Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The car will stop (while driving) for no apparent reason. "Phantom Braking". This is without any known objects/people approaching our vehicle. It's a part of the electronic automatic braking system but obviously it is not programmed correctly. It is DANGEROUS. A brief review on internet shows these sudden stops have caused accidents (people rear ending vehicle after sudden stops). Cars have also had to move quickly off highway to avoid collision. Another issue: the Panoramic Sunroof has had frequent issues with water leaks. We've already had to pay for one such leak ($1000) and now face payment for a second serious leak which they can't seem to fix. Internet searches show that VW Corporation has known about this manufacturing defect since 2016 but has "hidden" these manufacturing defects from customers. These leaks have caused pools of water to form in the trunk (under spare tire). …
Electronic Parking Brake lever light was flashing and dashboard showed parking brake error message. Drove car to VW Dealership, which diagnosed problem as likely bad Parking Brake Control Module (Part J540). Dealership ordered part, and stated I could drive car home. Within 1 mile of dealership, parking brake engaged automatically abruptly slowing car and error flashed on dash stating "Disengage Parking Brake." Pulled over, turned car off and back on, which disengaged parking brake. Returned to dealership and left car until it could be repaired. Had I been on the interstate traveling at a higher rate of speed, this may have caused an accident.
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a burning odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle and smoke was seen coming from the front console. After stopping the vehicle to inspect the cause it was discovered that the front passenger side seat heater had malfunctioned burning a hole into the seat and the passenger's pants. During the incident, the passenger sustained a burn to the left thigh area. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 128,000.
I attempted to start the vehicle and the starter button clicked followed by a strong ozone electrical smell and copious smoke from under the hood. We called the local fire department but canceled the call as the smoke seemed to be clearing. VW dealer says the starter, alternator, battery and two wiring harnesses need to be replaced. Full details pending as they are still working on it but estimate cost of nearly $4000. This is a serious concern and was transporting my 92 year old Mom. Fortunately the burning stopped on its own. Please contact Wyoming Valley VW at [phone] for details.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that the horn failed to work. The contact restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel malfunctioned. Baxter Volkswagen la vista (7108 s 124th cir, la vista, ne 68128, [phone]) stated that the air bag control module and assembly were corroded, which affected the steering wheel functions, air bags, and horn. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls and offered no assistance with the repairs. The failure mileage was 73,600.
Drivers side seat warmer burned through the seat cover & burned through my coat. I was driving on a major highway & felt the seat become hot. I turned it off & was unaware my seat & coat had burned until I reached my destination. Car & coat were taken to dealership to order new parts to correct the problem.
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt unintendedly unlatched while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the clockspring was defective, causing several failures with the vehicle. The contact stated while tilting the steering wheel, the vehicle drifted away from the intended direction and the windshield wipers would activate to the fastest speed with windshield washer fluid spraying onto the windshield and the horn was blaring uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
I was driving to church on the morning of 2/16/25 when I heard a very loud "Boom." I thought something had hit the car. It sounded like a gun going off. When I pulled over to see what had happened I realized the right side mirror had exploded. The glass was completely gone with only the glue left on the back plate housing. Both mirrors were in the "off" position. Nothing hit the outside housing. The right side mirror simply exploded. Thank God the window was not down with a passenger in the right front seat. In cool weather I often drive with the window down. Someone could have been hurt. I have owned many cars but NEVER one with a side mirror that exploded. This design is DANGEROUS.
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › Wiring
On certain sport utility vehicles, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) wiring harness May have been improperly routed during assembly. An improperly routed TPMS wiring harness May contact the parking brake cable spring.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the TPMS wiring harness routing and, if necessary, correct the wiring harness routing. Owner notification began August 18, 2003. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-893-5298.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Touareg years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (49), 2005 (14), 2008 (8), 2006 (7) and 2016 (5) model years. Electrical complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Touareg electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 03V-266 (wiring, Jul 25, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Touareg electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring (5 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery (3).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.