2004 Volkswagen Touareg recalls and problems

The 2004 Volkswagen Touareg has 4 safety recalls and 231 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
231
Crashes / fires
9 / 5
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

Recall 17V-583: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Sep 20, 2017 · 73,941 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel filter flange for cracks, replacing the flange if cracks are found. If no cracks are found, a protective cover will be installed onto the filter flange. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Ai.

Recall 04V-592: Seat Belts

Reported Dec 15, 2004 · 50,483 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." all three rear seat positions and the front passenger position are equipped with seat belt retractors that have a locking feature which converts the retractor from an emergency locking retractor (Elr) mode to an automatic locking retractor (Alr) mode for the purposes of child restraint installation. The belt may deactivate the alr mode with certain child restraints.

Risk: When involved in a crash, the child restraints may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injuries or death.

Fix: Dealers will permanently install a 'clip' in each of the two rear outboard seat belts. The clips will prevent unwanted deactivation of the alr mode with child seat installations. The recall began on april 11, 2005. Owners should contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.

Recall 04V-233: Seat Belts

Reported May 19, 2004 · 24,269 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the rear seat belt latch attachment bolt may have been insufficiently riveted.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the belt buckle. Owner notification began on june 21, 2004. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Recall 03V-266: Electrical System

Reported Jul 25, 2003 · 670 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the tire pressure monitoring system (Tpms) wiring harness may have been improperly routed during assembly. An improperly routed TPMS wiring harness may contact the parking brake cable spring.

Risk: If this happens, the TPMS wiring circuit could be interrupted, resulting in an inoperative TPMS, and causing a short-to-ground condition that could potentially result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the TPMS wiring harness routing and, if necessary, correct the wiring harness routing. Owner notification began august 18, 2003. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-893-5298.

2004 Volkswagen Touareg problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System52
Power Train51
Tires38
Air Bags27
Vehicle Speed Control23
Fuel/Propulsion System23
Engine and Engine Cooling22
Suspension21
Service Brakes, Hydraulic16
Exterior Lighting13
Steering12
Fuel System, Gasoline10

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 26
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 23
  • Suspension › Front — 7
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 5
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 35,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Volkswagen Touareg complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 9, 2025
I have contacted Volkswagen about my recall over a month ago the man claimed he ordered the parts and would be in contact but has never contacted me ever since and since then my vehicle has completely stopped working and the gas smell is at a very dangerous level
Exterior Lighting · reported Oct 24, 2024
Hello: this is the 2nd VW TOUAREG this year to repair so far, this one is a 2004 model that I have had to replace complete left & right xenon headlamp assembly Very pricy. Wiring insulation turns brittle, cracks & falls off inside the headlamp assembly, This allows the bare wires to touch & short causing fuses to blow shutting off headlamps while driving at night. This I think should be recalled, I have fixed 5 of these TOUAREGs in 4 years for this same problem. THANK YOU 10/24/24
Electrical System · reported Apr 24, 2023
My SUV was sitting for a few days at the airport and I when I got in the car, it started fine but the headlights, interior lights, power folding mirrors and the voltmeter were not working. I had to leave the car there since it was night time. The next day I drove it home in daylight and started checking fuses. I noticed two fuses (#2, #12) on the driver side fuse panel were failed. I replaced the #2, 5 amp, fuse and no changes were noticed. Then I replaced the #12, 25 amp, fuse and I heard a number of systems clicking and powering on; the lights flickered. Then I smelled burning and saw a puff…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 130,000 miles · reported Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V583000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the fuel pump failed after the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine · reported Nov 25, 2021
Leaking gas caught on fire put it out but now I have no head lights no high beams replaced everything still nothing. All lights on dash go crazy kills battery all the time and had to replace something in the rear end. Overall it has cost me $2500 and I still have no headlights at all and leaking gas. It’s my only vehicle I hope next time it doesn’t catch back on fire could have been worse and still could be. Somebody could get hurt and I have kids.

Other Volkswagen Touareg years

Compare all Volkswagen Touareg years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg: 17V-583 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-592 (seat belts), 04V-233 (seat belts), 03V-266 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (52 reports), followed by power train (51). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 35,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.