Investigation PE05042: 2004–2005 Volkswagen Touareg

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Aug 11, 2005

Closed

Dec 21, 2005

Model years

2004–2005

Subject

Exterior door handle malfunction

Component: Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch

Summary

Vw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) dated june 10, 2005, describing a condition of exterior door handle sticks in the opened position after the door is opened.vw described the cause of the problem to be a potential for increased friction between the door handle and the lock cylinder housing . . . Because some guide nubs that were molded into the plastic door handle . . . Were slightly higher than specified.in addition to the tsb, vw has introduced production changes (lubrication, deletion of the guide nubs, introduction of a low friction guide surface on the lock cylinder housing) to address the problem.vw reports that the failure occurs predominantly in the very early life stage of the vehicle.odi examination of vw's warranty data shows fewer claims as the vehicle ages.the one injury resulted when the unlatched door hit the occupant's hand.a safety defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to monitor complaints andreserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2005 Volkswagen Touareg75 complaints
• 2004 Volkswagen Touareg231 complaints