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Which Years of Used Volkswagen Touaregs Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability
Volkswagen Touareg rear bumper

Source: Pixabay

Since it debuted in 2002, the Volkswagen Touareg has been one of the most popular luxury SUV models ever manufactured. If you’re looking to purchase a used Volkswagen Touareg, you’ll want to know what are the most reliable Volkswagen Touareg years. That question can have a complicated answer depending on which generation you look at.

Today, let’s break down some of the most reliable and least reliable years of used Volkswagen Touaregs. By the end, you’ll know exactly what you should you look for in your used car search. 

Most Reliable Years for the Volkswagen Touareg

In general, you should expect later Volkswagen Touareg model years to be the most reliable. Specifically, these are the years of used Volkswagen Touareg that are most reliable:

THE VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG YEARS TO AVOID

If you’re looking for the best possible driving experience with your sedan, it’s critical to know the Volkswagen Touareg years to avoid. With so many selections available, it might feel impossible to narrow down the worst - which is where we step in. 

  • 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  • 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  • 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  • 2015 Volkswagen Touareg
  • 2017 Volkswagen Touareg

That’s partially because, as Volkswagen became more adept at creating these vehicles, it ironed out the previous kinks and solved previous customer issues that were uncovered. The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg in particular is noteworthy because it was the last model year produced for the North American market, so it’s all the most upgrades and the best attention to detail.

Are Volkswagen Touaregs Generally Reliable?

If you’re wondering what are the most reliable Volkswagen Touareg years, stick with more modern or recent years. On average, this vehicle is easily reliable, especially when looking at consumer ratings.

For example, enginepatrol.com found that the used Volkswagen Touareg generally scored high consumer ratings from review sources like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. These vehicles typically had consumer ratings of 4.0 or higher out of 5.

Similarly, motorandwheels.com indicates that the Volkswagen Touareg used vehicle is typically reliable and dependable if you purchase a more recent model. Many consumers highly praised this luxury SUV for the quality of its interior, its off-road capabilities, and the excellent driving experience it facilitates.

Which Volkswagen Touaregs Are the Least Reliable?

In contrast with the most reliable Volkswagen Touareg years, there are also some years you should stay away from at all costs. These include:

  • 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  • 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  • 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
  • 2016 Volkswagen Touareg

Most of these years work toward the beginning of the Volkswagen Touareg’s manufacturing lifespan, with the exception of the 2016 model. That’s because this model received several complaints because of engine-related issues, like loss of power, car shaking, loss of acceleration, and much more. Upon inspection, many experts believe this was because water was accumulating in the engine box.

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Are Volkswagen Touaregs Expensive to Maintain?

Once you purchase a used Volkswagen Touareg, you’ll have to remember that annual maintenance costs will add to your total bills for the vehicle. Generally, you can expect the annual maintenance cost of your used Volkswagen Touareg to be about $937, according to repairpal.com.

The most expensive issues include:

  • Brake booster replacements
  • Heater core replacements
  • Park assist camera replacements

Other replacements and maintenance work, like tire rotations, may even cost you less than $100 per appointment. For the best results, and to ensure you aren’t endangered by your car, take your used Volkswagen Touareg in for maintenance at least once per year.

Which Volkswagen Touareg is Most Reliable?

As noted earlier, the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is arguably the best year for this vehicle thanks to its modern design features, overall refinement, and impressive handling.

That said, the Volkswagen Touareg overall is not known as an exceptionally reliable vehicle. According to withclutch.com, high-quality used Volkswagen Touaregs have a reliability rating of about 56.05, which is not very reliable compared to other subcompact SUVs. For comparison, the average overall rating for similar vehicles is 57.

Of course, your mileage may vary, and you can improve the reliability of your used Volkswagen Touareg if you make sure to maintain it properly. You should also get a vehicle history report before purchasing any used Volkswagen Touareg so you can see what previous work was done on it and whether anything is cause for concern.

What Are the Most Common Volkswagen Touareg Problems?

Depending on what year of Volkswagen Touareg you purchase, you could run into one of several common problems noticed by previous owners. According to motorbiscuit.com, the most common issues you’re likely to run into after purchasing a used Volkswagen Touareg include:

  • Excessive tire wear and tear, which could result in more frequent tire rotation
  • Wear and tear of the brake pads and rotors, which can be dangerous if you let these problems go unchecked
  • Coolant leaks
  • Fuel pump failures

Some of these maintenance issues are more important than others. For example, if you notice that your brake pads and rotors don’t provide excellent performance, get them checked ASAP, as these could lead to accidents and potential injuries.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BRAKES?

Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last?​ How often should you replace your brakes​? We’ve got answers

Is the Volkswagen Touareg Worth It?

Given the above possible issues, a used Volkswagen Touareg could very much be worthwhile, provided you do your research carefully and don’t pick one of the worst years of manufacturing. Engine and brake trouble is no small matter: even a single maintenance mishap could result in a major accident, injuries, and even death.

With this in mind, a used Volkswagen Touareg is only worth it if you are in the market for an affordable, family-size luxury SUV and you have reason to leave your contact or seller is upfront about the vehicle’s condition, its mileage, and any previous maintenance issues you may have experienced. Be sure to get one of the most reliable Volkswagen Touareg years if possible.

Final Thoughts

Overall, a used Volkswagen Touareg could be just what you’re looking for if you’re in the market for an affordable, fun, and luxury-focused SUV. The Volkswagen Touareg’s more recent model years gained a lot of popularity after the drop in price, and you can now get one of these SUVs for a low price from the right dealer.

However, the possibility of major engine or brake failures means that you must purchase a used Volkswagen Touareg very carefully, and only after lots of research.

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