Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2015 Volkswagen TouaregRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg. Most complaints involve engine (14) and forward collision avoidance (4). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest May 2018
Owner complaints
24
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Unknown or other

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Unknown or otherReported May 16, 2018NHTSA 18V329000

Service brakes

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Mar 24, 2016NHTSA 16V170000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

24 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2016 – Jul 2024
  1. Engine14
  2. Forward collision avoidance4
  3. Lane departure2
  4. Fuel/propulsion system2
  5. Tires2
  6. Engine and engine cooling1
  7. Structure1
  8. Power train1
  9. Visibility/wiper1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Touareg model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2004231
200575
200637
20079
200856
200919
201025
201116
201228
201330
201427
201524
201645
201724
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

14 reports
“Today, engine completely cut off in the middle of traffic (20-30 MPH), loss of power steering and breaking power. Engine dashboard yellow message appeared. I experience this several times before and previously brought to the attention of VW service department and some ECU repairs and engine sensor repairs were done - but the problem continues to happen. Sometimes engine cuts off simply at idle (e.g. waiting at traffic light) but loss of engine power together with power steering and breaks is very concerning when driving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2021EngineODI 11432008

Forward collision avoidance

4 reports
“Collision Avoidance Camera (Part Number: 7P6907217BZ1Y) has failed. The camera is still on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. All front assist/safety systems are unavailable, including cruise control. Systems are designed specifically to prevent collisions. The dealer (Volkswagen of Corpus Christi) has confirmed the issue as of September 4, 2023. The control module is failing all over the world, on various vehicle brands (Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen) and models. A replacement is not available, new or used. This was confirmed by the dealership.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 5, 2024Forward collision avoidanceODI 11599305

Lane departure

2 reports
“The Driver Assistance System (Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Avoidance, AEB, and Lane Departure/Lane Keeping system) all do not work. The VW dealers have said the Front Collision Avoidance Camera is not working. The system was intermittently working, then stopped working on the interstate highway in the left lane. The car failed to warn/slow/break automatically while the ACC function was activated, forcing me to engage the brakes manually to avoid a collision. The ACC/Front Collision warning light goes on now but did not when it first malfunctioned, and still only goes on intermittently but the system does not work at all. I had two local VW dealers check out the Driver Assist system. One said the entire system is not working. Another said the fault codes are emanating from the Front Collision Avoidance Camera. This is VW part 7P6907217BZ1Y. I ordered the part in November 2023 from a OKC VW dealer online (since it was the best price.) They then told me the part was unavailable/on back order. However, it has been 7 months and there is no ETA on the part availability. The dealer sent me a text message exchange with VW and that is what VW told the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 20, 2024Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureODI 11595530
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
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
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Touareg
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
202923$4,000445
Touareg
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
172319$3,950462
  • Touareg
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    20 city · 29 hwy · $4,000/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Touareg
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,950/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026Vehicle 9800
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2015 Touareg questions

How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg have?

2 safety recalls 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 2015 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (14), forward collision avoidance (4), lane departure (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Volkswagen Touareg at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026