At a Glance
The Volkswagen Touareg has 19 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk1 (2002-2010) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 431K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Volkswagen Touareg common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Volkswagen Touareg generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Volkswagen Touareg owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Volkswagen Touareg owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Volkswagen Touareg?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Volkswagen Touareg Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Volkswagen Touareg MOT Failures
Every reason Volkswagen Touareg vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.99% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 8.83% |
| 3 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 8.45% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 6.81% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.74% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.39% |
| 7 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.37% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.41% |
| 9 | Position lamp not working | 2.84% |
| 10 | Airbag warning light on | 2.82% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.76% |
| 12 | Headlamp fault | 2.68% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.51% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.49% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 2.25% |
| 16 | Seat belt condition | 2.08% |
| 17 | Front lamp not working | 1.95% |
| 18 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.74% |
| 19 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.66% |
| 20 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 1.29% |
| 21 | Driveshaft fault | 1.10% |
| 22 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 1.08% |
| 23 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.94% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.85% |
| 25 | Track rod end worn | 0.76% |
| 26 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.71% |
| 27 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.70% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.67% |
| 29 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.67% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.56% |
| 31 | Rear lamp not working | 0.56% |
| 32 | Exhaust system fault | 0.49% |
| 33 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.47% |
| 34 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.41% |
| 35 | Fog lamp not working | 0.40% |
| 36 | Steering rack fault | 0.39% |
| 37 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.35% |
| 38 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.35% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.33% |
| 40 | Engine oil leak | 0.28% |
| 41 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.28% |
| 42 | Parking brake condition | 0.27% |
| 43 | Brake lever fault | 0.27% |
| 44 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.16% |
| 45 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.16% |
| 46 | Driver airbag fault | 0.16% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.16% |
| 48 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.15% |
| 49 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 50 | Propshaft fault | 0.14% |
| 51 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 52 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 53 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 54 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 56 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.11% |
| 57 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.10% |
| 58 | Front suspension fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.10% |
| 61 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 62 | Brake pedal fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 64 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 65 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.07% |
| 67 | Chassis condition | 0.06% |
| 68 | Brake fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 69 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 73 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 75 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 79 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 80 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.03% |
| 81 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 82 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 84 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 85 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 89 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 91 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 95 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 96 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 99 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Rear suspension fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Handbrake fails on gradient | 0.01% |
| 104 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 109 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 110 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 111 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 113 | Battery loose or leaking | <0.01% |
| 114 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 119 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 121 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 123 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 126 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 131 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 136 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 138 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 143 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 145 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 146 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 159 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 160 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 163 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 164 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 165 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volkswagen Touareg MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volkswagen Touareg, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volkswagen Touareg problems?
Based on analysis of 431K Volkswagen Touareg MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 19 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Coil spring broken or corroded". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Volkswagen Touareg generation has the most problems?
The Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (2002-2010) (2002–2010) has the highest number of identified common problems (16). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Volkswagen Touareg?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volkswagen Touareg owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
