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2017 Volkswagen Touareg Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg has 34 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.9/ 10

Based on 34 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

19 55.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 17.6%

STEERING

1 2.9%

SUSPENSION

1 2.9%

WHEELS

1 2.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 55.9% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 11 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg has 34 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 56% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg are ENGINE (19), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6), STEERING (1).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 23 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2016 Touareg complaints2015 Touareg complaints2014 Touareg complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 11 of 11 systems

ENGINE

19 Reports56% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WATER WAS FOUND IN THE AIR FILTER AND ENGINE. SERVICE ADVISER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN WATER. I REPLIED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BE DRIVEN IN HEAVY RAIN AND SITS OUTSIDE IN THE WEATHER. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE ADVISER THE ENGINE NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL MORE SIMILAR SITUATIONS. THIS SITUATION HAS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE AND SHUT DOWN.

5/23/2018

THE TOUAREG HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT HAVE THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE UNDER NEATH THE FRONT HEADLIGHT, WHICH, UNDER HEAVY RAIN, WILL LET WATER FLOW THOUGH TO THE INTAKE PIPE AND GET INTO THE ENGINE. I HAVE PERSONALLY VALIDATED THIS AS MY AIR FILTER GETS SOAKING WET AFTER A HEAVY RAIN. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN NUMEROUS BREAK-DOWN-IN-THE-ROAD REPORTS TO VOLKSWAGEN BUT THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO TAKE ANY ACTION.

6/26/2018

17 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER A RAINY NIGHT, GOT INTO MY CAR THE NEXT MORNING HEARD A WEIRD NOISE WHILE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, DROVE DOWN THE STREET AND CAR STARTING BUCKING, WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT BACK AND LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR...NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES CAR DIED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME, IT HAPPEN 9 MONTHS PRIOR. HAD ROADSIDE SERVICE PICK UP CAR AND BRING TO SERVICE. CALLED SERVICE THE NEXT MORNING AND WAS ACCUSED OF DRIVING MY CAR THROUGH WATER AND THE CAR FILTERS GOT WET AND POSSIBLE WATER NOW IN THE ENGINE. VW WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE! I NEVER DROVE IN STANDING WATER, THIS HAPPENED AFTER A RAINY NIGHT OF MY CAR SITTING ON MY FLAT DRIVEWAY. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER RAIN OR IN THE RAIN.

7/24/2018

WITH FAMILY IN VEHICLE THE CAR LOST POWER AND STALLED DURING A RAIN STORM. CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART AND WAS ON SIDE OF ROAD FOR LENGTH OF TIME AFTER ATTEMPTING TO RESTART. CAR RESTARTED AND THE IDLE WAS ROUGH AND KEPT HESITATING WAS NOT ABLE TO GET VEHICLE ABOVE 15 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM ADDED F FUEL ADDITIVE. UPON DRIVING HOME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN LOSING POWER WHILE IN MOTION AND DRIVING ABOVE 30 MPH VEHICLE STALLED AND LOSS OF POWER CAUSING AN UNSAFE SITUATION. I RETURNED TO THE VW DEALER AND THEY BROUGHT IT BACK INTO THE SHOP WHERE THEY VERIFIED THE ISSUE. THEY CONTACTED ME TODAY EXPLAINING THERE WAS WATER IN THE SEALED INTAKE THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. THEY WILL BE PERFORMING TESTS FOR ENGINE DAMAGE AND VERIFY SEVERITY OF ISSUE. UPON INVESTIGATION I HAVE FOUND SIMILAR DESIGN FLAWS IN THE 2017 VW TOUAREG AS REPORTS AND CLAIMS HAVE BEEN MADE. THEIR IS ALSO A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN VW CHINA. HAVING A VEHICLE STALL IN THE RAIN DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH WATER ENTERING THE AIR BOX IS TRULY DANGEROUS AND A SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY WELL BEING AND FAMILY.

7/23/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MY CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND IT HAS A VISIBLE SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WERE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT JUST KEEPS COMING BACK. EVENTUALLY VW CUSTOMER SERVICE IS SAYING THAT IT IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND I AM NOT THE ONLY AFFECTED PERSON, THERE ARE EVEN VIDEOS PUBLISHED TO SHOW THE PROBLEM , AND VW IS TRYING TO AVOID ADMITTING IT IS A DEFECT. THEY EVEN WANTED ME TO TRY ANOTHER CAR ON THE LOT WHICH HAD A SIM LAB PROBLEM AND THE SHOP FOREMAN AT IDE VW SAID HE HASN'T SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND HE IS SURPRISED AND THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THAT PROBLEM.

5/9/2018

SUSPENSION

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MY CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND IT HAS A VISIBLE SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WERE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT JUST KEEPS COMING BACK. EVENTUALLY VW CUSTOMER SERVICE IS SAYING THAT IT IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND I AM NOT THE ONLY AFFECTED PERSON, THERE ARE EVEN VIDEOS PUBLISHED TO SHOW THE PROBLEM , AND VW IS TRYING TO AVOID ADMITTING IT IS A DEFECT. THEY EVEN WANTED ME TO TRY ANOTHER CAR ON THE LOT WHICH HAD A SIM LAB PROBLEM AND THE SHOP FOREMAN AT IDE VW SAID HE HASN'T SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND HE IS SURPRISED AND THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THAT PROBLEM.

5/9/2018

WHEELS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MY CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND IT HAS A VISIBLE SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WERE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT JUST KEEPS COMING BACK. EVENTUALLY VW CUSTOMER SERVICE IS SAYING THAT IT IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND I AM NOT THE ONLY AFFECTED PERSON, THERE ARE EVEN VIDEOS PUBLISHED TO SHOW THE PROBLEM , AND VW IS TRYING TO AVOID ADMITTING IT IS A DEFECT. THEY EVEN WANTED ME TO TRY ANOTHER CAR ON THE LOT WHICH HAD A SIM LAB PROBLEM AND THE SHOP FOREMAN AT IDE VW SAID HE HASN'T SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND HE IS SURPRISED AND THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THAT PROBLEM.

5/9/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

AFTER A RAINY NIGHT, GOT INTO MY CAR THE NEXT MORNING HEARD A WEIRD NOISE WHILE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, DROVE DOWN THE STREET AND CAR STARTING BUCKING, WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT BACK AND LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR...NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES CAR DIED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME, IT HAPPEN 9 MONTHS PRIOR. HAD ROADSIDE SERVICE PICK UP CAR AND BRING TO SERVICE. CALLED SERVICE THE NEXT MORNING AND WAS ACCUSED OF DRIVING MY CAR THROUGH WATER AND THE CAR FILTERS GOT WET AND POSSIBLE WATER NOW IN THE ENGINE. VW WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE! I NEVER DROVE IN STANDING WATER, THIS HAPPENED AFTER A RAINY NIGHT OF MY CAR SITTING ON MY FLAT DRIVEWAY. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AFTER RAIN OR IN THE RAIN.

7/24/2018

POWER TRAIN

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving the power train was seriously impacted, it is no longer operational and available for inspection at the dealer now. This is absolutely a safety risk as there was power loss and inconsistency which could have been very dangerous depending on the level of control required by the traffic conditions. The dealer has diagnosed and insurance is scheduled to inspect. the manufacturer has been requested by us to do a root cause but no response from them - this is apparently a known issue (class action lawsuit) that has not been official recognized as a recall. a transmission warning came on prior to the failure.

8/19/2021

SEATS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Power seat reclining function on passenger and driver side. Due to the top of the adjustment lever being positioned too close to the top of the set cushion, if you sit on the edge of the seat, the seat back will continue to recline until you get up if you notice it or it hits the back seat bottom cushion. if there is a child in the back seat it could cause injury. My daughter almost had her legs crushed when my mom delayed exiting the vehicle with the passenger door open and sitting partially on the seat. She did not even notice the seat reclining until it hit my daughters knees.

9/2/2022

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

When coming to a stop with the AutoHold activated, sometimes it comes to an abrupt stop instead of a smooth stop. Also when you have Autohold engaged, when you come to a stop and put the car in park, disconnect the seatbelt the parking brake engages(expected), however when you turn the car off (after you've already removed your foot from the break pedal) it slightly releases and reengages the brake causing a slight movement of the vehicle.

9/2/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While using Adaptive Cruise Control, vehicle intermittently displays "ACC not available" cruise control completely disengages and does not allow for traditional cruise control functions. Typically ACC begins to function again after about 5 mins or by powering off and powering on vehicle. Vehicle has never been in an accident. All incidents occur in Southern California. Situation when it disengages can pose safety risk to due sudden loss of propulsion while keeping up with traffic, especially frightening when driving at an incline, i.e. Grapevine. Message is intermittent and can turn on 10 minutes into a drive or two hours into a drive. Unable to show dealer message. No advanced notice of ACC failing or issue with vehicle. Vehicle has had all maintenance done with dealer. No modifications to any component.

1/30/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While using Adaptive Cruise Control, vehicle intermittently displays "ACC not available" cruise control completely disengages and does not allow for traditional cruise control functions. Typically ACC begins to function again after about 5 mins or by powering off and powering on vehicle. Vehicle has never been in an accident. All incidents occur in Southern California. Situation when it disengages can pose safety risk to due sudden loss of propulsion while keeping up with traffic, especially frightening when driving at an incline, i.e. Grapevine. Message is intermittent and can turn on 10 minutes into a drive or two hours into a drive. Unable to show dealer message. No advanced notice of ACC failing or issue with vehicle. Vehicle has had all maintenance done with dealer. No modifications to any component.

1/30/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

Sources
Show 15 sources
  • vwproblems.com
  • edmunds.com
  • fuelly.com
  • car-emissions.com
  • kbb.com
  • cars.com
  • iihs.org
  • autodoc.co.uk
  • kbb.com
  • howsafeisyourcar.com.au
  • vehiclescore.co.uk
  • vinitel.com
  • jdpower.com
  • reddit.com
  • howsafeisyourcar.com.au
MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is ENGINE, with 19 owner reports. That is about 56% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING.

Are complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 23 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg severe?

23 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Touareg: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
34
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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