2011 Volkswagen Touareg
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 16 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE RECENTLY COMPLETED A 70,000 MILE SERVICE AT THE LOCAL VW DEALER. TWO DAYS AFTER THE SERVICE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT THE FAINT SMELL OF FUEL ON THE DRIVER'S REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181007
4 of 16 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, AT LOW SPEEDS, CAR GOES INTO LIMP HOME MODE RANDOMLY AND CREAKS ALONG AT 8 MILES AN HOUR, MOST RECENTLY LOST BRAKING POWER AND MESSAGE COMES UP "HYBRID ERROR, PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION." THEN WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF...
NHTSA ODI report, 20200614
WATER FOUND IN THE AIR INTAKE BOX DURING AIR FILTER CHANGE ON MY 2011 VW TOUAREG. BOTTOM 3.5 INCHES OF OLD FILTER WAS FOUND WET WHEN AIR BOX WAS OPENED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200104
3 of 16 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120814
2 of 16 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
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.
Campaign 16V170000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 18V329000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Volkswagen Touareg — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V170000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V329000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 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.