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
2009 Volkswagen TouaregRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (8) and steering (3). The EPA rates it 15–20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
15–20mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Mar 2017
Owner complaints
19
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
19 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2011 – Jun 2023
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Steering3
- Air bags2
- Engine2
- Power train2
- Fuel system, diesel2
- Electrical system1
- Exterior lighting1
- Visibility/wiper1
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 Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
8 reports
“A fuel smell is detected in my vehicle, as noted in Repair Available for Safety Recall 20Z4 – Fuel Pump FlangeCertain 2007-2010 MY Volkswagen Touareg / NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V151000.”
Steering
3 reports
“AS I WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY FLASHED A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION ON THE DASH AND STATED SERVICE NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED IMMEDIATELY. AS I WAS PULLING OVER TO SIDE, THE VEHICLE INSTANTLY STALLED OUT AND TURNED OFF. MY STEERING WAS COMPROMISED AND I HAD NO ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON OR MOVE THE SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC. I TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO AFTER INSPECTION DID NOT IMMEDIATELY KNOW THE REASON. THEY REACHED OUT TO VW OF AMERICA WHO CONFIRMED WITH THEM AN ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM REPLACEMENT WAS IN ORDER AS A RESULT OF A FAILED FUEL PUMP. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH MORE DANGEROUS SITUATION IF I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY OR GOING AT A FASTER SPEED. THE FACT THAT IT WAS DAYLIGHT OUT AND ON A STRAIGHT FLAT ROAD GREATLY ASSISTED ME IN STAYING SAFE. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED ON A BUSY INTERSECTION OR HIGH SPEED ROADS OR CURVES THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT. *TR”
Air bags
2 reports
“THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS CRACKING ALL THE WAY AROUND THE AIR BAG CONTAINER. I FEAR SAFETY AND I AM AFRAID THAT THE AIR BAG WILL POP OUT THROUGH THE CRACKS AND CAUSE AN INJURY OR NOT BE FUNCTIONAL IF NEEDED. THE CRACKS HAVE BEEN SPREADING SLOWLY OVER TIME REGARDLESS IF THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. CURRENTLY THE CRACKS ARE CLOSING IN TO THE FULL LINE AROUND THE AIR BAG CONTAINER. I WONDER WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE CRACK LINE IS COMPLETE. WILL THE AIRBAG POP OUT ON ITS OWN AND CAUSE AN INJURY? I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG PRESSURE IS CAUSING THE CRACKS.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 6-cyl · 4.2L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- All-Wheel 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 Oct 30, 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), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,700 | 509 |
| Touareg Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| Touareg Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 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 2009 Volkswagen Touareg as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 5310
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.
2009 Touareg questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg have?
2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 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 2009 Volkswagen Touareg problems?
Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (8), steering (3), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg at 15–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026