2017 Volkswagen Touareg
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2017 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 2017 Volkswagen Touareg. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
24 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Unknown or other
I purchased a 2017 Volkswagen Touareg V6 in October 2023. A problem with the vehicle revealed itself right away. It was consuming too much oil. Oil splatter is present on the hood, the car doors, the back bumper and built up oil residue is present in both tailpipes. Oil has to be added in about…
I purchased a 2017 Volkswagen Touareg V6 in October 2023. A problem with the vehicle revealed itself right away. It was consuming too much oil. Oil splatter is present on the hood, the car doors, the back bumper and built up oil residue is present in both tailpipes. Oil has to be added in about three week intervals. The vehicle is displaying the same issues as the vehicles recalled under recall number 21V321000 and I believe this vehicle should be added. I have taken the car to two shops that have confirmed the over consumption. Please evaluate.
- Engine
The vehicle has an internal oil drain system that slowly leaks oil past the pistons into the combustion chamber of the engine causing the engine to burn oil. This is very dangerous when smoke exits the vehicle from the exhaust and into the air that could be inhaled by others. This same issue over…
The vehicle has an internal oil drain system that slowly leaks oil past the pistons into the combustion chamber of the engine causing the engine to burn oil. This is very dangerous when smoke exits the vehicle from the exhaust and into the air that could be inhaled by others. This same issue over time can cause an engine fire after the exhaust system is entirely clogged by the burned oil residue in the exhaust system. I have spoken with other 2017 VW Touareg owners who have the same exact issue and the problem is widely reported online by other drivers in forums.
- Engine · Unknown or other
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…
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, just check engine light after the crack. Crack along thin weld, leading right into the catalytic converter. Also environmental concern that exhaust gasses are not being treated. Potential fire hazard.
- Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Unknown or other
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…
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 has never been in an accident. All incidents occur in Southern California. Situation when it disengages can pose safety risk to due sudden loss of propulsion while keeping up with traffic, especially frightening when driving at an incline, i.e. Grapevine. Message is intermittent and can turn on 10 minutes into a drive or two hours into a drive. Unable to show dealer message. No advanced notice of ACC failing or issue with vehicle. Vehicle has had all maintenance done with dealer. No modifications to any component.
- Service brakes
When coming to a stop with the AutoHold activated, sometimes it comes to an abrupt stop instead of a smooth stop. Also when you have Autohold engaged, when you come to a stop and put the car in park, disconnect the seatbelt the parking brake engages(expected), however when you turn the car off…
When coming to a stop with the AutoHold activated, sometimes it comes to an abrupt stop instead of a smooth stop. Also when you have Autohold engaged, when you come to a stop and put the car in park, disconnect the seatbelt the parking brake engages(expected), however when you turn the car off (after you've already removed your foot from the break pedal) it slightly releases and reengages the brake causing a slight movement of the vehicle.
- Seats
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…
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 cushion. if there is a child in the back seat it could cause injury. My daughter almost had her legs crushed when my mom delayed exiting the vehicle with the passenger door open and sitting partially on the seat. She did not even notice the seat reclining until it hit my daughters knees.
- Engine · Power train
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…
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 conditions. The dealer has diagnosed and insurance is scheduled to inspect. the manufacturer has been requested by us to do a root cause but no response from them - this is apparently a known issue (class action lawsuit) that has not been official recognized as a recall. a transmission warning came on prior to the failure.
- Engine
In a non-driving environment rain water drains off the hood of the vehicle, down the right headlight and drains directly into the vehicle's intake pipe. In turn, this rain water collects in the intake air filter box, destroys the air filter and allows water to enter the combustion chamber causing…
In a non-driving environment rain water drains off the hood of the vehicle, down the right headlight and drains directly into the vehicle's intake pipe. In turn, this rain water collects in the intake air filter box, destroys the air filter and allows water to enter the combustion chamber causing erratic engine performance and untold engine damage due to the violent shuddering and erratic idle. This is a safety issue when driving in rain because the condition can be exaggerated causing the engine to lose power at highway speeds. This is a known safety issue and has been addressed via recall in China and Europe.
- Engine
Waterlogged airfilter - car was serviced exactly one week prior to issue, and service director accused me of driving through a puddle of water. While I have driven through progressively bad weather in fl for years, I explained that I didn't that week and asked if this could be due to accumulation…
Waterlogged airfilter - car was serviced exactly one week prior to issue, and service director accused me of driving through a puddle of water. While I have driven through progressively bad weather in fl for years, I explained that I didn't that week and asked if this could be due to accumulation which was overseen prior, but he denied. $1000.00 later, I am unclear how this occurred and how to prevent it. This seems to be an issue that IS identified by multiple customers in various countries and remains unaddressed by VW north america.
- Engine
The air intake IS collecting water and getting into the air filter housing. this can cause the engine to suck in water, destroying the engine. This IS a design flaw and there IS a recall at VW china but VW north america refuses to address the problem.
- Engine
For several months we noticed a small puddle under the front right portion of the vehicle. We assumed it was a cracked washer fluid tank. Took to dealer they found nothing during service appointment. Technician mentioned nothing of the water in the filter area. Over next several months the same…
For several months we noticed a small puddle under the front right portion of the vehicle. We assumed it was a cracked washer fluid tank. Took to dealer they found nothing during service appointment. Technician mentioned nothing of the water in the filter area. Over next several months the same puddle noticed which we assumed it was merely hvac condensation due to us living in high humidity region. This very morning of july 13 2020 my wife started the vehicle after sitting for more than a week and I immediately heard the engine surging and suffocating. Had her immediate shut off. The location of the noise resinated from the engine air filter box. After I opened the box my feet were soaked from the seeming 2 quarts of water that splashed to the ground. I removed the complete water soaked air filter and scooped out the remaining 3 cups of water still lying in the bottle part of the box. The drain valve at the bottom of the box failed to drain off water which water shouldn't be in that region on any car. I spoke to the local dealer who responded in a surprised manner as if they never heard of that before... Well after internet research I found this issue IS a world wide issue with pending lawsuits ... No remedy avail able rendering the car undriveable until resolution identified. No movement on this issue from 2014-2017 models as internet research.
- Engine
My car engine transmission/fault lights came on and I brought it into dealer, who identified a wet, moldy air filter and water in the bottom of the chamber. this was the first time I brought the vehicle into the shop, but I checked air filter again today after a steady rain while vehicle was…
My car engine transmission/fault lights came on and I brought it into dealer, who identified a wet, moldy air filter and water in the bottom of the chamber. this was the first time I brought the vehicle into the shop, but I checked air filter again today after a steady rain while vehicle was parked, and the box had water in the bottom of it. additional symptoms I noticed were condensation on inside of windshield and dank smell.
- Engine
Water IS getting into airbox, soaking the engine air filter.
- Engine · Unknown or other
I recently purchased a 2017 VW touareg sport. Water IS entering the air filter compartment. If water enters the engine it will shut down the car possibly in traffic causing a very hazardous situation, in addition the engine will be destroyed. The vehicle IS like new and 100% factory equipped. This…
I recently purchased a 2017 VW touareg sport. Water IS entering the air filter compartment. If water enters the engine it will shut down the car possibly in traffic causing a very hazardous situation, in addition the engine will be destroyed. The vehicle IS like new and 100% factory equipped. This IS a flaw in design. I became aware of the situation while changing the air filter. After researching the clubtouareg forum many people are having the same complaint. There IS a class action suit over the issue. Https://www.clubtouareg.com/threads/2017-sport-w-tech-engine-ingested-water.263721/ I believe recall IS justified given the high probability water entering the engine, causing a shut down on the highway and destroying the engine.
- Unknown or other
With family in vehicle the car lost power and stalled during a rain storm. Car was not able to restart and was on side of road for length of time after attempting to restart. Car restarted and the idle was rough and kept hesitating was not able to get vehicle above 15 mph. Vehicle was towed to…
With family in vehicle the car lost power and stalled during a rain storm. Car was not able to restart and was on side of road for length of time after attempting to restart. Car restarted and the idle was rough and kept hesitating was not able to get vehicle above 15 mph. Vehicle was towed to local dealer could not identify problem added f fuel additive. Upon driving home problem occurred again losing power while in motion and driving above 30 mph vehicle stalled and loss of power causing an unsafe situation. I returned to the VW dealer and they brought it back into the shop where they verified the issue. They contacted me today explaining there was water in the sealed intake that caused the engine to stall. They will be performing tests for engine damage and verify severity of issue. Upon investigation I have found similar design flaws in the 2017 VW touareg as reports and claims have been made. Their IS also a recall for this problem in VW china. Having a vehicle stall in the rain due to an issue with water entering the air box IS truly dangerous and a safety concern for my well being and family.
- Engine
Engine air intake design IS susceptible to flooding with water. A large amount of water will collect in the intake tube behind the front grill. The drain installed in the intake tube IS not sufficient enough for high volumes of water in a short period of time, such as in a thunderstorm. The drain…
Engine air intake design IS susceptible to flooding with water. A large amount of water will collect in the intake tube behind the front grill. The drain installed in the intake tube IS not sufficient enough for high volumes of water in a short period of time, such as in a thunderstorm. The drain also clogs easily with dirt and debris. The water then migrates into the air filter box, where it can be sucked into the engine. This issue has been identified by several people worldwide. This occurs when the vehicle IS parked and/or driving through heavy rain regardless of location. See this thread on the topic: https://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f95/2017-sport-w-tech-engine-ingested-water-263721-5.html
- Engine
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 re-called this problem. Please help!
- Engine
Water getting in the engine air filter box, and saturating air filter. we have not driven in heavy rain, or through any puddles.problem was found at dealer oil change service
- Engine
My vehicle has been experiencing water damage to the air filter. it IS unknown if this IS from a car wash, driving in the rain or the vehicle sitting in the rain. this IS a common complaint among an online website forum.
- Engine
Air intake system lets water into the engine which can cause destruction of the engine, loss of power, loss of power steering, and loss of power brakes while driving. I inspected the air filter on my car to evaluate it for this issue and the bottom of the filter was soaked after a car wash. It was…
Air intake system lets water into the engine which can cause destruction of the engine, loss of power, loss of power steering, and loss of power brakes while driving. I inspected the air filter on my car to evaluate it for this issue and the bottom of the filter was soaked after a car wash. It was completely dry before the wash. Volkswagen has recalled these vehicles due to this issue in germany and china but not in the USA.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
After a rainy night, got into my car the next morning heard a weird noise while pulling out of driveway, drove down the street and car starting bucking, white smoke coming out back and lost control of the car...no power steering, no brakes car died. this IS the second time this happened to me, it…
After a rainy night, got into my car the next morning heard a weird noise while pulling out of driveway, drove down the street and car starting bucking, white smoke coming out back and lost control of the car...no power steering, no brakes car died. this IS the second time this happened to me, it happen 9 months prior. had roadside service pick up car and bring to service. called service the next morning and was accused of driving my car through water and the car filters got wet and possible water now in the engine. VW would not be responsible! I never drove in standing water, this happened after a rainy night of my car sitting on my flat driveway. there IS something wrong with this car and IS completely unsafe to drive after rain or in the rain.
- Engine
The touareg has a design flaw that have the engine air intake under neath the front headlight, which, under heavy rain, will let water flow though to the intake pipe and get into the engine. I have personally validated this as my air filter gets soaking wet after a heavy rain. there have also been numerous break-down-in-the-road reports to volkswagen but the manufacturer has yet to take any action.
- Engine
Water was found in the air filter and engine. Service adviser stated that the vehicle was in water. I replied that the vehicle has be driven in heavy rain and sits outside in the weather. According to the service adviser the engine need to be replaced. I have researched online and found several more similar situations. This situation has caused the engine to seize and shut down.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
My car since I bought it and it has a visible shaking in the steering wheel, there were multiple attempts to fix the problem and it just keeps coming back. Eventually VW customer service IS saying that it IS a normal characteristic of the car. I researched this online and I am not the only affected…
My car since I bought it and it has a visible shaking in the steering wheel, there were multiple attempts to fix the problem and it just keeps coming back. Eventually VW customer service IS saying that it IS a normal characteristic of the car. I researched this online and I am not the only affected person, there are even videos published to show the problem , and VW IS trying to avoid admitting it IS a defect. They even wanted me to try another car on the lot which had a sim lab problem and the shop foreman at ide VW said he hasn't seen this problem before and he IS surprised and the car should not have that problem.
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
- 11008860Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 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
- 11005820Engine Assembly Tip
- 11005819Engine Replacement Tip
- 11001522These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- 11001494These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- 10253481Carefree Maintenance and VW Care Maintenance Plans Interim AdBlue Refills -? Diesel Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
- 10253477Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Diesel Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
- 10253474This communication contains important information and SAGA claim entry requirements for the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program for all Model Year 2015 and newer VW models with Gasoline Engines.
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253192Infotainment Worksheet (U.S. Only)
- 10250798VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10249418VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10249414A/C Compressor leak diagnosis
- 10249138Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
- 10245617Reporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number
- 10245607VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10244545VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10239377Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10238400This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program for specific cars.
- 10238308Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
- 10238206This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program for specific cars
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10236610Introduce new engine coolant compatible with all models and all model years.
- 10236553This communication contains important information and SAGA claim entry requirements for interim AdBlue refills under the Carefree Maintenance and VW Care Maintenance plans for Model Year 2015 and newer VW models with Diesel Engines.
Every Volkswagen Touareg model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.