Touareg (2nd)
Engine Reliability Ratings
EA390 VR6
3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.6L FSI
3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volkswagen Touareg regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
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. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toureg vehicles manufactured July 7, 2015 to March 3, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be improperly calibrated and, as a result, the TPMS may fail to warn the driver that the tire pressure is low. Additionally, the tire pressures printed on the Safety Certification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg problems?
The 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg has accumulated 250 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Wheels/Tires, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volkswagen Touareg engine is most reliable?
The 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.596000L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg a good used car?
The 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 250 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg have?
The 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg has 250 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Touareg?
Before buying a used Volkswagen Touareg, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Wheels/Tires, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Touareg have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 250 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.