2013 Volkswagen Touareg
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
27% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE EXHIBITS A STEERING WHEEL SHAKE THAT CONSISTENTLY OCCURS ABOVE 60MPH ON ALL ROAD SURFACES. AT ONSET, CAN FEEL OSCILLATION IN HANDS AND ARMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130823
WE TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEH. ON 3/14/12 WITH 495 MILES ON IT. IN THE FOLLOWING WEEK WE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN WAS INTERMITTENTLY SHUDDERING/ VIBRATING AND MAKING A NOISE. VEH. WAS INITIALLY TAKEN IN @ DEALERSHIP ON 3/27/12.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120529
20% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
2013 TDI -HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. HAVE NEVER PUT GASOLINE IN THE TANK. VW HAS REJECTED COST OF REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171027
2013 VOLKSWAGON TOUREG RECALL
NHTSA ODI report, 20180130
13% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The weld broke at the rear pre cat connection
NHTSA ODI report, 20240818
So thereâs a campaign to add a bracket to one of the catalytic converters. Thatâs great except I never knew about it and the thing they added the bracket to prevent happened to me.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231229
10% of complaints: wheels — 3 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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
2013 Volkswagen Touareg — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 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 2013 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 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.