AI Damage2009 Volkswagen Touareg: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg filed 19 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and fuel system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 19
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 42% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel system 16% of all complaints
- 3 Steering 16% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 11% of all complaints
- 5 Engine 11% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 11% of all complaints
- 7 Electrical system 5% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 8 complaints (42% of all).
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (16% of all).
- Steering: 3 complaints (16% of all).
- Air bags: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Engine: 2 complaints (11% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 4.2 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- 3 L · diesel · turbo · 6 cylnamed in 5 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 19 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
All electrical systems stopped working, including: Lighting - No Headlight/Running Light control- No Turn Signals- 4-Way Flashers worked, then stopped working- No Windshield Wipers- No interior Windshield defogger- No Side Window Control for manual traffic signals- Do not know if Brake Lights were working- Mechanic…
A fuel smell is detected in my vehicle, as noted in Repair Available for Safety Recall 20Z4 â Fuel Pump FlangeCertain 2007-2010 MY Volkswagen Touareg / NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V151000.
The dealership said the high pressure fuel pump failed (hpfp) which caused the engine to immediately stop. Luckily I was in an area where I could roll to a safe place and wasn't pulling a trailer like we often do. I was also lucky I was in an area with cell reception.
Started with faint smell of gas outside of vehicle on drivers side. The gas smell is strongest when vehicle has been parked for some time like over night. Developed overtime that the gas smell began to be smelled inside of the vehicle. Currently the gas smell is extremely strong both inside and outside of vehicle.
The dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle is cracking all the way around the air bag container. I fear safety and I am afraid that the air bag will pop out through the cracks and cause an injury or not be functional if needed.
The dash on the passenger side of the vehicle is cracking all the way around the airbag container. I fear that the airbag will be able to come lose and possibly cause injury or become non functional and thus unsafe when in need
While driving after refilling the diesel exhaust fluid with peak brand iso 22241-1 compliant def the no start in 450 mile warning came on. Take it in for service and the vw dealership replaces the pump, heater, and controller.
The problem was that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced at a cost of $1600. Unfortunately the warranty had just expired a week or so before & the dealer would not cover the repair. Then in july of 2013 (72913 miles) the prop shaft assembly had to be replaced costing $1400.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,437 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 23% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Touareg has 46 complaints (14 years in the data). This year has 19, below average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, steering. Total complaints: 19. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (37%), stalls while driving (16%), steering or power steering problems (16%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Volkswagen Touareg from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.