Volkswagen Touareg Common Problems and Solutions
Musty Smell
Problem:
There is a musty smell coming from the heating, ventilation, and AC system.
Solution:
This is being caused by condensation building up in the heater case. You can buy specialist cleaning equipment to get rid of the problem, or remove the heater case completely, take it apart and clean it out thoroughly. If you take it apart and find that the condensation has caused damage, then you will need to order a replacement from us.
Difficulty level
Engine Rattle
Problem:
You can hear a rattling sound coming from your engine while starting it or while idling.
Solution:
It’s very likely that you have a loose timing chain, which is vibrating excessively and causing that rattling sound. If the chain hasn’t become too damaged, then you can try simply tightening it up. If it’s become too worn due to the excess movement, then you can have a new one delivered by ordering a replacement today.
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Engine Misfires and Rough Idling
Problem:
The engine has started to misfire, and you have difficulty starting it. The car also idles roughly.
Solution:
This is going to be caused by water getting into your air filter. In worst-case scenarios, this will end up causing a massive amount of damage to your whole engine, which will need to be replaced. If you catch the issue early, then you should be able to get away with simply replacing the air filter, which you can find easily on our parts list.
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Air Filter
Grinding or Squeaking Noise From Front of Car
Problem:
You can hear a grinding or squeaking noise from your engine.
Solution:
While this can affect almost every car, the 2007 Touareg is particularly prone. The problem is a faulty tensioner. Check your drive belt, and if it looks glossy or worn, then you will need to replace both the tensioner and the drive belt, both of which can be ordered from our online store.
Difficulty level
Weak Power and More Fuel Use
Problem:
The car is suffering from weak power, is sometimes hard to start, and needs more fuel.
Solution:
This will be caused by a clogged diesel particulate filter. You can try removing yours and cleaning it out, but in some cases, it will have become so clogged that it has become damaged. In those cases, you will need to order a replacement from our parts list and install a new one.
Difficulty level
Diesel Particulate Filter
Electric anti-lock problem
Problem:
When using the brakes, you may have noticed that there is a problem with the ABS system and the ABS warning light has come on the dashboard. The ABS module is the usual cause of this problem.
Solution:
This is a common issue on this vehicle and you will need to replace the ABS module to resolve the issue.
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Early brake pad wear
Problem:
These vehicles are known for the brake pads wearing down very quickly, which results in poor braking.
Solution:
The only way to sort this problem is fitting new brake pads. Watch the video below to see how to change the pads:
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Brake Pads
Oil leak
Problem:
If you have found an oil leak which is coming from around the back of the engine, the most likely cause is a leak on the seal ring of the engine speed sensor. This is fairly common on these vehicles. The sensor is located between the fuel pump and the water pump.
Solution:
The seals are very cheap to buy. When you replace the seal, it will stop the leak.
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Gearbox problem
Problem:
As the Volkswagen Touareg is a very capable off-road vehicle, you may end up having trouble with the front differential on this vehicle if you do a lot of off-road driving. Even if you don't this is still a known issue. You will hear an intermittent whining noise coming from around the gearbox area.
Solution:
You will need to fit a new front differential to fix this problem.
Difficulty level
Differential
Heavy vibration underneath vehicle
Problem:
When you are driving and you notice that there is a very heavy vibration coming from underneath the vehicle, you most likely have a problem with the prop shaft.
Solution:
You can try repairing the prop shaft, but it is most likely that you will have to replace it.
Difficulty level
Prop Shaft
Turbo problem
Problem:
If you have noticed that there is either blue smoke coming from the exhaust, or you are hearing a whistling type noise coming from the top of the engine, these are key signs of a blown turbo.
Solution:
Unfortunately, the only way to resolve this problem is to fit a new turbo. Fitting a new turbo can be expensive, but you can get a used quality replacement part with us.
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Loose Steering Rack
Problem:
The steering rack feels loose and moves.
Solution:
This is serious enough to have caused a recall by VW and is being caused by an incorrectly tightened bolted connection between the steering shaft and the steering rack. Generally, you will need to replace the bolted connection of the intermediate steering shaft, which you can find easily on our parts list.
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