2004 Volkswagen Touareg. Consumer writes in regards to fuel filter flange safety recall. The consumer requested to be reimbured for the repairs covered in the recall. Updated 12/8/2017

- Atlanta, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer (platinum Volkswagen, 45 nelson ave, hicksville, NY 11801) and was informed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and opened case number: [xxx]. no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 220,638. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Macon, GA, USA

Constant repair of 2004 VW Touareg: This vehicle has been certified in all states of the union as being a certified lemon. When I purchased the vehicle I had no idea of this. I have had to replace a fan sensor which is a certified VW defect, but I had to pay for the cost, repair and labor in the amount of $550 and further, the vehicle left me stranded because the faulty sensor allowed a fan to keep blowing thereby draining my battery completely. Rear windshield wiper disintegrated during heavy rain and cost 65 to repair although the piece looks like something a child put together. Front windshield wiper flew off of car while raining, causing me to pull over and be stranded once again. I got stranded again because the VW engine coils burnt out without notice leaving me stranded in blizzard conditions in Chicago. I had to get a new battery but was charged $250 for the battery and installation because VW chose to put the battery under the front driver's seat. Not three weeks have passed and I haven't even driven the vehicle but both fuel pumps and the flange module have gone out. I had to pay $1500 for labor, parts, shop and repairs. Vehicle has 91,000 and brakes and rotors have gone out again for the 3rd time. Right door opens when driving although the vehicle is locked, which is another certified defect. Vehicle lunges forward from a stopped position and then hesitates when trying to speed up on the highway.

- Chicago, IL, USA

I was parking the vehicle in a tight parking lot and maneuvering around a tree in order to pull further up into the space. As I gently pushed down on the accelerator to inch into the spot, the car lurched forward at a very high rate of speed crashing into a wooden garbage box. I jammed on the brakes before going through the fence. I was incredibly lucky that I was no longer aiming at the tree. It was as though the car suddenly wanted to peal out in a manner that was totally out of sync with the amount of pressure on the gas pedal. It just started speeding toward the fence/box. Looking back on it, I believe that this happened a couple of days before as I started to accelerate after stopping at a stop sign. Though the reaction of the car was similar, it was not nearly so pronounced. It felt as though the car was tripping over itself. I had the insurance tow the car to the mechanic but so far he has not been able to replicate the problem. I spoke with both the local VW serviceman and VW North America but they denied ever hearing about such a problem. I have had this car for over 6 years and have never had this happen before the other day.

- White Plains, NY, USA

2004 VW Touareg with tire failure and key programming. Consumer states he had to replace the tires due to a puncture in one of the sidewall tires. The second key received needed to be programmed and dealer charged him for programming. The consumer stated he gets low gas mileage. When the vehicle was returned to the consumer, the tire monitoring system would come on and go off repeatedly. The drive shaft was replaced due to a vibration when making turns. The front brakes needed to be replaced.

- Palm Desert, CA, USA