7 Best & Worst VW Touareg Years (Stats & Examples)

The Volkswagen Touareg has been a popular luxury SUV model since its introduction in 2002. 

Over the years, the Touareg has undergone multiple changes, with some years standing out as exceptional and others facing reliability and performance issues. 

In this article, we will explore the best and worst years of the VW Touareg, taking into account various factors such as reliability and consumer statistics. 

The Best and Worst Years for Volkswagen Touareg Are:

The best and most reliable VW Touareg years are 2010-2011 and 2017, with improved technology, more standard features, and excellent ride quality. The years to avoid are 2004-2005, 2007, and 2016 due to transmission issues, expensive repairs, and poor fuel economy.

What VW Touareg Years Are the Most Reliable?

​​When it comes to purchasing a car, reliability is a key factor for many buyers. Nobody wants to invest in a car that will break down frequently, leading to expensive repairs and hassle. 

For those interested in buying a used Touareg, it’s crucial to know which years are the most reliable. 

In this section, we will explore the most reliable years of the VW Touareg, taking into account expert reviews, owner feedback, and reliability ratings. 

2010-2011 VW Touareg

The 2010-2011 Volkswagen Touareg is a midsize luxury SUV that is generally well-regarded in terms of reliability. 

Expert reviews praise the SUV for its comfortable driving experience, refined interior, and impressive off-road capabilities. 

The vehicle also boasts good safety ratings and advanced features like:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• A rearview camera

In terms of reliability ratings, the 2010 Touareg received above-average scores in J.D. Power’s 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study. While the 2011 model year did not receive a reliability rating, the Touareg has a reputation for solid reliability overall.

Consumer reviews of the 2010-2011 Touareg are generally positive, with many owners appreciating the vehicles:

• Performance
• Build quality
• Spacious interior

While some owners have reported occasional electrical system and transmission problems, these seem relatively rare occurrences.

2017 VW Touareg

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg has also received generally positive reviews in terms of reliability.

Expert reviews praised the 2017 Touareg for its:

• Comfortable and refined driving experience
• Spacious and high-quality interior
• Strong and fuel-efficient diesel engine
• Smooth and responsive transmission

However, some experts noted that Touareg’s infotainment system could be slow and outdated.

According to owner feedback, the 2017 Touareg is generally a reliable vehicle with a high-quality build that is well-designed for both on-road and off-road driving. 

Some owners also noted that the Touareg is fuel-efficient, with the diesel engine offering excellent mileage.

J.D. Power gave the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg an overall reliability score of 3.5 out of 5, which is above average for its class. 

The 2017 Touareg’s build quality is generally high, with a sturdy chassis and a well-crafted interior. This is a testament to the vehicle’s reliability.

The Touareg also scored high in terms of its quality and reliability, with only a few reported problems related to the engine, transmission, and electronics.

Overall, while the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is not perfect, it generally received positive reviews in terms of reliability, with both experts and owners praising its build quality and performance.

What VW Touareg Years Should You Avoid?

When shopping for a used car, it’s important to know which years to avoid to save yourself from potential headaches and costly repairs. 

The Volkswagen Touareg, a luxury SUV model, has had its share of issues over the years, and there are certain years that buyers should be wary of. 

In this section, we will explore the Touareg years to avoid based on expert analysis, owner feedback, and reliability ratings. 

Please also check out our article about used car buyer demographics and trends [2023].

2004-2005 VW Touareg

The 2004-2005 Volkswagen Touareg has a poor reputation for reliability, with several reported issues that can be costly to repair. 

According to expert analysis from Consumer Reports and Edmunds, the vehicle’s complex engineering and advanced technology features have been cited as potential sources of problems. 

Owner feedback suggests that the 2004-2005 Touareg can be expensive to maintain and repair due to its many reported issues. 

Some owners have reported multiple breakdowns and repairs over the lifetime of the vehicle, with repair costs totaling thousands of dollars.

Here are some of the most common problems owners experience:

Engine: Many owners have reported engine failures, with some indicating that the engine needs to be replaced entirely. 

Transmission: Many have reported transmission failures, with some indicating that the entire transmission needs to be replaced. Some common issues include rough shifting, slipping gears, and problems with the torque converter.

Suspension: The Air suspension system has also been a source of reliability issues for many owners. Common problems include air leaks, which can cause the vehicle to sag or bounce while driving, and issues with the compressor and air springs.

Complex electrical system: Many owners have reported issues with sensors, including the oxygen sensor and the mass airflow sensor. Other common issues include problems with the power windows, sunroof, and dashboard displays.

Owing to these problems, Both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have given the 2004-2005 Touareg poor reliability ratings. 

Consumer Reports gave the 2004 Touareg a reliability rating of 1 out of 5, while the 2005 Touareg received a slightly higher rating of 2 out of 5. J.D. Power gave both the 2004 and 2005 Touareg models a below-average reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.

Overall, the 2004-2005 Volkswagen Touareg has a poor reputation for reliability, with many reported issues. 

While the vehicle offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, its advanced technology features and complex engineering can result in expensive and time-consuming repairs.

Prospective buyers of a 2004-2005 Touareg should carefully consider the vehicle’s reliability issues and potential repair costs before making a purchase decision.

2007 VW Touareg

The 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is a midsize luxury SUV that received mixed reviews from experts. 

While its comfortable driving experience and luxurious interior were praised, its handling was criticized, and its off-road capabilities were deemed inferior to some competitors.

The 2007 Touareg scored poorly in terms of its quality and reliability, with several reported problems related to the engine, transmission, and electronics.

The vehicle’s complex and sophisticated technology contributed to many of these issues, especially in the areas of:

• engine,
• transmission,
• electronics,
• and infotainment reliability.

According to expert reviews, the 2007 Touareg offered a comfortable and refined driving experience, with a luxurious and well-designed interior. 

However, some experts noted that the vehicle’s handling could be a bit clumsy, and it lacked the off-road prowess of some of its competitors.

Owners also reported mixed levels of satisfaction with the vehicle. 

Buyers considering a used 2007 Touareg should carefully evaluate its potential for reliability issues and expensive repairs.

2016 VW Touareg

Like the 2007 model, the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg also received mixed reviews from experts and owners. 

According to J.D. Power’s 2016 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Volkswagen Touareg received a below-average score for reliability. 

Some of the most common issues reports are related to:

• Engine and transmission: According to Consumer Reports, the vehicle suffers hard shifting, slipping, and rough gear changes. These issues can lead to costly repairs and affect the overall performance of the vehicle.
• Electronic and infotainment systems: Owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s GPS navigation system, audio quality, and other features. These issues can be frustrating for owners and impact the overall driving experience.

There have also been a few recalls issued for the 2016 Touareg, which may raise some concerns about its reliability and safety. 

In 2017, Volkswagen recalled some of the vehicles due to a fuel pump defect that could cause the engine to stall or fail to start. 

Another recall in 2018 addressed a potential defect in the brake pedal that could cause it to dislodge from its mount, affecting the vehicle’s ability to stop.

Consumer reviews of the 2016 Touareg on websites such as Edmunds and Cars.com also report various reliability issues, such as:

• Problems with the fuel system
• Suspension
• Electrical systems. 

Some owners have also reported experiencing problems with the vehicle’s keyless entry and start system, which can result in difficulty starting the vehicle or unlocking the doors.

Buyers should take all this into consideration when evaluating the 2016 Touareg as a potential vehicle option.

What Are Some Typical Problems With the VW Touareg Models?

While the Volkswagen Touareg is a popular luxury SUV, it has had its share of issues over the years. 

Here are some of the typical problems that owners may encounter with the VW Touareg:

• Musty smell
• Engine rattle
• Engine misfires and rough idling
• Grinding or squeaking noise from the front of the car
• Weak power and excessive fuel use
• Electric anti-lock problem
• Early brake pad wear
• Oil leak
• Gearbox problem
• Heavy vibration underneath the vehicle
• Turbo problem
• Loose steering rack

For a more in-depth analysis, please take a look at our article about common problems with WV Cars.

It’s worth noting that not all Touaregs will experience these issues, and many owners have had trouble-free experiences with their vehicles. 

However, these are some of the more common problems owners have reported over the years. 

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and regular inspections, can help mitigate these issues and keep your Touareg running smoothly.

Sources

Volkswagen Touareg Common Problems and Solutions

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ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.