2013 Volkswagen Touareg: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (24% of complaints); the 2011 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“So there's a campaign to add a bracket to one of the catalytic converters. That's great except I never knew about it and the thing they added the bracket to prevent happened to me. The exhaust pipe from the catalytic separated from the flange connecting to the manifold. It's a 2000 dollar part from the dealer. Luckily I found a mechanic who is welding the flange and fixing what I got. Just another example of a car company knowing there's an issue but not really attempting to fix it, only in a policy no one reads.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
“The driver's seatbelt appears to be buckled, but releases under load. When inserting the end into the buckle it clicks and looks and feels buckled, but when loaded releases without warning. This occurred with different drivers and released unexpectedly multiple times while the car was being driven. Replacing the buckle end resolved the defect.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen touareg. The contact stated that the horn failed to work. The contact restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel malfunctioned. Baxter volkswagen la vista (7108 s 124th cir, la vista, ne 68128, (402) 983-9801) stated that the air bag control module and assembly were corroded, which affected the steering wheel functions, air bags, and horn. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls and offered no assistance with the repairs. The failure mileage was 73,600.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Steering fluid leaked out , internal fault with rack seal, replaced rack and pinion assembly in may 2019 this is second replacement of rack and pinion on this vehicle prior replacement in november 2015 I feel its very unusual to change rack and pinion assembly on same vehicle twice in 4 years time I have been told it happens often in vw touareg but has not been reported to NHTSA”Owner report · Steering · May 2019
“Sunroof exploded outward and entire front glass sunroof was shattered. Driving on highway at approximately 70mph. All car door windows were open. Tempurature outside was approximately 85 degrees.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2018
“The ac evaporation valve is blocked and there is between 2-5 cups of dirty contaminated water coming into my driver side and passenger foot well. It has now become a problem more than water damage and a concern because my shoes get wet and make the pedals slick and unsafe at times while driving. I just don't want anyone to get hurst or crash because of this issue that should be recalled and fixed. I know it's happened to other vw/audi/porsche cars.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2018
“Airbag light appeared. Horn nor steering wheel buttons work. Advised it was a steering wheel clock spring fault. There was a recall but this particular VIN was not included.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2018
“The car just suddenly stopped while driving on the hwy 91 in los angeles in rush hour traffic. Vehicle suddenly lost power and within 10 seconds complete stop and stall on the highway. Towed to vw dealers and I was informed that is failure of the high pressure fuel pump . Https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/feds-close-probe-into-vw-audi-tdi-vehicles-for-high-pressure-fuel-pump-failure.html”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2017
“Drivers side seat warmer burned through the seat cover & burned through my coat. I was driving on a major highway & felt the seat become hot. I turned it off & was unaware my seat & coat had burned until I reached my destination. Car & coat were taken to dealership to order new parts to correct the problem.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2017
“Add blue heater system on the diesel engine went bad after less than 42000 miles. I thought this was part of the emission system in this car but vw does not see it this way. They want over 1,000 to fix this on a car the lied about in the first place. Seems to be a big money maker for something to make the car exaust clean.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Touareg Hybrid vehicles manufactured March 20, 2010, to April 11, 2015. The hybrid battery tray may not drain water sufficiently. If water collects in the hybrid battery tray, it may cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly, free of charge. The recall began late February 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this 53B8.
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 2013 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Volkswagen Touareg problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 41,500 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning unknown or other. 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.