2014
Used 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Volkswagen Touareg Change Vehicle

Unlock Ratings
This version of the Touareg is a luxury SUV with a quiet and plush interior imparting a truly premium ambiance. It delivers agile handling, a firm, steady ride, ample interior room and very comfortable seats. A 3.6-liter gasoline V6 is standard. We tested the diesel version, which proved to be smooth-running and muscular. It delivered a healthy dose of effortless mid-range punch, particularly lending itself to towing.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2014
Used 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Volkswagen Touareg

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
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Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger NA
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Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
NA
2016
2017
NA
2018
2019
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.
Road Test

This version of the Touareg is a luxury SUV with a quiet and plush interior imparting a truly premium ambiance. It delivers agile handling, a firm, steady ride, ample interior room and very comfortable seats.

A 3.6-liter gasoline V6 is standard. We tested the diesel version, which proved to be smooth-running and muscular. It delivered a healthy dose of effortless mid-range punch, particularly lending itself to towing. This diesel also racked up very good fuel economy for such a heavy vehicle with an overall average of 24 mpg. While steady at cruising speeds, the low-speed ride is overly firm and some low-speed transmission shifts aren't the most refined.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 8-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 3-liter V6 turbodiesel (240 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 hybrid (380 hp)
  • 3.6-liter V6 (280 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2014 Volkswagen Touareg owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"You know as well as I. Its a TDI"

Dennis F., OR (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"My 3.0 liter TDI diesel is part of the VW diesel emissions scandal. Being a later model (2014), it appears I won't get a buy back from VW. I might be screwed!"

Brian A., AZ (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"this vehicle was part of the emission cheating scandal by VW."

Ronald C., NH (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Diesel Touareg part of the VW recall. Now fixed and recall settlement received from both VW and Bosch. Dealers were not prepared to complete the fix in a timely manner. Allegedly, the dealers had to share a piece of equipment making scheduling a problem."

Anonymous, FL (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Repaired under warranty."

Anonymous, VA (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Purchased it based on CR and EPA endorsements even though vehicles like it were not in compliance with the law and the warrantee. The Class Action settlement compromised the consumer to the advantage of the state and federal government. VW no longer sells this vehicle in the US. I was stuck with it after 24 months of waiting for the Justice Dept to complete the whole affair."

Dennis F., OR (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Recall for high diesel emissions, required 2 days at dealer for recall, no out of pocket expense"

Anonymous, CO (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"the EGR cooler went bad."

John S., CA (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Recall as part of emissions scandal; the fix they applied was reasonable; we've noticed only a mild decrease in fuel economy, no discernible effect on acceleration/performance, and an increase in DEF consumption. VW+Bosch (cash) settlement terms were acceptable and the process was relatively painless."

Anonymous, WA (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"VW diesel emission fraud problem. Since they fixed it, the engine often hesitates and sputters. Local dealer says this is a common problem and that it cannot be fixed."

Jerry M., IL (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"The EPA approved fix for the TDI resulted in hesitation on starting from a stop, fuel mileage dropped by 15-20% and eliminated one of the two driving modes. No one has checked back with the consumer to see if they received the fix that they agreed to accept."

Dennis F., OR (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)
Fuel gauge/sender

"would take for ever to indicate a full tank"

Anonymous, BC (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Sensor needed replacing. Caused CEL"

Anonymous, MN (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Repaired under warranty."

Anonymous, VA (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Difficult to use and understand"

Anonymous, RI (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.6-L V6)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Keeps kicking the phone out of pairing mode"

Leroy M., TX (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.6-L V6)

"Bluetooth connected and the phone call would silence but stay connected"

Anonymous, RI (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.6-L V6)
Radio

"Radio takes forever to start working as we start driving"

Leroy M., TX (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.6-L V6)
Voice control commands

"the microphone is terrible and people on the other end of the call have a hard time hearing me"

George U., CT (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"Had to change brake , very expensive same brake Porsche Cayenne"

Pierre J., QC (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Brakes needed changing ...normal foe 100000km."

Peggy C., QC (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Replacement of brakes requires approximately $1400 expense which was unexpected for routine wear."

Anonymous, ON (2014 Volkswagen Touareg V6 3.6-L V6)

"1500 to repair brakes"

Anonymous, OH (2014 Volkswagen Touareg V6 3.6-L V6)
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Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"INTERIOR DRIVER DOOR LATCH BROKE SO I COULD ONLY OPEN FROM EXTERIOR OF VECHILE REPAIR COST $650.00"

Jeffrey C., CA (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)
Sunroof

"Panoramic sunroof squeaks and rattles. Dealer has been unable to correct the problem"

Martin D., WA (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"would not close"

Anonymous, BC (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Water leaked into vehicle from drain in the sunroof. Was taken to the dealer and fixed but almost immediately started to leak again."

Anonymous, PA (2014 Volkswagen Touareg V6 3.6-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"Panoramic sunroof squeaks rattles, moans and groans while driving. Dealer unable to repair"

Martin D., WA (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

"Door handle squeek"

Philip A., NC (2014 Volkswagen Touareg V6 3.6-L V6)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"the synching of the left & right side of the car does not work well. One side will blow hot while the other cold when set at the same temp"

George U., CT (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)
Blower (fan) motor

"Fan control went out required entire blower motor to be replaced"

Steve K., OH (2014 Volkswagen Touareg V6 3.6-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Vehicle engine self-destructed on a trip to the north. Internal damage was determined to be significant and engine was replaced after a considerable struggle with legal people involved"

Anonymous, ON (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Driveline vibration

"front end was out of alignment at delivery, and brought to dealers attention when front tires cupped and got noisy. VW refused to repair, but dealer comped the alignment. VW will not check alignment until 10,000 miles. The first check up is way too l"

James A., MI (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Electronic ignition

"Three occurrences of short circuit in starting circuit in past year. About 2 hours after the non-start, the problem rectifies itself. Problem diagnosed by VW but not able to be fixed by VW as yet"

Anonymous, MD (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.6-L V6)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"With the EPA approved fix for the TDI Touaregs, the transmission was reprogrammed and the shift points changed. This has ruined a lot of the enjoyment of driving this vehicle. At times it feels like the transmission is severely damaged. From 2-3 second delays while accelerating to surging throttle response to rough shifts and transmission shifting up and down between gears while driving at a constant speed, it is obvious that the fix did not look at the driveability of this vehicle post fix, only at the exhaust output. VW should have bought back all of the TDI vehicles and then fixed them and then tried to sell them. They are damaged goods now and in hindsight the damages I received are not worth the quickened depreciation because of the transmission and having a vehicle that is, at times, unsafe to drive. If the vehicle drove like this new, I would have never purchased it."

Ronald M., BC (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"left tail light went out. Could not replace on my own, had to take to dealer to disassemble vehicle. 3 weeks later light was out again, this time bulb was ok but module had a short"

Richard S., FL (2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0-L V6 diesel)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

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