VW Touareg
Stronger V6 TDI with 210 kW on MLB Evo. Same basic design as DEND, more boost pressure. Turbocharger under greater load.
Powerful and refined
286 hp from the V6 TDI — Porsche Cayenne platform and massive torque deliver real touring pleasure.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The more powerful DENA operates with higher boost pressure and stresses the VTG vanes correspondingly more. VTG coking or mechanism failure occurs earlier than on the DEND. Full turbo replacement costs over 3,000 euros.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, jerky power delivery, boost pressure warning
Timing chain issues occur on the DENA earlier than on the DEND due to higher thermal and mechanical load. Rattling on cold start is an early warning signal requiring immediate workshop diagnosis.
Symptoms: Metallic rattle on cold start, clicking noise from engine area at low temperatures
In certain engine number ranges of the EA897 (codes CRT, CUE, CVM), a material defect leading to camshaft fracture has been documented. The result is always a major engine failure. Affected number ranges up to 175,973.
Symptoms: Sudden engine shutdown, loud bang from engine area, no restart possible
Identical AdBlue/NOx sensor issue as the DEND. Fault code P20EE from SCR efficiency shortfall is common. Sensor or AdBlue injector replacement required for a permanent fix.
Symptoms: MIL with P20EE, AdBlue warning, increased AdBlue consumption, occasional start restrictions
The DENA 1.5 TSI EA211 evo2 (VW ID. models, Passat B9 Hybrid, 2022+) shows, like all evo2 variants, occasional cold start stumbling when pulling away in low gears. Primarily affects vehicles with manual gearbox. VW had issued several software updates for the TSI evo family.
Symptoms: Stumbling and hesitation when pulling away from cold, rough running in the low rpm range, occasional hesitation during gear changes
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.