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
2010 Volkswagen TouaregRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 25 owner complaints for the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (13) and engine (7). The EPA rates it 16–20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16–20mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Mar 2017
Owner complaints
25
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
25 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2011 – Oct 2024
- Fuel/propulsion system13
- Engine7
- Fuel system, diesel4
- Electrical system2
- Power train2
- Air bags1
- Service brakes1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Tires1
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 13, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
13 reports
“Previous recall in 2017 regarding fuel filter housing cracks and seals has failed. In 2017 it was approved to allow VW to use cellophane sticky tape to cover the fuel filter crack in plastic housing. It has failed. The car has 43,000 miles, the cabin has strong odor smell. The left rear wheel arch has extremely strong gasoline smell. How was VW able to get approval to fix a serious fuel leak with sticky tape?”
Engine
7 reports
“my 2010 vw touareg tdi 3.0 have 2 service campaign 23r3 and 26k2 which is commonly known for vw tdi diesel scandal. i took my car to vw they said they will replace the catalytic converts and knox sensors. and the ad blue box. today i got a call stating that my car will not get a catalytic converter that's epa compliant. and they can only do computer software and replce 2 glow plugs out of the 6 and that's cant be done before i replace a knox sensor which is the service campaign is for then when the check engine light is off i can take it back to vvw to replace the parts and program the computer. or pay then $900 for that sensor.”
Fuel system, diesel
4 reports
“AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE PASSING LANE. VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS LUCKY TRAFFIC ALLOWED ME TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD ALTHOUGH SEMI TRUCK WAS ON MY SIDE WHEN IT DIED. VEHICLE TOWED TO FIND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF FUEL SYSTEM. REPAIR REPLACED WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM ($10,000 VALUE). DEALER ADVISED THIS IS DUE TO BIO DIESEL PURCHASED IN ILLINOIS. FUEL PUMP DESTRUCTS AND VEHICLE FAILS. VW ACKNOWLEDGED THE FUEL ISSUE BUT NEVER SAID THIS WHEN WE PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW. VERY UNSAFE AND VEHICLE IS ONLY USED FOR LOCAL USE UNTIL WE CAN SELL OR TRADE IN. WE WERE LUCKY.... VW TECH TOLD ME TO FILE WITH NTSB AS HE HAS SEEN MANY OF THESE. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- 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 13, 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 | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,600 | 509 |
| Touareg Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,700 | 555 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 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 2010 Volkswagen Touareg as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026Vehicle 5552
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.
2010 Touareg questions
How many recalls does the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 13, 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 2010 Volkswagen Touareg problems?
Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (13), engine (7), fuel system, diesel (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg at 16–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026