2013 Volkswagen Touareg Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen Touareg years
Typical for this model
43/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Volkswagen Touareg year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 11 of its 30 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported part: Fuel system (8 complaints, median 34,978 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 30filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 36,664miles, 24 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl AWD · 16 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg. The part named most often is fuel system, with 8 complaints (27% of the total), followed by steering (8) and other or unknown (6). 24 of the complaints include a mileage, and 63% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 36,664 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 987 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 66 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Steering complaints overlap with 33 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 5 Volkswagen Touareg model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 43 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system8 27%
- Steering8 27%
- Other or unknown6 20%
- Engine4 13%
- Air bags3 10%
- Electrical system3 10%
- Suspension3 10%
- Wheels3 10%
- Seat belts2 6.7%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “On june 3, 2019 I was traveling southbound on the I-5 near tulare, california, at approximately 75mph when an indicator light came on that I had never seen before. Less than a minute later, I began to lose power and was unable to accelerate. I quickly moved to the right lane and prepared to exit the freeway less than a mile ahead. A few seconds later, the engine completely shut off. I was forced to coast off the freeway, no power, no power steering and quickly losing my brakes. I was lucky that there was an open parking lot immediately off the freeway that I was able to coast into. …”
NHTSA complaint #11246442, filed 2019-08, 163,000 milesSteering: “Steering fluid leaked out , internal fault with rack seal, replaced rack and pinion assembly in may 2019 this is second replacement of rack and pinion on this vehicle prior replacement in november 2015 I feel its very unusual to change rack and pinion assembly on same vehicle twice in 4 years time I have been told it happens often in vw Touareg but has not been reported to NHTSA”
NHTSA complaint #11218128, filed 2019-06, 2 milesOther or unknown: “2013 Touareg 3.0l tdi-intermittent jerking motion of vehicle when in motion, initially at lower speed and now at 80mph on highway, intense jerking of vehicle causing vehicle to lose power and near collision with vehicle behind me. It has become more frequent, almost daily occurrence now. I took the vehicle in immediately to vw dealership. Paperwork states road test verified concern (of jerky motion and not running right). Scanned for faults. No faults stored. No tsbs, or tech tips regarding concern. Seems to be a software issue with no remedy at this time . …”
NHTSA complaint #11195562, filed 2019-04, 41,000 milesEngine: “While traveling at night on a 4 lane highway at 70 MPH in heavy traffic the vehicle went into limp mode without warning or any symptoms of a power problem. We had to move across four lanes of car and truck traffic while rapidly decelerating. Luck and skill prevailed to avoid a serious and potentially fatal accident. No warning indicators were displayed. Safely in the breakdown lane the vehicle continued an approximately 1300 RPM idle and would move at about 15- 20mph. I stopped the vehicle and the acclerator pedal continued to be unresponsive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10898760, filed 2016-08, 38,350 milesMileage when problems were reported
63% of the 24 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,000 and 64,200 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Volkswagen Touareg version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touareg AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Touareg AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $4,150 |
| Touareg Hybrid AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V329000May 16, 2018Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Touareg 2011–2015, Golf 2011–2016, CC 2012–2016 +5 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles…
- 16V170000Mar 24, 2016Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkagesCovers: Volkswagen Touareg 2011–2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
- 16V035000Jan 25, 2016Hybrid propulsion systemCovers: Volkswagen Touareg 2011–2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Touareg Hybrid vehicles manufactured March 20, 2010, to April 11, 2015. The hybrid battery tray may not drain water sufficiently. If water collects in the hybrid battery…
Recall details for the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 987 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019…
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Engine. Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Engine. Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Engine. Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Air bags. Inquiries
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Engine. Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Other model years of the Volkswagen Touareg
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 24 | 12,346 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2016 | 45 | 19,646 | 2 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 24 | 39,115 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 27 | 32,000 | 3 | — | 19 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 30 | 36,664 | 3 | — | 19 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 28 | 40,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2011 | 16 | 34,750 | 4 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 25 | 70,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 19 | 75,625 | 2 | — | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 56 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 16 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 9 | 59,460 | 3 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 37 | 68,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 75 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 231 | 35,000 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Volkswagen Touareg model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 8 complaints (27% of the total), followed by steering with 8.
Has the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg (Touareg, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg reported?
Among the 24 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 36,664 miles and the middle half falls between 6,000 and 64,200 miles; 63% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.