NHTSA vehicle safety data
2011 Volkswagen Touareg Recalls & Complaints
The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 16 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.
NHTSA also files the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg separately as Touareg Hybrid — 2 recall campaigns.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2011 Volkswagen Touareg owner complaints
Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg, describing incidents dated January 20, 2011 to January 29, 2021.
Most-cited components
- Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints
- Engine 4 complaints
- Steering 3 complaints
- Unknown or Other 3 complaints
- Air Bags 1 complaint
- Electrical System 1 complaint
Of the 16 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash; across all 16 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11439401 · Filed
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…
ODI #11403910 · Filed
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…
ODI #11328777 · Filed
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Engineering Analysis EA11-003: High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Closed March 27, 2015
Modifications to Vehicles Made them Noncompliant
NHTSA #18V329000 · Unknown or Other · NHTSA notice
Reported May 16, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 252 vehicles
Repair completion: 78.09% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Volkswagen campaign 01C5/01C6 · Owners notified November 29, 2018 · Vehicles built October 28, 2010 – February 12, 2014 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Missing Brake Pedal Clip may cause Loss of Braking
NHTSA #16V170000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice
Reported March 24, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 46,574 vehicles
Repair completion: 85.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Volkswagen campaign 46G4 · Owners notified April 27, 2016
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Volkswagen Touareg model years
Check your 2011 Volkswagen Touareg VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Touareg at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Volkswagen VIN