Fuel system
Free remedy
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2004 Volkswagen TouaregRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 231 owner complaints for the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. Most complaints involve power train (50) and electrical system (49). The EPA rates it 14–18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
14–18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Sep 2017
Owner complaints
231
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$5,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Seat belts
Free remedy
CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION. THE BELT MAY DEACTIVATE THE ALR MODE WITH CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINTS.
Seat belts: rear
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENTLY RIVETED.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
231 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2003 – Nov 2025
- Power train50
- Electrical system49
- Tires36
- Air bags27
- Fuel/propulsion system23
- Engine and engine cooling22
- Vehicle speed control22
- Suspension20
- Service brakes, hydraulic16
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
50 reports2 crashes1 fire
“( STARTED NOTICING THIS PROBLEM ABOUT 1 TO 2 YEARS AGO)WHILE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS IN 5TH GEAR AND SPEEDS OF UNDER 50 MI./HR, WHEN STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE AUTOMATIC DOWN SHIFT OCCURS WITH A VERY HARSH "KICK" TO A POINT THAT THE PASSENGERS FEEL THE JOLT. A FEW YEARS AGO, A SIMILAR PROBLEM REGARDING THE DOWN-SHIFT WAS SUBJECT OF RECALL WHICH THE DEALERS HAD TO INSTALL A "PATCH" ( UPDATED SOFTWARE) IN ORDER TO FIX THAT PROBLEM.”
Electrical system
49 reports4 fires
“My SUV was sitting for a few days at the airport and I when I got in the car, it started fine but the headlights, interior lights, power folding mirrors and the voltmeter were not working. I had to leave the car there since it was night time. The next day I drove it home in daylight and started checking fuses. I noticed two fuses (#2, #12) on the driver side fuse panel were failed. I replaced the #2, 5 amp, fuse and no changes were noticed. Then I replaced the #12, 25 amp, fuse and I heard a number of systems clicking and powering on; the lights flickered. Then I smelled burning and saw a puff of smoke come from under the dash. I immediately pulled the fuse . After troubleshooting, I found the body control module 7L6-937-049-K had caught fire internally and started to burn through the casing. Had I not pulled the fuse and disconnected the battery, this could have been catastrophic. Once I smelled the smoke, I realized it was like the acrid smell in the suv the night before. The fact the fuse blew the previous day saved the vehicle. It was parked on the fourth floor of parking garage at the airport so many vehicles could have been damaged and people endangered…”
Tires
36 reports1 fire
“WE HAVE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG WHICH HAS HAD A CONTINUING PROBLEM SINCE JUNE 2009. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM CONTINUALLY COMES ON WITH LOUD AND SOMETIMES INTERMITTENT AND SOMETIMES CONTINUING BEEPING WARNING OF FLAT TIRES, OR THE SYSTEM IS "LEARNING". EACH WHEEL HAS A BATTERY OPERATED UNIT (WHEEL SENSOR) WHICH WILL NOT BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL THE BATTERY IS COMPLETELY DEAD. THERE IS A $75- CHARGE EACH TIME TO INFORM YOU THAT THE BATTERY IS NOT YET DEAD. IN THE MEANTIME YOU DRIVE ALONG WITH THE WARNING SIGNAL GOING OFF. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 5.0L 10-cyl turbo diesel · 3.2L 6-cyl · 4.2L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touareg Auto (S6), 10 cyl, 5.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $5,250 | 566 |
| Touareg Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,150 | 592 |
| Touareg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,550 | 635 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 1313
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2004 Touareg questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg have?
4 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2004 Volkswagen Touareg problems?
Owners filed 231 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (50), electrical system (49), tires (36). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg at 14–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026