2017 Volkswagen Touareg Safety Report

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a significant design flaw concerning its engine air intake system. While NHTSA has not conducted crash tests for this specific model, resulting in no official safety ratings, the complaint data reveals a critical pattern. Out of 24 total complaints, a staggering 14 (58%) are related to the 'ENGINE' component, with many specifically detailing water ingress into the air filter box, leading to engine damage, stalling, and loss of power. This issue, described as a design flaw where water drains into the intake pipe, poses a severe safety risk, potentially causing sudden engine failure and loss of control, especially during adverse weather conditions. There are no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths directly linked to these complaints, but the potential for such incidents is high. The vehicle has one recall, which is broadly categorized as 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' and affects multiple Volkswagen models, including the 2017 Touareg. The recall description indicates that 'Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.' However, the specific nature of this recall is not detailed enough to directly link it to the prevalent engine water ingress issue. Other complaints are scattered across various components like 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' (1 complaint about ACC malfunction), 'SEATS' (1 complaint about power seat recline), and 'SERVICE BRAKES' (1 complaint about abrupt AutoHold stops), but these are minor compared to the engine concerns. The most pressing safety concern for the 2017 Touareg is the engine's vulnerability to water damage. Multiple complaints highlight instances of the car losing power and stalling during rainstorms, with owners reporting white smoke, loss of power steering, and loss of brakes. This design flaw, which some owners note has been addressed in other markets like VW China, remains a significant unaddressed safety hazard in North America, according to the complaints. The lack of official crash test ratings means buyers cannot rely on independent assessments of structural safety, making the known engine issue even more critical.

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of the critical engine water ingress design flaw and the lack of official crash test ratings. Thoroughly inspect the engine air intake system for signs of water damage or modifications, and consider an extended warranty covering engine issues.