What are the most common Volkswagen Touran problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004-2004 Volkswagen Touran has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Water Ingress to Footwell via Blocked Plenum / Sunroof Drains Causing Electrical Faults, Front Anti-Roll Bar Drop Link Wear and Suspension Knocking. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Volkswagen Touran reliable?

The 2004-2004 Volkswagen Touran has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

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

Repair costs for known Volkswagen Touran issues range from $40 to $600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2004 Volkswagen Touran Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2004 Volkswagen Touran Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

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On the 2003-2020 Volkswagen Touran, water collects in the front footwells (and A-pillar area on panoramic-sunroof cars) when the scuttle/plenum drains in front of the windscreen become blocked with leaves and debris, or when the foam pollen-filter seal degrades, or when the panoramic sunroof drain channels clog. Water then backs up and runs into the cabin. Beyond a wet carpet, the water reaches electrical connectors in the footwell and A-pillar, corroding pins and triggering faults — HELLA documents auxiliary-heater output-stage fault codes 148B/148C and connector corrosion as a direct result.

Common Symptoms

Wet or damp front footwell / soaked carpet
Musty / damp smell inside the cabin
Condensation on the inside of the windscreen
Intermittent electrical faults and warning messages
Auxiliary heater fault / engine control light
Corroded connectors in footwell or A-pillar

How to Fix

Clear the plenum/scuttle drains and the panoramic sunroof drain channels (flush with water to confirm flow, clean with a drain brush). Replace the degraded pollen-filter foam seal, sealing with non-setting mastic. Dry out the carpet/underlay, then repair or replace corroded connectors and clear fault memory.

Typical repair cost:$80 - $600

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2003-2015 Volkswagen Touran, the Touran's front anti-roll bar drop links wear out relatively early, producing a knocking, rumbling, or clunking noise over bumps and broken surfaces. As a heavy MPV the front suspension takes a lot of load, and HonestJohn MOT data shows older Tourans failing at notably higher-than-average rates for suspension components and anti-roll bars (e.g. roughly 14% suspension and ~8% anti-roll-bar failure on 2011 cars). Worn links and bushes are the most common cause.

Common Symptoms

Knocking or clunking over bumps
Rumbling noise on rough roads
Vague or rattly steering feel over imperfections
Uneven tyre wear
MOT advisory or failure on anti-roll bar / suspension

How to Fix

Replace the front anti-roll bar drop links (a quick, inexpensive job requiring wheel removal and a couple of nuts). Inspect and, if worn, replace the anti-roll bar bushes and lower arm bushes at the same time. Suspension springs are also a common consumable on higher-mileage cars.

Typical repair cost:$40 - $250

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

2004 Volkswagen Touran Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2003-2020 Volkswagen Touran: Water Ingress to Footwell via Blocked Plenum / Sunroof Drains Causing Electrical Faults#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2003-2015 Volkswagen Touran: Front Anti-Roll Bar Drop Link Wear and Suspension Knocking#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volkswagen Touran problems?

Is the Volkswagen Touran reliable?

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

What is the 2003-2020 Volkswagen Touran Water Ingress to Footwell via Blocked Plenum / Sunroof Drains Causing Electrical Faults?

What is the 2003-2015 Volkswagen Touran Front Anti-Roll Bar Drop Link Wear and Suspension Knocking?