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VW · Full-Size SUV · 2010–2018

VW Touareg 2(7P)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.6 / 5.0 · Based on 10 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

360 PS

4.2L V8 FSI Benzin

V8 petrol with class

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

239–245 PS

3.0L TDI V6 Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The VW Touareg 2 is available with 6 engine variants — from 204 to 360 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel· 204–245 PS Engine Change
2010 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2010 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2010 2018
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
3.0L V6 TDI · Diesel· 204–262 PS Engine Change
2010 2012
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2010 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2014 2018
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
4.2L V8 TDI · Diesel· 340 PS
2010 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
3.6L V6 FSI · Benziner· 280 PS
2010 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
4.2L V8 FSI · Benziner· 360 PS
2010 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
3.0L V6 TSI Hybrid · Benziner Hybrid· 380 PS
2010 2018
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

The VW 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel, 204–245 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CASA (2010–2018, Be Careful) und CASA (2010–2014, Be Careful) und CRCA (2010–2018, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TDI V6!

The VW 3.0L V6 TDI (Diesel, 204–262 PS) comes with 4 different engines: CATA (2010–2012, Stay Away!) und CNRB (2010–2014, Be Careful) und CVVA (2014–2018, Be Careful) und CJMA (2014–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L V6 TDI!

The VW 4.2L V8 TDI (Diesel, 340 PS) has the CKDA (4.2L V8 TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 3.6L V6 FSI (Benziner, 280 PS) has the CGRA (3.6L V6 FSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 4.2L V8 FSI (Benziner, 360 PS) has the CGNA (4.2L V8 FSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 3.0L V6 TSI Hybrid (Benziner Hybrid, 380 PS) has the CGEA (3.0L V6 TSI Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Air suspension: compressor relay and condensate damage

Same system weakness as the predecessor: the 40A relay seizes after 3–4 years; condensate ice blocks the compressor in winter. Compressor overheating can be dangerous. Compressor replacement: 400–1,500 €.

Symptoms: Compressor continues running after switching off the engine; vehicle sinks overnight; warning message 'Stop — suspension fault'; loud compressor noise on startup
from 100,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
193 complaints · 2010–2018
Engine
74
Other
30
Steering
26
Fuel System
21 ⚠ 1
Electrical
17

Top Reported Issues

Engine (74 complaints)
Other (30 complaints)
Steering (26 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 66 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Touareg 2 (2010–2018) — 51 engine-related and 15 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CRCA (3.0L TDI V6), CATA (3.0L V6 TDI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Body.

Touareg (CASA, 2010–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear and guide rail breakage, Injectors and fuel pressure loss, Dual-mass flywheel wear. Power: 239–245 PS.

Touareg (CASA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear and guide rail breakage, Injectors and fuel pressure loss, Dual-mass flywheel wear. Power: 204–211 PS.

Touareg (CRCA, 2010–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Rattling and Stretch, EGR Cooler Plastic Connector Breaks, Common-Rail Injector Wear. Power: 239–245 PS.

Touareg (CKDA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Twin turbocharger failure, Coolant pump faulty, ECU faults. Power: 340 PS.

Touareg (CATA, 2010–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain tensioner worn, Coolant loss through EGR cooler, Timing chain tensioner breaks (EA888 Gen1). Power: 225 PS.

Touareg (CNRB, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Tensioner Worn, EGR Cooler Fouled, Diesel Particulate Filter Clogged. Power: 239–245 PS.

Touareg (CVVA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Tensioner Fatigues, EGR Cooler Fouled, Diesel Particulate Filter Clogged. Power: 262 PS.

Touareg (CJMA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner — CJM family, EGR cooler fouled, Injectors leaking. Power: 204 PS.

Touareg (CGRA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches (VR6-typical), Timing chain tensioner wears prematurely, Increased oil consumption. Power: 280 PS.

Touareg (CGNA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain drive extremely complex, Timing chain tensioner wears prematurely, Oil consumption from valvetrain wear. Power: 360 PS.

Touareg (CGEA, 2010–2018) — Be Careful: High-voltage battery failed, Timing chain / tensioner worn, DC/DC converter failed. Power: 333–340 PS.

Touareg (CGEA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: High-voltage battery failed, Timing chain / tensioner worn, DC/DC converter failed. Power: 380 PS.

What to watch out for with the VW Touareg? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the VW Touareg 2 have? +
The VW Touareg 2 has 51 known engine weaknesses and 15 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used VW Touareg 2? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CASA (3.0L TDI V6), CGEA (3.0L V6 TSI Hybrid), CKDA (4.2L V8 TDI), CNRB (3.0L V6 TDI), CGRA (3.6L V6 FSI), CGNA (4.2L V8 FSI), CVVA (3.0L V6 TDI), CJMA (3.0L V6 TDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CGNA (4.2L V8 FSI). Problem engine: CRCA (3.0L TDI V6) — stay away!
Which VW Touareg 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the VW Touareg 2 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 360 hp from the 4.2 V8 FSI — V8 naturally aspirated sound and power in abundance make it a true pleasure car.
Is the VW Touareg 2 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the VW Touareg 2 — 2 of 10 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Touareg 2? +
The VW Touareg 2 is available with engine variants from 204 to 360 hp. Petrol: CGEA (3.0L V6 TSI Hybrid), CGRA (3.6L V6 FSI), CGNA (4.2L V8 FSI). Diesel: CASA (3.0L TDI V6), CRCA (3.0L TDI V6), CKDA (4.2L V8 TDI), CATA (3.0L V6 TDI), CNRB (3.0L V6 TDI), CVVA (3.0L V6 TDI), CJMA (3.0L V6 TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee