Volkswagen Touareg
The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is a capable SUV with a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to a significant engine failure risk from water ingress.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2016 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | — | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| 2016 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive |
| 2015 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive |
| 2014 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive |
| 2013 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive |
| 2012 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive |
| 2011 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Seat rows | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | bodyAndInterior | mechanical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 2 | 4 | 113.9 | 21 | 21 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 113.9, Front wheel: 21, Rear wheel: 21 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2017 Volkswagen Touareg SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2016 | 2016 Volkswagen Touareg SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 2015 Volkswagen Touareg SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 2014 Volkswagen Touareg SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 2013 Volkswagen Touareg SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2017
NewestThe 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is a capable SUV with a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to a significant engine failure risk from water ingress.
2016
The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg offers a refined driving experience and robust capability, but is marred by significant reliability concerns, particularly a recurring engine failure mode due to water ingestion.
2015
The 2015 Volkswagen Touareg is a capable SUV with a luxurious interior, but its "Below Average" reliability verdict and significant risk of engine water ingestion make it a high-risk used purchase.
2014
The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg is a capable SUV with a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to significant issues with its steering system.
2013
The 2013 Volkswagen Touareg presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to persistent steering issues and potential fuel system failures, especially in TDI models.
2012
Approach with caution: the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg's below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant safety concerns related to the brake system and a high volume of complaints regarding its fuel and electrical systems.
2011
The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to a critical brake pedal recall and recurring fuel system issues.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Volkswagen Touareg?
Carfocal currently has 7 published Touareg reports, covering 2011 through 2017. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is a capable SUV with a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to a significant engine failure risk from water ingress.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.
Is the Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Volkswagen Touareg. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2017 volkswagen touareg is a capable suv with a 'below average' reliability verdict, primarily due to a significant engine failure risk from water ingress. and the 2017 volkswagen touareg can represent a value proposition for buyers who prioritize its premium features and driving dynamics, provided they are fully aware of and prepared for the significant risk of costly engine repairs stemming from water ingestion. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
7 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Touareg?
Across Carfocal's published Touareg guides, recurring problem areas include Engine, Steering System, and Cooling System. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Engine, Steering System, and Cooling System.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 7
- Years tracked
- 7
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints