2016 VOLKSWAGEN Touareg Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE

20 complaints

2016 Touareg was towed to OStein VW service after engine would not accelerate and ran rough when got onto the interstate. OStein VW diagnostic was water into the air filter that got into engine and now need to replace engine block because of water getting into the air filter from the rain drain system system getting clogged for the Touareg. VW Service says can hear engine valves chattering. I see at NHTSA that at least 60 other complaints have been filed about this problem of water getting into the air filter.

Jun 21, 2021

There is an ongoing issue with the drain from the air cleaner box clogging and water collecting in the box and then being ingested into the engine. On other occasions I had drained water from the box and changed the wet air filter to a dry one. Today (5/26/2021) I pulled out of my driveway and car started stalling. I got a transmission fault notification and immediately returned to my home. After raising the hood I noticed a noise from the left side of the engine bay and checked the drain for the air cleaner box. It was of course clogged. I opened the air cleaner box and approximately 6" of water ran out of the box. I restarted the engine and no longer had a transmission fault but an engine management warning. The engine while running was running roughly. I contacted the nearest VW dealership and they stated that this was a known issue, that there was no recall, that VW had come up with a "fix" for the issue and that, of course it was not covered under the powertrain warranty. The vehicle is not driveable and will be towed to the dealership for diagnosis and repair.

May 26, 2021

VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. WOULD DESCRIBE THE FEELING AS RANGING FROM A SHUDDER OR "HICCUP" TO A DROPPING SENSATION. OCCURS AT ANY POINT OF ACCELERATION - WHETHER FROM LOW RATE OF SPEED TO HIGH (AS IN ENTRANCE RAMP ACCELERATION) OR FROM CRUISING SPEED TO HIGHER CRUISING SPEED (AS WHEN SPEED LIMIT INCREASES). IDENTIFIED THIS SENSATION WITHIN WEEKS OF TAKING DELIVERY OF VEHICLE AND IT HAS CONTINUED.

Jan 27, 2021

ENGINE AIR FILTER COMPARTMENT FILLS WITH WATER UNDER NORMAL, IN-MOTION OPERATING CONDITIONS, LEAVING A SPONGY, MOLDY MESS OF THE AIR FILTER AND EXTREMELY POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE AS WELL AS ENGINE OVERHEATING DURING SUMMER MONTHS. HAVE REPLACED THE FILTER REPEATEDLLY. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW.

Nov 24, 2020

AT 18,293 MILES THE VEHICLE ENTERED "LIMP MODE" WHILE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE ENGINE AIR FILTER BEING SATURATED WITH WATER DUE TO A CLOGGED AIR BOX DRAIN HOLDING WATER. AT 26,054 MILES, THE FILTER WAS AGAIN FOUND TO BE SATURATED WITH WATER. THIS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE AIR FILTER A SECOND TIME. NORMAL AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT IS RECOMMENDED AT 60,000 MILES. AT LAST REPLACEMENT, VW DEALER "MODIFIED" THE AIR BOX DRAIN TO IMPROVE DRAINAGE

Oct 20, 2020

+ 15 more complaints for this component

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

Vehicle manufacture (Volkswagon) has quit supplying/manufacturing a safety guidence parts for my auto. 7P6-907-217-BX-Z1Y Collision Avoidance Camera NOT AVAILABLE i would like my anti Self collision guidance repaired, but no parts for my 8-9 year old car. part was on order (from 2024) and notified today NOT available and local car dealership order was cancelled. i might understand if I had hit a 10year threshold, but sure hurts now.

Feb 05, 2025

My ACC/AEB went out over 2 years ago. At the time this vehicle was out of warranty. The dealer ordered the part (camera) and charged me for it. I waited over a year for the part. During this time VW lost a class action lawsuit regarding this and notified me that this was now going to be covered under warranty. I returned to the dealer to file the warranty claim. Warranty claim is now 6 months old and VW still has no news on getting parts and repairing this safety feature.

Jan 21, 2025

car has a design flaw. If car sits in the sun the emergency stop braking system will fail due to heat. The camera/computer board is mounted in the ceiling behind the rearview mirror. when the sun is out the system will fail do to heat. This problem is in Volkswagons, Audi's and Porche's with various models. The issue is described in detail in multiple blogs and car clubs. I bought the car used. I think this system is as important for safety as airbags. As a 2 stage safety feature to avoid an accident. This failure also affects the Adaptable Cruise Control. Car color and climate affect this system. Volkswagon has an AEB recall but refuses to acknowledge the design flaw. Problem keeps occurring.

Aug 22, 2024

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS A COLD FRONT APPROACHED, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO 17 DEGREES. ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A LOUD SOUND, LIKE A GUNSHOT AND IMMEDIATELY GLASS FELL ON OUR HEADS. THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON AS THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND US. IT WAS A SCARY INCIDENT WITH MY FAMILY ONBOARD. ONLY MINOR GLASS CUTS WERE SUFFERED, MOSTLY ON THE HANDS AND WE WIPED THE GLASS PIECES OFF OURSELVES. OUR DRIVING SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES/HOUR, THROUGH OPEN FIELDS (NO BUILDINGS OR CONSTRUCTION NEARBY) ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY.

Feb 16, 2021

Injuries: 3

SUNROOF LEAKS AND WATER ACCUMULATES IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL PLUS GROWS MOLD MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE

Jul 23, 2020

SUNROOF LEAKING MOISTURE INTO CAR AND VW REFUSES TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. MOLD GROWING IN A ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENT COULD BE TOXIC. AFTER DEALER RETURN MY VEHICLE FROM ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT STILL ISN'T FIXED, AFTER HAVING IT PARKED ON THEIR LOT 17 DAYS, I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED MOISTURE IN THE VEHICLE. THIS TIME THE DEALER HAS HAD IT 8 DAYS AND COUNTING AND REFUSES TO FIX THE SUNROOF DRAINS. *TR

Jun 23, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

I was driving to lunch one day when my 2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI stalled in the middle of the road and was not able to be restarted due to a failed CP4 HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) this repair was major and everything that the diesel fuel touches was replaced such as fuel pump, lift pump, all fuel lines, fuel filter canister, injectors, fuel rails, etc…

Sep 10, 2023

AFTER DRIVING ON A SHORT TRIP. I SMELLED AND NOTICED DIESEL LEAKING FROM DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WELL. LOOKING MORE CLOSELY NOTICED DIESEL HAD BEEN LEAKING WHILE DRIVING SPLATTERING ON UNDERSIDE AND SIDE OF VEHICLE.

Nov 17, 2015

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

SINCE THE TDI FIX I HAVE EXPERIENCED TWO INCIDENTS OF POWER LOSS AND THEN THE ACTIVATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE 1ST INCIDENT OCCURRED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLOW SPEED. THE LOSS OF POWER WAS FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. VW CALLED IT A GLITCH NOT RELATED TO THE TDI FIX, AND RESET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED 33 DAYS LATER ON A SURFACE STREET. I WAS IN TRAFFIC AT 40 MPH AND THE CAR HAD A RAPID DROP IN SPEED. I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR WHICH RESULTED IN A SLOW ACCELERATION. FULL POWER RESTORED IN ABOUT A MILE OF "LIMP IT" TO WORK DRIVING. LATER THE SAME DAY THE ISSUE RETURNED AND THE DPF LIGHT CAME ON AND MADE THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. I FEEL THE TDI FIX HAS MADE MY CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE THE FIX I'VE HAD 3 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WARNINGS IN 10 MONTHS. I'M THANKFUL MY RECENT POWER LOSS DID NOT OCCUR ON THE FREEWAY. ITS A TRAGEDY WAITING TO HAPPEN. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AWAITING REPAIRS.

Mar 17, 2019

SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. THE EXPLOSION WAS UPWARDS. THE CAR HAS A PANORAMIC ROOF AND THE FRONT SLIDING SECTION IS THE ONE THAT EXPLODED. NO ROCK CHIP OR OTHER IMPACT TO ROOF. THIS IS A 2016 BUT PURCHASED "NEW" ON 1/8/18 FOLLOWING VW DIESEL 3.0 FIX AND COURT AUTHORIZATION TO SELL.

Jan 22, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The car will stop (while driving) for no apparent reason. “Phantom Braking”. This is without any known objects/people approaching our vehicle. It’s a part of the electronic automatic braking system but obviously it is not programmed correctly. It is DANGEROUS. A brief review on internet shows these sudden stops have caused accidents (people rear ending vehicle after sudden stops). Cars have also had to move quickly off highway to avoid collision. Another issue: the Panoramic Sunroof has had frequent issues with water leaks. We’ve already had to pay for one such leak ($1000) and now face payment for a second serious leak which they can’t seem to fix. Internet searches show that VW Corporation has known about this manufacturing defect since 2016 but has “hidden” these manufacturing defects from customers. These leaks have caused pools of water to form in the trunk (under spare tire). The pool of water inside vehicle can range up to 1.5 feet and more! We’ve heard issues that if not caught sooner, these leaks case severe damage to electrical systems (battery, etc…) due to excess water in vehicle. It burns out electrical systems. To our knowledge, VW will take NO RESPONSIBILITY. People who own these cars have to pay for the fixes. Very expensive fixes which are not working. We no longer feel safe driving this car. VW will not offer us a solution.

Nov 13, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

My lane assist camera is not functioning and Volkswagen is telling me the part is now obsolete and can't be repaired. It is part #7p6907217bxz1y. I took it to Pompano Volkswagen on 4/4/24 and have been waiting for the part which has been out of stock and they (Gunther Volkswagen since Pompano closed) just told me on 8/8/25 the part is no longer available and offer no solution to fix this issue. Seems very odd that a car manufacture would be allowed to not supply a replacement part or be able to fix the problem for a car that is 8 years old. Especially for such an important feature like lane assist and collision avoidance systems - how am I supposed to sell a car without these features functioning? I have contact Volkswagen Corporate Customer Care without any avail as well.

Aug 16, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

UNKNOWN- simply picking up my kids and various alerts came on the dashboard including the ABS brakes error, Parking brake error, and others that I am not sure of. I just bought this suv on Friday from DCH Acura of Montclair, NJ/ Lithia Motors in Verona, NJ [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

May 19, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

Rear viewing camera does not display when vehicle is placed in reverse.

May 06, 2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

The windshield camera that is responsible for the imaging used for many of the system on the 2016 Touareg is a high failure item and has been constituently backordered from VW. When this camera fails, the advanced systems that were part of this option fail to operate. This includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The system does provide warning notifications, but they may occur at any time and there is no confidence the system is working. These notifications overtake other system displays making it difficult or even hazardous to navigate vehicle system menus at times. In addition, this vehicle does not offer standard cruise control, which can accelerate driver fatigue due to the loss of this basic and common feature. The original part on this vehicle is not available used in the USA, or from VW USA. There is a company in Aus that repairs them, but in this particular instance, it appears the repaired unit has failed as well now. This system is very expensive to recalibrate, adding to the expense of the repair, especially without new parts available there is little route to be able to remedy this situation permanently for a safety device that is expected and was an added cost option on this model. Much of the diagnostic work has been performed by myself as I am a Master Automotive Technician.

Jan 10, 2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

Random engine hesitancy reducing acceleration while driving. Vehicle maintained by the dealer for all scheduled maintenance and service visits. Within 30 days of a manufacture's repair that dealt with the HVAC and air filter AND a service visit to change oil and rotate tires, the hesitancy during driving was more pronounced. The dealer's service center stated the air filter was flooded from an HVAC leak and a clog. I have found similar owners have had problems like this and VW will not address it systemically. I otherwise enjoy my vehicle, but am concerned that it will not accelerate when needed and is potentially dangerous without warning. It should not take loss of life or property to have this corrected.

Mar 29, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

There was a big rain last week locally. I drove through a couple big puddles but nothing that's super uncommon for the area. Almost immediately, my car's electric components started going crazy. ACC stopped working completely. Lane assists aren't working. There was an error that I think was shift lock, but it was red, and the car was driving really weird.

Feb 09, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Electronic Parking Brake lever light was flashing and dashboard showed parking brake error message. Drove car to VW Dealership, which diagnosed problem as likely bad Parking Brake Control Module (Part J540). Dealership ordered part, and stated I could drive car home. Within 1 mile of dealership, parking brake engaged automatically abruptly slowing car and error flashed on dash stating "Disengage Parking Brake." Pulled over, turned car off and back on, which disengaged parking brake. Returned to dealership and left car until it could be repaired. Had I been on the interstate traveling at a higher rate of speed, this may have caused an accident.

Nov 24, 2021

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

NTHSA folks, Two months ago, I began getting an "Error Airbag" amber warning in the Touareg's driver-information display. I visited the dealer and was told "the airbag module" (volkswagen-2016-volkswagen-touareg-control-module-7p0959655g08p) was the issue. I was told they'd order the part, only to hear back later: "There are none in the U.S. and it'll take 5-8 weeks to get one from. Europe." This has since been updated with "We have no idea if or when this part will be available." As a consequence, it appears I must simply wonder whether the airbags will deploy if needed, which strikes me (no pun intended) as irresponsible on VW's end, particularly since it concerns a safety-related failure. Indeed, if this part is so unavailable, it would seem that either many owners are experiencing the same problem, or the problem is extremely rare. (I believe it's the former.) Anyway, I bring this to NHTS' in the hope of getting clarification and/or assistance. And ideally helping find a way to restore full airbag functionality. Thank you for your time. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Aug 06, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2016 VOLKSWAGEN TOUREG (VIN # XXXXXX) PURCHASED 5/25/2019. VROOM ASSURED ALL VEHICLES UNDERGO RIGOROUS INSPECTION AND WRITTEN GUARANTEE OF A CLEAN TITLE / NO FLOOD DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED ON 6/17/2019. ON 6/18/2019 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR A STANDARD PREPURCHASE INSPECTION. I PAID $150.64 FOR THIS SERVICE. THE INSPECTION REPORT RETURNED SEVERAL AREAS OF INTERNAL RUST IN THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD ONLY BE CAUSED BY SITTING IN WATER FOR EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME, AS WELL AS OTHER CONDITIONS CLEARLY INDICATIVE OF FLOOD DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD VISIBLE RUST ON THE INTERIOR OF ALL FOUR WHEELS, WHICH IS OBVIOUS INDICATOR OF A FLOODED VEHICLE. WE CONTACTED THE COMPANY ON 6/19/2019 TO LET THEM OUR INTENTION TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND PROVIDED A COPY OF THE INSPECTION REPORT. WE HAD NO ISSUE RETURNING THE VEHICLE AS WE WERE WELL WITHIN THE 7 DAY RETURN POLICY (CAN RETURN THE VEHICLE WITHIN 7 DAYS FOR ANY REASON). WE SPOKE TO MULTIPLE INDIVIDUALS DURING THE RETURN PROCESS, AS EACH STEP REQUIRED A DIFFERENT DEPARTMENT. ULTIMATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP BY VROOM AND WE SPOKE TO AN INDIVIDUAL OVER THE PHONE TO GO OVER THE RETURN PROCESS AND ISSUE OUR REFUND. THE CONTACT WE SPOKE TO INDICATED THAT THEY DID NOT FIND THE VEHICLE DAMAGED, AND STATED THEY WOULD LIST THE REASON FOR THE RETURN AS 'PREFERENCE' (ALLOWING THEM TO SELL THIS DAMAGED VEHICLE TO SOMEONE ELSE). THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS TO HAVE A RECORD OF THAT THIS VEHICLE, VIN # (XXXXXX) HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY WATER AND IS NOW BEING ATTEMPTED TO BE SOLD AS A CLEAN TITLED CAR TO AN UNSUSPECTING CONSUMER. AS OF 7/15/2019, THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY LISTED FOR SALE BY VROOM IN STAFFORD, TX. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Jul 15, 2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

DURING A RAIN STORM AND WITH MY WIFE DRIVING ON A BUSY NEIGHBORHOOD THROUGHWAY OUR 2016 VW TOUAREG LOST ALL POWER FROM THE ENGINE AND POWER STEERING. SHE WAS FORCED TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUSH THE CAR TO SAFETY. UPON RESEARCH WE LEARNED ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH WATER GETTING INTO THE AIR FILTER AND SUBSEQUENTLY INTO THE MOTOR. THE NEXT DAY, AFTER THE RAIN CLEARED I UNLATCHED THE AIR FILTER AND FOUND WATER POURING OUT OF THE FILTER BOX AND HAD COMPLETELY SATURATED THE AIR FILTER TO THAT OF A SOAKING WET SPONGE. I HAVE TOWED THE TOUAREG TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AM AWAITING THE DIAGNOSTICS. HOW COULD SUCH A SIMPLE FLAW REMAIN SUCH A MAJOR ISSUE WITH OUT ANY ACTION FROM VOLKSWAGEN? I ONLY HOPE I DO NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW MOTOR JUST BECAUSE WE DROVE IN A DAILY SUMMERTIME FLORIDA RAIN STORM.

Jul 01, 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

AFTER LESS THAN FOUR YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, AND OUTSIDE OF THE 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE(S) FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON, RENDERING THE ENTIRE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM INACTIVE. THE NATURE OF THE SAFETY SYSTEMS IN VOLKSWAGENS IS SUCH THAT IF ONE SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING, NONE WILL - THUS, THE 'FRONT ASSIST' COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM IS NO LONGER ACTIVE, WHICH IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ACTIVE SAFETY TECHNOLOGY IN THE TOUAREG. IN ADDITION, BASIC SPEED MODULATION OF CONVENTIONAL CRUISE CONTROL IS ALSO UNAVAILABLE. THE RELIABILITY OF BASIC SYSTEMS SUCH AS CRUISE CONTROL SHOULD NOT BE CONTINGENT UPON IMMENSELY EXPENSIVE, AND OVERLY COMPLICATED TECHNOLOGICAL COMPONENTS.

Apr 25, 2019

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR, VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP. HAS FLUID, NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO DAMAGED CABLE

Nov 03, 2017

STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2016 TOUAREG TDI IN SEPTEMBER 2015. THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION HAS BECOME QUITE AN ISSUE AS IT IS GETTING WORSE THE LONGER I DRIVE IT. I HAVE HAD IT ROAD TESTED, WHEELS BALANCE TIRES ROTATED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND IT CONTINUES TO VIBRATE AT THE STEERING. I HAVE ONLY 4000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE VIBRATION BEGINS AROUND 45-50 MPH. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT TYPE OF SURFACE. I CALLED VW OF AMERICA THEY SET UP ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. NOT ONLY IS THIS VIBRATION WRONG IT IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR, AND POSSIBLY A BLOW OUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.

May 25, 2016

⭐

4.7/5.0

26 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Touareg have?

The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Touareg currently has 44 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Touareg?

The most common problems reported for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Touareg are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Touareg problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Touareg comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.