2006 Volkswagen Touareg: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 37 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (25% of complaints); the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving the vehicle it will slow down and will not accelerate even while pressing the gas. It may even cut off. I have to keep pushing the pedal maybe 3 to 5 times before it will accelerate. This happens even on the freeway. I don't drive it anymore because of fear I might have an accident.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2021
“Insulation on wiring inside headlight housing deteriorated leaving exposed wire. Short circuit occurred causing complete loss of headlights while driving.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2020
“Headlight wiring insulation has melted creating several shorts and causing the headlights to stop working completely. It appears to be all of the wiring heading to and including the headlight. It has caused false codes to appear as well.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Dec 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel smell on the rear passenger side coming from the fuel filter tank area. Fuel tank is located at the bottom the rear seats. The fuel fumes are very strong we are afraid the car might catch fire. The fumes smell like fresh fuel. The fuel fumes are very strong especially after using the car after a 3 mile round trip grocery errands. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2017
“I have taken this vehicle to the volkswagen dealer because of a fuel smell and a sudden jolt that I get undercarriage when driving. They have told me that they are not sure where the jolt is coming from they don't know if it is the transmission or a fuel leak. I'm very afraid to continue driving this vehicle. I have a small child and I would like for volkswagen to buy the vehicle back from me. Please see enclosed letter from vw. Thank you!”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2017
“2006 volkswagen touareg. Consumer writes seeking reimbursement for vehicle repairs related to a safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer refused to provide a full reimbursement for the recall , due to the vehicle being repaired by an independent mechanic. *js the consumer stated the manufacturer reimbursed only a portion of the repair expenses. The manufacturer stated that they normally would not provide a reimbursement for vehicles repaired by an independent mechanic. *js”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2017
“The door locks on both of the back doors have stopped working. Can not open either of the rear doors. This problem was not caused by any specific event that we know of. First one door stopped working and about a week later the other door stopped working. I would not be surprised if the other doors failed soon.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2016
“While having vehicle looked at oil change place I complained to attendant about strong fuel odor. He looked under vehicle and saw a gas drip near exhaust system. He looked under seat and removed compartment for pump. He said looked like a defective piece on top that was seeping gas through membrane. Have stopped driving vehicle for fear of explosion or fire. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2016
“I had my touareg in puerto rico for over 10 years in storage. Since car had not used for normally business days. The headlight cables and lights are got bad. All cables got dry and broke in the outside cause the heat of the island. The control unit got bad. All front light sistem doesnot work correctly. The vehicle only have 86000 miles.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2015
“My airbag fault light has been on for a few months now and I'm getting concerned. Was there a recall or what is the best way to fix this problem?”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2015
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Touareg by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Volkswagen Touareg problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,500 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.