2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.
What could happen: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 TOUAREG 2.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V151000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-893-5298.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. THE FASTENING STRUTS ON THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.
What could happen: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT WEDGES TO THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 TOUAREG 2.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09V248000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-822-8987.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Summary: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 14,416 MY 2007-2009 TOUAREG VEHICLES. THE FASTENING STRUTS ON THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT WEDGES TO THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Notes: VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO.66D6/S5. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS CHANGED DURING PRODUCTION WHICH COULD LEAD TO INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTOR.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 TOUAREG 2.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08V035000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-822-8987.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS CHANGED DURING PRODUCTION WHICH COULD LEAD TO INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTOR.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Notes: VWOA RECALL NO. 20N4 (R4). CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
4. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL IS MISSING THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS.
What could happen: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) TO WARN DRIVERS OF SIGNIFICANT UNDER-INFLATION OF TIRES AND THE RESULTING SAFETY PROBLEMS.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE REQUIRED TPMS INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 TOUAREG 2.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V285000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-893-5298.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL IS MISSING THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) TO WARN DRIVERS OF SIGNIFICANT UNDER-INFLATION OF TIRES AND THE RESULTING SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE REQUIRED TPMS INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
Notes: VW RECALL NO. N9. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (25), Electrical system (8), Engine (7), Lights (6), Seat belts (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/26/2024 · Electrical system · fire
I was driving the vehicle and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood I pulled over immediately and the whole engine compartment was on fire I tried to put fire but Fire department showed up and extinguish the fire, fire was due to a fuel leak
02/21/2023 · Electrical system · fire
Protective coating on wires in the headlight and turn signal assemblies crumbled and disintegrated, causing all the lighting components and ballast for HID lights, light level adjusters and the fuses and relays to short out, sparks and potential fire hazard.
07/14/2022 · Transmission / drivetrain
2008 Touareg 3.6L/V6 Intake Manifold/Valve Cover explosion.... March 2021, several incidents while driving vehicle would completely shut off/ loose power, with no prior warning or apparent cause, leaving driver at a total loss of steering control, as well as leaving vehicle completely disabled supposedly resulting from battery dying. Engine code scanner fi…
06/15/2021 · Suspension
During the time that I drive this vehicle, I noticed from early times that the steering wheel is likely to shake after certain speed, likely around 70+. I have consulted many VW dealership but they couldn't figure out the problem. I did some research online and found a lot of people have experienced similar issue. And it is concluded that this is very likel…
12/29/2020 · Fuel system
ON DECEMBER 28, 2020 I DETECTED THE DISTINCT ODOR OF GASOLINE OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF OUR 2008 VW TOUAREG WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY, NOT RUNNING. LATER WHILE DRIVING THE PUNGENT ODOR WAS ALSO DISCERNABLE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. A PICTURE OF THE TANK REFLECTS WETNESS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS MORNING DURING A CALL TO DONALDSON'S VW SERVICE, THEY RESPON…
11/30/2020 · Engine
UPON STARTING THE ENGINE IN MY 2008 VW TOUAREG AS NORMAL TO LEAVE, THE ENGINE TURNED OVER TO START, BUT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS TURNING OVER LONGER THAN USUAL. I GRABBED MY KEY IN THE IGNITION TO TURN IT OFF. A FEW SECONDS LATER, I HEAR A LOUD POP, FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A FEW PUFFS OF WHITE SMOKE EMERGE. I OPEN THE HOOD AND SEE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD EXPLODED…
10/09/2020 · Lights
WHILE DRIVING, FIRST SIDE MARKER AND RIGHT SIDE TURN SIGNAL BEGAN TO FAIL, THEN WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHT FAILED. UPON INSPECTION ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE FAILED COMPONENTS, INSULATION WAS CRUMBLING & NON- EXISTENT. IMMEDIATELY CHECKED THE LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. SAME CONDITION OF WIRE INSULATION FALLING OFF WIRES, CAUSING SHORTING OUT OF COMPONE…
07/27/2020 · Electrical system
INSULATION ON WIRES IN HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FALLS OFF WIRES CAUSING SHORTS AND DISABLES BOTH HEADLIGHTS CAUSING LOSS OF VISION AT NIGHT. THIS ALSO STOPS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. ALSO PLASTIC HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAZES AND SCRATCHES RESULTING IN POOR LIGHT BEFORE THE SHORTING WIRES DISABLE ALL HEADLIGHTS.