They still cannot fix our car. It's currently still at the dealer with no clue to what IS wrong. There was no check engine light or any other sign of something wrong with the vehicle prior to the stall. It just lost power and died. I could not restart it.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Takata recall for airbag dash light on. also, check 'engine light' for diesel def heating element fault. both lights appeared when starting the vehicle/stationary and have remained on ever since.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen touareg. Whenever the vehicle was parked or being driven, there was a fuel odor emitted through the air vents and around the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to don beyer volvo winchester (located at 4015 valley pike, winchester, va 22602, (540) 868-3000) where…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen touareg. Whenever the vehicle was parked or being driven, there was a fuel odor emitted through the air vents and around the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to don beyer volvo winchester (located at 4015 valley pike, winchester, va 22602, (540) 868-3000) where it was diagnosed that the fuel filter flange connector seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and informed them of the failure, but no further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 46,757.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen touareg. While driving various speeds, a fuel odor was noticed inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to brooklyn volkswagen in brooklyn, new york where the washer/gasket was replaced due to leakage, but the failure recurred as the contact drove…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen touareg. While driving various speeds, a fuel odor was noticed inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to brooklyn volkswagen in brooklyn, new york where the washer/gasket was replaced due to leakage, but the failure recurred as the contact drove away. The dealer stated that the fuel tank was cleaned and the fuel odor would subside for a few days, but would recur. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v151000 (fuel system, gasoline), but the dealer stated that the recall was "pending". The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided the contact with case number: 170-879-370. The failure mileage was 109,000.
- Electrical system · Service brakes
VW ABS control module recall earlier this year did not include 2010 touaregs. however, I own 2 of them and both have an ABS module issue. as does my mother in law's 2010 tiguan. please look into extending the recall to these modest. attached IS the $2,839 estimate from a VW dealer to replace…
VW ABS control module recall earlier this year did not include 2010 touaregs. however, I own 2 of them and both have an ABS module issue. as does my mother in law's 2010 tiguan. please look into extending the recall to these modest. attached IS the $2,839 estimate from a VW dealer to replace the ABS module. that IS an absurd amount of money to pay for a gently used car with low mileage which has been regularly maintained. thank you. [xxx] cell information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen touareg. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a fuel leak. The dealer replaced the fuel flange, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 17v151000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was not available.
- Unknown or other
The vehicle was stationary and had been parked all day (8+ hours). upon trying to start it would not turn over and then backfired and the intake manifold exploded. the car smoked.
- Fuel/propulsion system
There IS a very strong fuel smell from inside the car as well as from the outside. after warmng up the car, there IS visible fuel leaking from underneath. This happens whether IS car IS in motion or stationary. It leaks more and smells stronger when the weather IS warm. This IS a huge fire hazard as well as damaging to your health by breathing the fumes from the leaking fuel. It IS progressively getting worse.
- Engine
Persistent diesel exhaust leak which interferes with my breathing in the cabin. the vehicle has been back to the napleton VW sanford/orlando dealer 5 times and they fix something different each time with no improvement. now they want me to pay for 5TH repair even though issue was brought to their attention initially in warranty period.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Traveling 65mph southbound on RT93 in massachussetts when the check engine now and a yellow coil light came on and within seconds I lost power and steering of the vehicle. I rolled without power to snow filled side of the road. Cars were traveling in the breakdown lane since it was rush hour.…
Traveling 65mph southbound on RT93 in massachussetts when the check engine now and a yellow coil light came on and within seconds I lost power and steering of the vehicle. I rolled without power to snow filled side of the road. Cars were traveling in the breakdown lane since it was rush hour. Called aaa, a flat bed truck brought my vehicle to the nearest VW dealership. The service representative diagnosed the failure as contaminated fuel which lead to the high pressure fuel pump failure. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel/propulsion system
I was driving home and my vehicle suddenly stopped at 30mph entering a intersection with train tracks. no warning at all other than a quick light on the dash and engine completely shut off and would not restart. driver behind me luckily did not hit me and I somehow was able to coast my vehicle…
I was driving home and my vehicle suddenly stopped at 30mph entering a intersection with train tracks. no warning at all other than a quick light on the dash and engine completely shut off and would not restart. driver behind me luckily did not hit me and I somehow was able to coast my vehicle into a driveway lot of a gas station on the corner. after coasting into the lot I was unable to start my vehicle at that point I became stranded, luckily with no accident. after the fact I did further research and discovered that on volkswagen diesel engines numerous consumers have had the same failure with the high pressure fuel pump that also would cut out while driving for no reason and leaving vehicle inoperative on the road. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
While traveling approximately 55 mph on a highway the vehicle suddenly lost power/turned off. There were no warning lights, no noises, no vibrations, no signs of anything. Vehicle stalled at freeway speed and it had to be towed to VW dealer where I was informed that the high pressure fuel pump…
While traveling approximately 55 mph on a highway the vehicle suddenly lost power/turned off. There were no warning lights, no noises, no vibrations, no signs of anything. Vehicle stalled at freeway speed and it had to be towed to VW dealer where I was informed that the high pressure fuel pump (hpfp) had failed. There was no sign of mis-fueling (no gas in tank when tested), contaminants are unknown. It seems that the hpfp IS not designed to perform within the tolerances necessary to operate safely and reliably on 'pump fuel' available to consumers; it IS mechanically defective and clear and present danger to highway safety. request engineering analysis. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL - the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen touareg. The contact smelled a strong odor of fuel inside the vehicle. The dealer stated that the fuel line was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was 35,000. Jcc
- Fuel system, diesel
At highway speed the vehicle stalled in the passing lane. vehicle failed to restart and was lucky traffic allowed me to pull to side of road although semi truck was on my side when it died. Vehicle towed to find catastrophic failure of fuel system. repair replaced whole fuel system ($10,000…
At highway speed the vehicle stalled in the passing lane. vehicle failed to restart and was lucky traffic allowed me to pull to side of road although semi truck was on my side when it died. Vehicle towed to find catastrophic failure of fuel system. repair replaced whole fuel system ($10,000 value). dealer advised this IS due to bio diesel purchased in illinois. fuel pump destructs and vehicle fails. VW acknowledged the fuel issue but never said this when we purchased vehicle new. very unsafe and vehicle IS only used for local use until we can sell or trade in. We were lucky.... VW tech told me to file with ntsb as he has seen many of these. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I purchased this vehicle 3 days prior as a "certified pre-owned" from lakeland VW of florida. I was approaching an intersection and preparing to stop. As I rolled up and went to turn right, the vehicle suddenly lost power. Several attempts to restart were unsuccessful. We had to push the vehicle…
I purchased this vehicle 3 days prior as a "certified pre-owned" from lakeland VW of florida. I was approaching an intersection and preparing to stop. As I rolled up and went to turn right, the vehicle suddenly lost power. Several attempts to restart were unsuccessful. We had to push the vehicle across a busy street, at which point I called roadside for a tow. The VW dealer told me today that it IS my high pressure fuel pump, which seems to be a common failure for this vehicle. *js
- Tires
I purchased a set of 4 nitto motivo's for my touareg tdi in sept 2013 at which time I had 60,000 miles on my vehicle. today, 6/17/14, @ 75, 000 miles with 15,000 miles on the motivo's, I noticed 2 defects in 2 of my tires. the left rear tire had a huge bulge on the sidewall...about 3" inches…
I purchased a set of 4 nitto motivo's for my touareg tdi in sept 2013 at which time I had 60,000 miles on my vehicle. today, 6/17/14, @ 75, 000 miles with 15,000 miles on the motivo's, I noticed 2 defects in 2 of my tires. the left rear tire had a huge bulge on the sidewall...about 3" inches across and 2" high. the right front tire had this 2" x 2" cut/gash or something on the sidewall. I immediately went to discount tire where I bought them and they said these issues were probably the result of driving over potholes and that all 4 will need to be replaced since I have an all-wheel drive vehicle and that the best they can do IS give me a tread wear based credit on a new set in the amount of around $320. I paid over $1000 for your tires, which were warranted for 60,000 and I only got 15,000 out of them. and to make matters worse, it appears that the quality of the sidewall IS very poor causing the defects I mentioned. I contacted nitto numerous times and they advised that they do not cover "road hazards" which they say caused the defects in my 2 tires. they also advised that since my tires were only measured as having between 5/32 and 6/32 of tread wear, essentially 1/2 worn out, they only warranty their tires if they are between 1/32 and 2/32...ie, totally worn out, before they would issue a pro-rated credit. this IS absurd!!! the warranty IS for 60,000 miles...after just 15,000 miles, my tires are halfway worn out! I should get a credit for 75% of the cost of the tires. I would really appreciate your consideration in helping me to receive credit in the amount of 75% ($750) of the $1000 I paid for these tires, since I only have 15, 000 miles on them and the warranty IS for 60,000. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, diesel
High pressure fuel pump ("hpfp") failure resulted in an engine stall incident, at highway speeds in traffic with no restart, contributing to an accident. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, diesel · Power train
On wednesday january 22, 2014 I was driving west on us route 9 in barrington nh at approximately 11AM in my volkswagen touareg 2010 tdi. There was nothing unusual about the performance of the car before I felt a strange lag and then a warning light started flashing to stop the car. Before I could…
On wednesday january 22, 2014 I was driving west on us route 9 in barrington nh at approximately 11AM in my volkswagen touareg 2010 tdi. There was nothing unusual about the performance of the car before I felt a strange lag and then a warning light started flashing to stop the car. Before I could pull off the road the car lost power and died. Since the warning to stop the car came up I did not try to restart the car. I sat on the side of the road bewildered for a moment as I'D only purchased this car 3 weeks before and it was only a few miles short of 30,000 miles on the odometer. Being stranded partially in the middle of the road was terrifying as I was in a 50mph zone and people were flying past me upwards of 60mph while my car was barely straddling the white line. Also, it was 8 degrees outside and there was no place for me to wait safely outside of the car due to considerable frozen snow banks flanking the roadway. My options were to pray not to get hit or risk freezing while waiting for a tow truck. Overall this was a terrifying experience to have in a new car who's supposed toughness and reliability was one of its selling points. the dealer (quirk VW in manchester, nh) has told us that the fuel was contaminated leading to a hpfp failure which my husband says this same vehicle has had replaced less than 8,000 miles ago under the previous owner. he also said that I should mention that this IS the same hpfp made by bosch as the golf, jetta and A3 which has been investigated under ea11003 for failure. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, diesel
While traveling approximately 75 mph on an interstate the vehicle suddenly lost power/turned off. there were no warning lights, no noises, no vibrations, no signs of anything. vehicle had to be towed to VW dealer where I was informed that the high pressure fuel pump had failed allegedly due to…
While traveling approximately 75 mph on an interstate the vehicle suddenly lost power/turned off. there were no warning lights, no noises, no vibrations, no signs of anything. vehicle had to be towed to VW dealer where I was informed that the high pressure fuel pump had failed allegedly due to substandard/contaminated diesel fuel. there was no sign of mis-fueling (no gas in tank when tested), contaminants are unknown. it seems that the hpfp IS not designed to perform within the tolerances necessary to operate safely and reliably on 'pump fuel' available to consumers. *tr
- Suspension
A koni north america ("koni") shock absorber bent, which compromised safe vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a collision, causing a crash. These shock absorbers were purchased in april 2011 from neuspeed. The defective absorbers were manufactured with an incorrectly welded bracket which…
A koni north america ("koni") shock absorber bent, which compromised safe vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a collision, causing a crash. These shock absorbers were purchased in april 2011 from neuspeed. The defective absorbers were manufactured with an incorrectly welded bracket which caused the shock absorber to catastrophically bend and rest on the drive shaft, thereby compromising vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash. koni model numbers: 8245 1146l 8241 1146r 8245 1147 *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
During the process of filling the almost empty tank with diesel fuel, an electrical short (per report of the local fire department that was called in) created heat that was able to melt part of the tank in the area of the filling nozzle, completely melted the rubber strap holding the fuel cap and…
During the process of filling the almost empty tank with diesel fuel, an electrical short (per report of the local fire department that was called in) created heat that was able to melt part of the tank in the area of the filling nozzle, completely melted the rubber strap holding the fuel cap and melted/burned the splash ring on the fuel dispenser. The metallic ring of the filling nozzle turned so hot, that fumes/smoke became visible. due to the position of the battery beneath the drivers seat, the fd was not able to disconnect the battery.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by…
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
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.
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11005820Engine Assembly Tip
- 11005819Engine Replacement Tip
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 10253483Engine Exhaust Flap Limited Warranty Extension
- 10253439Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Gasoline Engines (Except Routan) - REVISED
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253203Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253180Antenna Diagnosis Overview
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252937Vehicles equipped with Immobilizer 4 (Download) ? Adapting Keys after Vehicle Lock Set Replacement
- 10252916Coding Information for Replacing ?AC? Suffix Radios with ?AF? Suffix Replacement Unit
- 10252907Radio Navigation Unit Security Label
- 10252906RNS 510 ? Radio Preset Display
- 10252905MDI Control of Apple Devices with Lightning Connector (iPhone 5, iPad fourth generation, iPod Nano seventh generation)
- 10252900GPS Antenna Concerns
- 10252230TDI ECM Software Update (FED_EMS)
- 10252227Replacement Radio/Navigation Unit has no Sound
Every Volkswagen Touareg model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.