2005 Volkswagen Touareg
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
21% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 16 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CABIN COULD SMELL GAS, FACTORY ISSUED LETTER TO US WITH RECALL AND FREE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT, BUT AFTER CONTACT VW DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO REPAIR IT FOR FREE, QUOTE 480 DOLLARS FOR FIXING THIS RECALL ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180205
GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE TANK RUNS OVER THE RIGHT-SIDE EXHAUST TUBES TO THE GROUND. THE FLOW OF THE FUEL LEAKAGE IS VERY HIGH AT A DROP-RATE OF MORE THAN ONE DROP PER SECOND WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED AND THE ENGINE RUNNING AT IDLE SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171120
19% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
My OBD port cannot be read. It will not communicate, or I cannot communicate with the vehicle using any OBD reading software. Myself or my mechanic. This is a major safety concern due to several reasons.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260428
9% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: tires — 6 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MIDDLE ROW SEAT WAS RECLINED FOR UTILIZATION OF THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE SEAT BACK INTO AN UPRIGHT POSITION, BUT THE SEAT WOULD NOT BUDGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120614
I MANUALLY LOWERED THE REAR SEAT BACK TO ALLOW INCREASED CARGO AREA. AFTER REMOVING THE CARGO, I COULD NOT RAISE THE REAR SEAT BACK TO IT'S UPRIGHT POSITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120614
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 POSIT
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 ON
Campaign 04V592000 — check if this car was fixed
EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MALFUNCTION
SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION
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.
Campaign 17V583000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Volkswagen Touareg — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V592000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V583000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.