VW Touareg
VR6 naturally aspirated with direct injection and 206 kW. Timing chain maintenance-intensive, high consumption (13–15 L). Powerful but thirsty everyday engine.
Most refined petrol option
280 hp from the 3.6 V6 FSI in the heavy Touareg II make for a refined touring companion rather than a sporty candidate.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The 3.6 VR6 FSI has a known tendency to chain stretch, as seen in previous generations. Damaged camshafts from elongated chains are documented. Repair is very labour-intensive.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, MIL, occasional misfires at higher mileage
The CGRA 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen1 (Golf 6 GTI, Scirocco, Tiguan) is affected by premature timing chain tensioner wear. Pre-2012 tensioners suffer rapid wear from oil pressure fluctuations. Rattling on cold start is a warning sign before the chain skips.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, metallic clattering from the engine bay, MIL after chain fault code
The 3.6 FSI consumes more oil than TDI variants by design. Older examples above 150,000 km often show 0.5–1 litre per 1,000 km. Check oil level regularly between changes.
Symptoms: Falling oil level between change intervals, slight blue tinge in exhaust under load
On early model years of the 3.6 FSI ignition coil failures under warranty have been documented. Older vehicles show new failures at high mileage. Easy to replace, but costly when multiple coils fail simultaneously.
Symptoms: Misfires and hesitation under load, flashing MIL, noticeable power reduction on individual cylinders
Leaking crankshaft oil seals are occasionally documented on the CGRA. Oil loss at the front or rear of the engine results. Repair simple to moderately complex depending on which side is affected.
Symptoms: Oil puddle under vehicle, oil smell from engine bay, falling oil level
Vehicle Weaknesses 15
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 €.
CAN bus communication faults cause the simultaneous failure of multiple systems (reversing camera, ACC, towing module, start-stop). Often caused by a faulty trailer control unit J345 or insufficient battery voltage.
On the Touareg 7P, the ball bearing at the front axle output of the transfer case wears due to insufficient lubrication in the ZF transfer case. Repair requires approx. 10 hours of workshop time.
Brake discs wear out prematurely on the heavy Touareg 7P, sometimes after just 30,000–40,000 km. Full brake service (front and rear axle) costs approx. 2,800 €. The electric parking brake requires software tools for pad changes.
Electric parking brake fails to release or shows fault messages. The cause is defective actuator switches or actuator motors. Repair: 300–800 €. Software tools are essential for pad changes.
Seals between the longitudinal and transverse drain channels of the panoramic roof fail, especially on 2015 model year vehicles. Water penetrates and rusts internal metal carriers. Frame replacement can cost up to €1,600.
Adaptive cruise control and Front Assist regularly drop out and show 'unavailable'. Often caused by a dirty or misaligned radar sensor. Radar sensor replacement costs over 2,000 €.
Rust forms in the door flanges and at door inner edges, particularly on the tailgate. Paint undermining creates visible blisters. Less common than on the predecessor, but documented on older 7P models.
The automatic gearbox shows irregular shift behaviour and oil loss at higher mileages. Regular gearbox oil changes (every 60,000 km) are important. Gearbox overhaul: 3,000–6,000 €.
The rubber bearing in the rear propshaft ages and cracks as the rubber becomes brittle through weathering. VW only supplies the complete propshaft — individual centre bearing replacement is not factory-supported.
On the Touareg 7P, the water drain hose in the rear wheel arch detaches from its holder. Water runs directly into the spare wheel well instead of outside. The hose can be permanently secured with cable ties.
The panoramic glass roof creaks especially on the motorway due to play in the sliding rails. Acid-free synthetic grease on the rails usually resolves the problem.
Vienna leather seats show wear-through on the driver's seat surface after approx. 2–3 years. Leather quality is considered a weak point, although the interior overall is regarded as high quality.
On the Touareg 7P with 4-zone climate control, the blower motor in the boot (left side) fails. Cause is worn carbon brushes or a defective PWM control unit. The installation position makes repair labour-intensive.
On the Touareg 7P with electric tailgate, the drive motor fails. The tailgate doesn't respond to the switch, key, or interior button. Failing gas struts increase the load on the motor further.
Reports & Tests
193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010–2018). Most reported: Engine (74), Other (30), Steering (26).