2010 Volkswagen Touareg

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Volkswagen Touareg
Pictured: 2019 Volkswagen Touareg V6 R-Line Tech TD 3.0 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Body styles
2 4dr SUV AWD 3.0 Tdi, 2 4dr SUV AWD 3.6 V6
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
Length
187 in
Curb weight
5,077–5,304 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints14 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 71 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,304 lb (2 4dr SUV AWD 3.0 Tdi).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 9% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

What changed for 2010

  • Engine dropped: 4.2L 8-cyl

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Touareg →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2 4dr SUV AWD 3.0 Tdi187 in76 in68.1 in111.8 in64.6 / 65 in5,304 lb52/48
2 4dr SUV AWD 3.6 V6187 in76 in68.1 in111.8 in64.6 / 65 in5,077 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Touareg Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+9%$4,800509
Touareg3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-13%$5,150555
Spend $12,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.3 MPG2010 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Volkswagen Touareg (this car)20 MPGNot rated1
2010 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated6
2010 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated14
2010 Honda CR-V24 MPGNot rated15
2010 Toyota 4Runner20 MPGNot rated12
2010 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated17
2010 Toyota Highlander26 MPGNot rated11

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Volkswagen Touareg is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

14Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
87,775 miTypical mileage at failure
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Unknown Or Other3
Engine2
Service Brakes1
Electrical System1
Air Bags1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/02: 116/02: 116/12: 117/02: 117/05: 117/07: 218/09: 119/02: 119/05: 119/07: 121/07: 121/09: 124/10: 115/0216/1217/0518/0919/0521/0724/10max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Volkswagen Touareg buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Fuel/Propulsion System — 9 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.
  3. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 87,775 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Touareg years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Touareg19189 inNot rated124
2016 Touareg24189 inNot rated245
2015 Touareg23189 inNot rated324
2014 Touareg23189 inNot rated324
2013 Touareg23189 inNot rated320
2012 Touareg22189 inNot rated420
2011 Touareg22189 inNot rated47
2009 Touareg20187 inNot rated112
2008 Touareg17187 inNot rated141
2007 Touareg17187 inNot rated25
2006 Touareg17187 inNot rated117
2005 Touareg16187 inNot rated128

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →