2014 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Hybrid / EV system
What's wrong, in plain English: High-voltage battery or drive system. 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 tray, it may cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
What could happen: An electrical short in the high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly, free of charge. The recall began late February 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this 53B8.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2014 TOUAREG HYBRID.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V035000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-893-5298.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: 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 tray, it may cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
Consequence: An electrical short in the high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly, free of charge. The recall began late February 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this 53B8.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2014 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (8), Engine (7), Electrical system (3), Unknown Or Other (3), Suspension (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/24/2024 · Airbags
The safety computer which checks the different sensors and reports their condition on the i instrument dash indicated air bag sensor failure, This automobile has not been in any accident.. A rear seat belt came apart. The top plastic locking system came apart from the metal part of the locking system, Making the seat belt not useable . The sear belt was…
03/24/2022 · Engine
Wet Air intake filter. Clearly showed water damage and rot on the air filter. This is a repeated issue.
10/20/2021 · Electrical system · fire
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…
08/14/2021 · Seats
Vehicle has 72000 miles on it, Driver seat heater burned a hole on the leather, burning my pants, underwear and skin while I was driving. I had to pull over because smoke started to come out of the seat. VW of Fort Myers checked it out and confirmed the heater was bad, but they said they don't make the replacement part anymore. No warning lights came on.
08/05/2021 · Electrical system · fire
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…
06/27/2021 · Engine
After recently purchasing this vehicle I noticed the car be long more and more sluggish. While driving one morning I experienced loss in power and an flashing check engine light and glow plug light on the dash. The car went into “limp” mode and I could not accelerate past 40 MPG on a busy road. I pulled over slowly and let the car sit. After turning the ca…
12/29/2020 · Engine
KEEP GETTING WATER IN MY AIR FILTER BOX, SOAKING THE AIR FILTER. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THEY REMOVED SOME PART IN THE DRAIN. DOESNT SEEM LIKE A FIX TO ME
11/09/2020 · Engine
ENGINE AIR FILTER AND HOUSING ARE WET, THIS IS AN ONGOING EVENT. I REMEDY IT BUY BUYING A NEW FILTER, DRYING OUT THE HOUSING AND REPLACING THE WET FILTER. I AM AFRAID AT SOME POINT THE WATER WILL ENTER THE ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE AND PERHAPS AN ACCIDENT IF THE CAR STALLS.