Is the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Volkswagen Touareg

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2004 Volkswagen Touareg
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 231
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2004: 231 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	231
2005	75
2006	37
2007	9
2008	56
2009	19
2010	25
2011	16
2012	28
2013	30
2014	27
2015	24
2016	44
2017	24

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

23% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and interior/under dash.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I went to start the car in my driveway and a red warning icon appeared on the instrument panel. I looked it up in the owners manual which stated the icon indicated a steering system failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-05

Also filed under Steering

Power train

22% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Tires

16% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems and tread/belt.

FIREINJURY

Air bags

12% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

10% · 23 reports

Show complaint excerpts

I have contacted Volkswagen about my recall over a month ago the man claimed he ordered the parts and would be in contact but has never contacted me ever since and since then my vehicle has completely stopped working and the gas smell is at a very...

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-09

The flange for the fuel does not leak from that i can see couse if it was leaking it would be on the ground.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-04

In previous weeks, several intermittent mil lights for loose gas cap came on and off. Checked codes, found "Large evap leak" In the memory which confirmed the gas cap suspicion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-09

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2003-10-10Electrical system03V266000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) wiring harness may have been improperly routed during assembly. An improperly routed TPMS wiring harness may contact…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the TPMS wiring harness routing and, if necessary, correct the wiring harness routing. Owner notification began August 18, 2003. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-893-5298.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2004Complaint volume 231 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2004-06-21Seat belts04V233000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the rear seat belt latch attachment bolt may have been insufficiently riveted.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the belt buckle. Owner notification began on June 21, 2004. Owners should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-04-11Seat belts04V592000 Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant crash protection." All three rear seat positions and the front passenger…

Remedy: Dealers will permanently install a 'clip' in each of the two rear outboard seat belts. The clips will prevent unwanted deactivation of the alr mode with child seat installations. The recall began…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2005-08-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-12-21 Exterior door handle malfunction
I
2006-06-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-10-30 SRS warning light illumination
R

2018-03-09Fuel system, gasoline17V583000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Volkswagen Touareg — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 52 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 51 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 38 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V266000 · Electrical system
Recall 04V233000 · Seat belts
Recall 04V592000 · Seat belts
Recall 17V583000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

200575

FAQ

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.