Fuel system, gasoline
Free remedy
Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD · 2 NHTSA variants
2008 Volkswagen TouaregRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 56 owner complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (23) and electrical system (8). The EPA rates it 14–17 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
14–17mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Mar 2017
Owner complaints
56
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Structure: body
Free remedy
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 14,416 MY 2007-2009 TOUAREG VEHICLES. THE FASTENING STRUTS ON THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.
Fuel system
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS CHANGED DURING PRODUCTION WHICH COULD LEAD TO INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTOR.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 14, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
56 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2008 – Nov 2024
- Fuel/propulsion system23
- Electrical system8
- Engine7
- Exterior lighting6
- Seat belts4
- Power train3
- Structure3
- Tires3
- Suspension2
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 14, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
23 reports2 fires
“I was driving the vehicle and noticed smoke coming out from under the hood I pulled over immediately and the whole engine compartment was on fire I tried to put fire but Fire department showed up and extinguish the fire, fire was due to a fuel leak”
Electrical system
8 reports3 fires
“Protective coating on wires in the headlight and turn signal assemblies crumbled and disintegrated, causing all the lighting components and ballast for HID lights, light level adjusters and the fuses and relays to short out, sparks and potential fire hazard.”
Engine
7 reports2 fires
“UPON STARTING THE ENGINE IN MY 2008 VW TOUAREG AS NORMAL TO LEAVE, THE ENGINE TURNED OVER TO START, BUT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS TURNING OVER LONGER THAN USUAL. I GRABBED MY KEY IN THE IGNITION TO TURN IT OFF. A FEW SECONDS LATER, I HEAR A LOUD POP, FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A FEW PUFFS OF WHITE SMOKE EMERGE. I OPEN THE HOOD AND SEE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD EXPLODED AND WAS IN PIECES.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 14, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 5.0L 10-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 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 14, 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 | 20 | 17 | $5,400 | 599 |
| Touareg Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,700 | 555 |
| Touareg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,350 | 635 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 14, 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 2008 Volkswagen Touareg as of Nov 14, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 14, 2026Vehicle 2788
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.
2008 Touareg questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg have?
4 safety recalls as of Nov 14, 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 2008 Volkswagen Touareg problems?
Owners filed 56 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (23), electrical system (8), engine (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg at 14–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 14, 2026