Does the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg, the most recent reported on May 16, 2018 (Unknown or other). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg?

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (4 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (4).

How many 2011 Volkswagen Touareg complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 16 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg recalls and problems

2 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

Unknown or other

NHTSA campaign 18V329000 · reported May 16, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 252 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

NHTSA campaign 16V170000 · reported March 24, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 46,574 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine4
Fuel/propulsion system4
Steering3
Unknown or other3
Fuel system, diesel2
Air bags1
Electrical system1
Power train1
Vehicle speed control1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 4, 2021 · Engine
On my 2011 VW Touareg TDI there is an exhaust leak. Can be smelled within seconds of starting it. A turbo/EGR pipe cracks and the result is a serious exhaust leak under hood right next to where air is drawn into the cabin for HVAC. Parts are backordered with no ETA. Even though when driving there is exhaust getting…

Mar 19, 2021 · Engine · 100,032 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF NORWOOD (1280 PROVIDENCE HWY, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD…

Jun 14, 2020 · Engine · 130,000 miles
THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, AT LOW SPEEDS, CAR GOES INTO LIMP HOME MODE RANDOMLY AND CREAKS ALONG AT 8 MILES AN HOUR, MOST RECENTLY LOST BRAKING POWER AND MESSAGE COMES UP "HYBRID ERROR, PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION." THEN WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF AND ON AGAIN IT WORKS FINE. THIS IS NOT HELPFUL AS THERE IS NO…

Jan 4, 2020 · Engine · 56,000 miles
WATER FOUND IN THE AIR INTAKE BOX DURING AIR FILTER CHANGE ON MY 2011 VW TOUAREG. BOTTOM 3.5 INCHES OF OLD FILTER WAS FOUND WET WHEN AIR BOX WAS OPENED. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AS LIQUID WATER THAT ENTERS THE ENGINE DURING OPERATION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE IN TRAFFIC RESULTING IN A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE…

Oct 7, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 69,899 miles
THE VEHICLE RECENTLY COMPLETED A 70,000 MILE SERVICE AT THE LOCAL VW DEALER. TWO DAYS AFTER THE SERVICE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXHIBIT THE FAINT SMELL OF FUEL ON THE DRIVER'S REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED. WITH EACH PASSING DAY, THE SCENT OF FUEL CONTINUES TO INCREASE AND NOW ENTERS THE VEHICLE CABIN AT LOW IDLE…

Touareg model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2008	4	56	1	4
2009	2	19	0	0
2010	1	25	1	1
2011	2	16	1	0
2012	2	28	1	0
2013	2	30	1	0
2014	2	27	1	2

Across all years, the 2004 Touareg has the most complaints (231). All Volkswagen Touareg years →

Questions

Does the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg, the most recent reported on May 16, 2018 (Unknown or other). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg?: Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (4 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (4).
How many 2011 Volkswagen Touareg complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 16 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 4, 2021.