Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 22% |
| Fuel system | 4 | 11% |
| Power train | 4 | 11% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 8% |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 5% |
| Air bags | 1 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I get dizzy every time I drive my 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. There is a fuel smell inside the cabin and outside of the driver's rear wheel well. I noticed this during the short time I park in my garage. Since, the noticeab
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the passenger’s side front side air bag and the passenger’s side rear side air bag independently deployed. The contact
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
While driving the vehicle it will slow down and will not accelerate even while pressing the gas. It may even cut off. I have to keep pushing the pedal maybe 3 to 5 times before it will accelerate. This happens even on t
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSING DETERIORATED LEAVING EXPOSED WIRE. SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V583000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), BUT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SERVICED. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH,
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
I GOT MY CAR REPAIRED FOR THIS ISSUE AFTER SMELLING GAS LEAKAGE BEFORE VW RELEASED THE RELEVANT RECALL CAMPAIGN. I SENT VW ALL RECEIPT FOR REPAIR PAID BY MY POCKET MONEY, BUT VW REFUSED TO REIMBURSE FOR MY EXPENSE BECAUS
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
I HAVE A VW TOUAREG V8 2006. ON SATURDAY 12/01/18 I TOOK THE CAR TO VW DAVID MAUS DEALER @LEE RD, ORLANDO, FL FOR THE SAFETY RECALL -FUEL PUMP FLANGE REPLACEMENT'- AFTER THEY PERFORMED THE JOB, MY CAR STATED TO MISFIRES
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
2006 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS RELATED TO A SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RECALL , DUE TO T
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel filter flange for cracks, replacing the flange if cracks are found. If no cracks are found, a protective cover will be installed onto
| Reliability raw | 81 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 73 | good |
| Maintenance | 57 | average |
| Depreciation | 62 | average |
| Performance | 84 | excellent |
| Efficiency | 30 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel/propulsion system is the most reported area with 8 of them (22%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 81/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 73/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2006 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.