VW eHybrid
V6 TDI in the Touareg III with 170–210 kW. Most modern exhaust aftertreatment; robust but expensive to service.
Electrically compelling
381 hp system output as an eHybrid combines efficiency with effortless power delivery — impressive overall package.
Engine Weaknesses 9
The EA839 has a design weakness in the water pump: an internal leak draws coolant into the vacuum system. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Coolant level dropping without visible leak; P0299 fault code; coolant deposits at the left cylinder head; overheating warning.
The HV battery in Q7/Q8 TFSI e models (production 08/2019–07/2024) can overheat during charging and cause a fire. Recall code 93QQ, approximately 18,650 vehicles worldwide affected.
Symptoms: HV battery warning; charging interrupted; Audi recommends not charging until software update is applied.
The PHEV gearbox fitted in the Q7/Q8 TFSI e is a heavily loaded large-series unit. Clutch, mechatronics, and hydraulic control failures lead to costly repairs.
Symptoms: Judder when pulling away; delayed downshifts; gearbox warning; in worst case total failure.
After approximately 100,000 km, EA839 catalysts can crumble. Ceramic dust enters the cylinders and causes severe engine damage. In PHEV mode, cold starts after EV phases accelerate wear.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling from the exhaust area; engine power loss; increased fuel consumption.
The EA839 3.0 TFSI exhibits characteristic timing chain rattle on cold start due to missing or faulty check valves in the oil galleries. The chain tensioner takes too long to build pressure on first start.
Symptoms: Distinct metallic rattle on cold start, disappearing after 1–3 seconds; in advanced cases also audible when warm.
Some EA839 variants tend toward elevated oil consumption of up to 0.5 l/1,000 km. In PHEV operation with frequent cold starts, wear accelerates.
Symptoms: Oil level drops noticeably between services; oil burn smell; blue smoke under load.
The high-voltage battery in the Q7/Q8 TFSI e loses capacity with age. In the heavy SUV, range loss is even more pronounced than in smaller PHEVs.
Symptoms: Electric range well below WLTP; under 20 km in winter.
The electrical accessory load of the Q7/Q8 is considerable. During extended EV driving with a depleted HV battery, the 12V battery can be drained.
Symptoms: Warning message 'battery low'; control units drop out; vehicle will not start.
In the Q7/Q8 TFSI e, regenerative braking (up to 80 kW) means the mechanical brakes are rarely activated in everyday driving. Salt and moisture cause disc corrosion.
Symptoms: Visible rust on brake discs; grinding and squealing; flagged at roadworthiness inspection.
Vehicle Weaknesses 14
The 40A switching relay for the air suspension compressor gums up after 3–4 years. Vehicle sinks overnight, especially at the front. Compressor replacement including diagnostics: 400–1,500 €; air bag failures additional up to 2,000 €.
Defective spindle drive in the electric tailgate: a pre-loaded spring can detach and injure people. Affects vehicles with servo closing (4E7) or virtual pedal (5i6) from production January 2019. 2,100 units worldwide.
Brake discs on V6 models are prone to heavy corrosion and pitting. Replacement sometimes necessary after only 17,000–21,000 km. OEM discs cost approx. 470 € each; cheaper alternatives from 65 €. The large 400 mm front discs are particularly affected.
The infotainment system fails to start correctly after software updates or freezes up. Navigation destinations are periodically deleted. Control unit replacement required if software reset doesn't help. Particularly affects model year 2019–2021.
If the differentials and transfer case are not serviced with fresh oil every 60,000 km, bearing noise and banging from the rear differential develop. Incorrect differential oil generates rumbling when turning.
On the Touareg CR, the rubber hoses of the refrigerant lines become porous — particularly the hose at the rear left of the wheel arch on four-zone air conditioning systems. Refrigerant loss leads to total failure. OEM part costs approx. 420 €.
On the Touareg CR, hydraulic power steering assistance sporadically fails when manoeuvring slowly at full lock. Contaminated or aged hydraulic fluid is the most common cause.
The Innovision Cockpit in the Touareg CR loses saved user data after a restart. The infotainment sporadically fails to start or stays on a black screen. Software updates via the dealer are often the only solution.
On the Touareg CR, the Innovision central display fails or shows a black screen. The control unit is defective and must be replaced. VW has acknowledged the problem; waiting times for updates can exceed a year.
On the Touareg CR with electric towbar, the adjustment motor fails: the coupling extends but can no longer retract. Repair often only possible by complete replacement; cost up to 2,000 €.
The IQ.Light Matrix LED system on the Touareg CR dazzles oncoming traffic due to incorrect calibration. Camera and headlights must be electronically synchronised; often not correctly set even from the factory.
Rumbling noises occur at the rear axle on the right over rough road surfaces. Worn damper mounts or anti-roll bar bushings are the cause. Diagnosis is difficult as the noise sometimes persists after damper replacement.
Screws on the tailgate gas dampers and underbody fixings show noticeable corrosion after 3–4 years. Corrosion protection on the screws is described as poor by owners. Visually off-putting; rarely structurally critical.
The reversing camera and Area View system sporadically show no image or freeze. Often fixable by software update, but sometimes a hardware defect. The IQ.Light adaptive headlight system incorrectly regulates the beam range.