2017 Volkswagen Touareg: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Volkswagen Touareg? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 24 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Volkswagen Touareg Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2017 Volkswagen Touareg Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg has 24 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Volkswagen
- Model
- Touareg
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 24
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Volkswagen Touareg Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?
The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Volkswagen Touareg
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially the engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on the engine and transmission.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially the engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on the engine and transmission.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Volkswagen Touareg, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 24 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg, the data suggests that engine problems are the most frequently reported issue, accounting for the majority of complaints. There is one recall associated with this model year. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the confidence level is low due to the small sample size.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- The 2017 model year has one recall, which may indicate a known issue.
- No crash-related complaints were reported for this vehicle.
- Engine Problems
- Uncategorized Issues
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
All 2017 Volkswagen Touareg Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 19 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
I purchased a 2017 Volkswagen Touareg V6 in October 2023. A problem with the vehicle revealed itself right away. It was consuming too much oil. Oil splatter is present on the hood, the car doors, the back bumper and built up oil residue is present in both tailpipes. Oil has to beβ¦
The vehicle has an internal oil drain system that slowly leaks oil past the pistons into the combustion chamber of the engine causing the engine to burn oil. This is very dangerous when smoke exits the vehicle from the exhaust and into the air that could be inhaled by others. Thiβ¦
Exhaust line for cylinders 4-6 developed crack immediately before catalytic converter. Problem has occurred in other Touaregs, there is even a recall for 2014 models. Crack allows exhaust to leak nearby air intake to cabin. Noticeable exhaust smell inside cabin, especially when sβ¦
While using Adaptive Cruise Control, vehicle intermittently displays "ACC not available" cruise control completely disengages and does not allow for traditional cruise control functions. Typically ACC begins to function again after about 5 mins or by powering off and powering onβ¦
Power seat reclining function on passenger and driver side. Due to the top of the adjustment lever being positioned too close to the top of the set cushion, if you sit on the edge of the seat, the seat back will continue to recline until you get up if you notice it or it hits tβ¦
When coming to a stop with the AutoHold activated, sometimes it comes to an abrupt stop instead of a smooth stop. Also when you have Autohold engaged, when you come to a stop and put the car in park, disconnect the seatbelt the parking brake engages(expected), however when you β¦
While driving the power train was seriously impacted, it is no longer operational and available for inspection at the dealer now. This is absolutely a safety risk as there was power loss and inconsistency which could have been very dangerous depending on the level of control requβ¦
In a non-driving environment rain water drains off the hood of the vehicle, down the right headlight and drains directly into the vehicle's intake pipe. In turn, this rain water collects in the intake air filter box, destroys the air filter and allows water to enter the combustiβ¦
WATERLOGGED AIRFILTER - CAR WAS SERVICED EXACTLY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO ISSUE, AND SERVICE DIRECTOR ACCUSED ME OF DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER. WHILE I HAVE DRIVEN THROUGH PROGRESSIVELY BAD WEATHER IN FL FOR YEARS, I EXPLAINED THAT I DIDN'T THAT WEEK AND ASKED IF THIS COULD BE DUβ¦
THE AIR INTAKE IS COLLECTING WATER AND GETTING INTO THE AIR FILTER HOUSING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SUCK IN WATER, DESTROYING THE ENGINE. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND THERE IS A RECALL AT VW CHINA BUT VW NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.
FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WE NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE UNDER THE FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. WE ASSUMED IT WAS A CRACKED WASHER FLUID TANK. TOOK TO DEALER THEY FOUND NOTHING DURING SERVICE APPOINTMENT. TECHNICIAN MENTIONED NOTHING OF THE WATER IN THE FILTER AREA. OVER NEXT SEVERAL β¦
MY CAR ENGINE TRANSMISSION/FAULT LIGHTS CAME ON AND I BROUGHT IT INTO DEALER, WHO IDENTIFIED A WET, MOLDY AIR FILTER AND WATER IN THE BOTTOM OF THE CHAMBER. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO THE SHOP, BUT I CHECKED AIR FILTER AGAIN TODAY AFTER A STEADY RAIN WHIβ¦
WATER IS GETTING INTO AIRBOX, SOAKING THE ENGINE AIR FILTER.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2017 VW TOUAREG SPORT. WATER IS ENTERING THE AIR FILTER COMPARTMENT. IF WATER ENTERS THE ENGINE IT WILL SHUT DOWN THE CAR POSSIBLY IN TRAFFIC CAUSING A VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION, IN ADDITION THE ENGINE WILL BE DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE IS LIKE NEW AND 100% FACTβ¦
WITH FAMILY IN VEHICLE THE CAR LOST POWER AND STALLED DURING A RAIN STORM. CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART AND WAS ON SIDE OF ROAD FOR LENGTH OF TIME AFTER ATTEMPTING TO RESTART. CAR RESTARTED AND THE IDLE WAS ROUGH AND KEPT HESITATING WAS NOT ABLE TO GET VEHICLE ABOVE 15 MPH. VEHICLβ¦
ENGINE AIR INTAKE DESIGN IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLOODING WITH WATER. A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER WILL COLLECT IN THE INTAKE TUBE BEHIND THE FRONT GRILL. THE DRAIN INSTALLED IN THE INTAKE TUBE IS NOT SUFFICIENT ENOUGH FOR HIGH VOLUMES OF WATER IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, SUCH AS IN A THUNDEβ¦
THE ENGINE AIR FILTER BOX GETS FLOODED WITH WATER WHICH COULD LEAD TO ENTERING WATER IN THE ENGINE AND SEIZE THE ENGINE OPERATION. I NOTICED THAT THIS HAPPENS TO MULTIPLE TOUAREG OWNERS AND VW OF AMERICA DOES NOT WANT TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT LOOKS LIKE VW OF EUROPβ¦
WATER GETTING IN THE ENGINE AIR FILTER BOX, AND SATURATING AIR FILTER. WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN IN HEAVY RAIN, OR THROUGH ANY PUDDLES.PROBLEM WAS FOUND AT DEALER OIL CHANGE SERVICE
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING WATER DAMAGE TO THE AIR FILTER. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS IS FROM A CAR WASH, DRIVING IN THE RAIN OR THE VEHICLE SITTING IN THE RAIN. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG AN ONLINE WEBSITE FORUM.
AIR INTAKE SYSTEM LETS WATER INTO THE ENGINE WHICH CAN CAUSE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE, LOSS OF POWER, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, AND LOSS OF POWER BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. I INSPECTED THE AIR FILTER ON MY CAR TO EVALUATE IT FOR THIS ISSUE AND THE BOTTOM OF THE FILTER WAS SOAKED AFTER β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg.
2017 Volkswagen Touareg Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Volkswagen Touareg Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?βΎ
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 24 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (19 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (6 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 24 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg. A major recall area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?βΎ
The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Touareg reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.