2011 Volkswagen Touareg Fuel system Problems

“The vehicle recently completed a 70,000 mile service at the local vw dealer. Two days after the service, the vehicle began to exhibit the faint smell of fuel on the driver's rear side of the vehicle when parked. With each passing day, the scent of fuel continues to increase and now enters the vehicle cabin at low idle speeds (especially when exiting major roads of travel).”

“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 there is no information for the mechanic to go by to solve the problem. We have replaced the catalytic converter, both fuel pumps and pre-fuel pump mechanisms and still the odd error message lack of car running. …”

“Glow plug warning light came on and vehicle lost throttle response -- did not stop running but felt like running on 1/2 cylinders. Pulled off the highway at the next opportunity; vehicle died at the end of the off-ramp and could not be re-started. Vehicle towed to nearest vw dealer, who says that the entire fuel system must be replaced from back to front. Dealer claims that rear lift pump caused the incident but also says the hpfp (injector pump) failed. Three weeks into the incident the vehicle is still being repaired.”

“Wednesday 8/15 - following an approximately 50 mile early morning highway drive from home to a remote office location, the engine stalled while standing at a stop light. I immediately restarted and proceed a short distance through the light, wherein the engine failed again. Attempts to restart were unsuccessful, with multiple engine lights, glow plug coil signals displayed. Car towed to dealership for evaluation. Following day, 8/16 advised that the 'algae' discovered in fuel - requiring drain of fuel tank, flush and cleaning of fuel system - estimated cost ~ $400. …”