2016 Volkswagen Touareg Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg offers a comfortable ride and capable all-wheel-drive system, making it a competent SUV for various conditions.
- Potential buyers should be aware of significant reliability concerns, particularly regarding engine issues related to water ingestion.
- Two recalls were issued, one critical for the brake pedal and another for the TPMS, underscoring the need for thorough pre-purchase inspection.
- The high number of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) suggests a complex vehicle with numerous potential issues.
2016 Volkswagen Touareg
Critical Failure Risk
Water enters the air filter housing, saturating the filter and potentially leading to engine stalling, loss of power, or hydrolock. This is a design flaw where water from the headlight area can be funneled into the air intake.
Early detection can help you avoid a $2,000-$8,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers who prioritize a comfortable and capable SUV experience.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2016 Volkswagen Touareg Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Transmission
- Automatic (S8)
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- EPA Combined MPG
- 19
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Most Common Issues
1. ENGINE
Most reportedUsage: 22 reports
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Usage: 6 reports
First Service Interval
- Engine Oil and Filter Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Brake System Inspection - Tire Rotation - Inspect Adblue Fluid - Inspect Hybrid Components - Inspect Windshield Wiper & Washer Systems - Reset Service Interval Indicator/Display
Est. shop cost: $150 - $250
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FAQ
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is 8.5/10. Reliability score is 8.5/10. NHTSA recalls: 2. Owner complaints: 67.
How practical is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 19 MPG.
What is the overall score for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is 6.3/10. Overall score is 6.3/10 (Mixed). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 7.9/10. Tuning 3.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Engine Oil and Filter Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Brake System Inspection - Tire Rotation - Inspect Adblue Fluid - Inspect Hybrid Components - Inspect Windshield Wiper & Washer Systems - Reset Service Interval Indicator/Display at 10,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $750 - $950. Repair prediction highlight: Engine (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $2,000 • Max: $8,000).
What engine is in the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
Engine specs list 6 • 3.6.
What transmission does the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg, transmission is Automatic (S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
EPA combined estimate is 19 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
What body style is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S8).
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 3/10. The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg, while a capable SUV, presents a challenging platform for performance tuning.
What are the most common engine problems on the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
Top complaint category: engine (22 reports, 32.8% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
This model year has 2 official safety campaigns listed.
Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
Alternatives listed in this guide: 2016 Lexus RX and 2016 Acura MDX.