repaired · 2019 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2004 Volkswagen TouaregProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 231 owner complaints about the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-583 the manufacturer reports only 23% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg has problems
231 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
50Power train4 crash/fire/injury
49Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
36Tires2 crash/fire/injury
27Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
23Fuel/propulsion system
22Engine and engine cooling4 crash/fire/injury
22Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
20Suspension
16Service brakes, hydraulic
9516 other systems15 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 50 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 49 | 4 |
| Tires | 36 | 2 |
| Air bags | 27 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 23 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 22 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 1 |
| Suspension | 20 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 16 | 4 |
| 16 other systems | 95 | 15 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2004 Volkswagen Touareg recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Seat belts
Risk. WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THE CHILD RESTRAINTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES OR DEATH.
no report yet
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
no report yet
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE TPMS WIRING CIRCUIT COULD BE INTERRUPTED, RESULTING IN AN INOPERATIVE TPMS, AND CAUSING A SHORT-TO-GROUND CONDITION THAT COULD POTENTIALLY…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
45kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 39 power train complaints. 95% were reported before 100,000 miles.
15under 30k miles37under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other Touareg year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Touareg median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Volkswagen Touareg safety ratings
2004 Volkswagen Touareg 4-Dr. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg, and the recalls they led to.
- EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MALFUNCTIONNo recall
- SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATIONNo recall
In owners' words
What Touareg owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
( STARTED NOTICING THIS PROBLEM ABOUT 1 TO 2 YEARS AGO)WHILE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS IN 5TH GEAR AND SPEEDS OF UNDER 50 MI./HR, WHEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE AUTOMATIC DOWN SHIFT OCCURS WITH A VERY HARSH "KICK" TO A POINT THAT THE PASSENGERS FEEL THE JOLT. A FEW YEARS AGO, A SIMILAR…
TRANSMISSION JUMPS, LUNGES, HAS DONE THIS SINCE 2009. THE DEALER STATES IT NEEDS REPLACING. SHOULD BE REPLACED BY VOLKSWAGEN.
DRIVING ALONG IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD UNDER SLIGHT ACCELERATION AND A LOUD THUMPING NOISE BEGINS IN THE TRANSMISSION HUMP UNDER THE ARMREST - FELT LIKE SOMETHING HEAVY HAD BECOME WRAPPED AROUND THE DRIVESHAFT AND WAS CAUSING INTENSE VIBRATION ABOVE 30MPH. PARK THE CAR AND TOW TO REPAIR SHOP…
Own a 2004 Touareg?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.