2008 Volkswagen Touareg
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 25 of 56 complaints (45%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Engine include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 9 in 2007 to 56 in 2008.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | vs. 2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,850–5,550 | 4,850–5,550 | 4,850–5,550 | 4,500–5,150 | 4,500–4,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–17 | 14–17 | 14–17 | 15–20 | 16–20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12–15 / 17–20 | 12–15 / 17–20 | 12–15 / 17–20 | 13–17 / 18–24 | 14–18 / 19–24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–635 | 555–635 | 555–635 | 509–592 | 509–555 | |
| Complaints filed | 37 | 9 | 56 | 19 | 25 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg?
Fuel System: 25 of 56 NHTSA complaints (45%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg get?
EPA rates it 14–17 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2008 Volkswagen Touareg?
EPA estimates $4,850–$5,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg | $4,850 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 12 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 10 | 5.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 15 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | $5,250 | 599 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 25 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 8 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 17V151000 · Mar 9, 2017
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.
STRUCTURE:BODY · Campaign 09V248000 · Jul 2, 2009
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT WEDGES TO THE ROOF EDGE SPOILER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 08V035000 · Jan 29, 2008
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS CHANGED DURING PRODUCTION WHICH COULD LEAD TO INSUFFICIENT SEALING OF THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE CONNECTOR.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL · Campaign 07V285000 · Jul 3, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL IS MISSING THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) TO WARN DRIVERS OF SIGNIFICANT UNDER-INFLATION OF TIRES AND THE RESULTING SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE REQUIRED TPMS INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.