DecodedCars2008 Volkswagen Touareg
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 2 4dr SUV AWD V6, 2 4dr SUV AWD V8
- Engines
- 5.0L 10-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 187 in
- Curb weight
- 5,086–5,300 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (5.0L 10-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl and 4.2L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,086 lb (2 4dr SUV AWD V6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway), 2% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Touareg — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Touareg →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 4dr SUV AWD V6 | 187 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,086 lb | 52/48 |
| 2 4dr SUV AWD V8 | 187 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,300 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touareg Diesel | 5.0L 10-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -2% | $5,650 | 599 |
| Touareg | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -8% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Touareg | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -20% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | 17 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Jeep Commander | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 8, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V151000 · 20,908 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.
Not every 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Volkswagen Touareg buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 22 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 97,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Touareg years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Touareg | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 1 | 24 |
| 2016 Touareg | 24 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2015 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2014 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2013 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2012 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 20 |
| 2011 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2010 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2009 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2007 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2006 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2005 Touareg | 16 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 28 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →