2017 Volkswagen Touareg Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2017 model year · 3,480+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,480+ owner reports, the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure ($400-$3,500 repair) and Transfer Case (Torsen Center Differential) Failure ($300-$4,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure with 2,800 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $300 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

Filter:

Community Reported

2,800 owners

On the 2004-2017 Volkswagen Touareg, the Touareg's air suspension system is prone to failure of the air compressor, air springs (bags), and valve block. The compressor overworks due to slow air leaks in the bags, eventually burning out. Air springs develop cracks in the rubber and leak, causing the vehicle to sag overnight or on one corner. The valve block can also fail, preventing proper height adjustment. This is the most expensive recurring maintenance item on the Touareg.

Common Symptoms

Vehicle sitting low on one or more corners
Vehicle sags overnight when parked
Air suspension warning light
Compressor running constantly or making loud noise
Vehicle fails to raise when starting
Harsh ride quality from failed air spring

How to Fix

Replace failed air springs (Arnott, Bilstein, or OEM) - typically $400-800 per corner. Replace the air compressor if it has overworked ($500-1,000 for quality aftermarket). Inspect and replace the valve block if needed ($300-600). Some owners convert to traditional coil springs using a conversion kit ($1,500-2,500 for all four corners) to eliminate recurring air suspension costs.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,800+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeReplacement air spring to restore proper ride height and comfort (Arnott Air Spring Assembly)
View on Amazon
UpgradeAir-to-coil spring conversion kit as a permanent fix for air suspension failures (Strutmasters Air Suspension Conversion Kit)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$400 - $3,500

Research This Issue

2,800+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High Confidence2,800 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

680 owners

On the 2004-2017 Volkswagen Touareg, the Touareg uses a Torsen center differential transfer case that can fail due to insufficient lubrication or worn internal gears. The transfer case fluid is often neglected during routine maintenance, leading to premature wear. Symptoms include grinding noises, difficulty engaging low range, and vibrations during turns. The 2004-2010 models with the mechanical low-range gear are more prone to this issue. Replacement is expensive due to the specialized nature of the component.

Common Symptoms

Grinding or whining noise from center of vehicle
Vibration during tight turns
Difficulty engaging or disengaging low range
Transfer case warning light
Clunking during acceleration
Fluid leak from transfer case

How to Fix

Change transfer case fluid every 40,000 miles with VW-specified fluid (G 052 162 A2). If grinding is present, the transfer case may need rebuild ($1,500-2,500) or replacement ($2,500-4,500). For low-range engagement issues, the shift motor or shift fork may be the culprit ($500-1,200). A reputable independent 4x4 specialist can often rebuild for less than dealer replacement.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeRoyal Purple Max-Gear differential fluid for superior protection (Royal Purple Max-Gear Differential Fluid)
View on Amazon
UpgradeDorman differential cover gasket — direct OE replacement (Dorman Differential Cover Gasket)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$300 - $4,500

Research This Issue

680+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High Confidence680 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volkswagen Touareg problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,480+ owner reports, the 2017-2017 Volkswagen Touareg has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure, Transfer Case (Torsen Center Differential) Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

The 2017-2017 Volkswagen Touareg has 2 known issues documented across 3,480+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure and Transfer Case (Torsen Center Differential) Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Volkswagen Touareg problems?

Repair costs for known Volkswagen Touareg issues range from $300 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure, typically costs $400-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2004-2017 Volkswagen Touareg Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure?

The Touareg's air suspension system is prone to failure of the air compressor, air springs (bags), and valve block. The compressor overworks due to slow air leaks in the bags, eventually burning out. Air springs develop cracks in the rubber and leak, causing the vehicle to sag ov… Repairs typically run $400-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2017 Volkswagen Touareg Transfer Case (Torsen Center Differential) Failure?

The Touareg uses a Torsen center differential transfer case that can fail due to insufficient lubrication or worn internal gears. The transfer case fluid is often neglected during routine maintenance, leading to premature wear. Symptoms include grinding noises, difficulty engagin… Repairs typically run $300-$4,500. Severity: high.

2017 Volkswagen Touareg Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2004-2017 Volkswagen Touareg: Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2004-2017 Volkswagen Touareg: Transfer Case (Torsen Center Differential) Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Volkswagen Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volkswagen Touareg problems?

Is the Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Volkswagen Touareg problems?

What is the 2004-2017 Volkswagen Touareg Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure?

What is the 2004-2017 Volkswagen Touareg Transfer Case (Torsen Center Differential) Failure?