2014 Volkswagen TOUAREG problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
27 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
32,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2014 model year. Data snapshot: . 19 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 27 complaints (29.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 8 | 29.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 3.7% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 3.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 3.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 3.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 8 |
| Engine | 6 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Suspension | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Electrical System:Seat Heater:Mat | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
Steering: 8; Engine: 6; Electrical System: 3; Suspension: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Air Bags: 2; Electrical System:Seat Heater:Mat: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 9 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 9; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
2014: 3; 2015: 4; 2016: 5; 2017: 2; 2018: 3; 2019: 2; 2020: 2; 2021: 4; 2022: 1; 2024: 1
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10652770 · 2014-11-05 (November 5, 2014)
I PURCHASED A 2014 TOUAREG LUX TDI 3 DAYS AGO, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING PRETTY SERIOUSLY WHILE I WAS DRIVE AROUND 70 MILE PER HOUR. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 140 miles reported. Look up ODI 10652770 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10654436 · 2014-11-12 (November 12, 2014)
VEHICLE EXHIBITS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE BETWEEN 60-75MPH. IT DOES NOT FEEL STABLE OR SAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WITH NO FIX REMEDIED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10654436 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10852131 · 2016-03-29 (March 29, 2016)
VIBRATION IN DRIVE TRAIN. LOCAL DEALER PUT IN A NEW DRIVE TRAIN, THIS DID NOT WORK, THEN THEY PUT IN A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER, THIS DID NOT WORK. ALL UNDER WARRANTY (23,000 MILES ON A 20124 VW TOUAREG) NOW I AM GOING DIRECTLY TO VWOF AMERICA TO FILE A CASE. VW SAYS THIS IS NORMAL IN ALL NEW TOUAREGS. THIS IS NOT TRUE. IT DID NOT VIBRATE WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT IT AND IF YOU TEST DRIVE A NEW ONE ON THE LOT, IT DOES NOT VIBRATE. THE VIBRATIONS HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COASTING FROM 40 MPH TO 15 MPH, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING.
Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10852131 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11373836 · 2020-11-09 (November 9, 2020)
ENGINE AIR FILTER AND HOUSING ARE WET, THIS IS AN ONGOING EVENT. I REMEDY IT BUY BUYING A NEW FILTER, DRYING OUT THE HOUSING AND REPLACING THE WET FILTER. I AM AFRAID AT SOME POINT THE WATER WILL ENTER THE ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE AND PERHAPS AN ACCIDENT IF THE CAR STALLS.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11373836 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11427867 · 2021-08-05 (August 5, 2021)
I attempted to start the vehicle and the starter button clicked followed by a strong ozone electrical smell and copious smoke from under the hood. We called the local fire department but canceled the call as the smoke seemed to be clearing. VW dealer says the starter, alternator, battery and two wiring harnesses need to be replaced. Full details pending as they are still working on it but estimate cost of nearly $4000. This is a serious concern and was transporting my 92 year old Mom. Fortunately the burning stopped on its own. Please con…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11427867 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10705162 · 2015-04-12 (April 12, 2015)
SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. REQUIRED TOW TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED AS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE IN MY VW TOUAREG TDI (DIESEL). HAVE OWNED SUV 4 MONTHS AND ONLY 4000 MILES. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 4,046 miles reported. Look up ODI 10705162 at NHTSA ↗