DecodedCars2006 Volkswagen Touareg
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD V6, 4dr SUV AWD V8
- Engines
- 5.0L 10-cyl turbo, 3.2L 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
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints17 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 105 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (5.0L 10-cyl turbo, 3.2L 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 (4dr SUV AWD V6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway), 0% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 17 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2006
- New diesel version
- Engine added: 5.0L 10-cyl turbo
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Touareg →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD V6 | 187 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,086 lb | 52/48 |
| 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 | 0% | $5,650 | 599 |
| Touareg | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -6% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Touareg | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -18% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Jeep Commander | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 20, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V583000 · 73,941 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel filter flange for cracks, replacing the flange if cracks are found. If no cracks are found, a protective cover will be installed onto the filter flange. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Ai.
Not every 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Volkswagen Touareg buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 8 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 — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 91,287 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 2006 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 |
| 2008 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2007 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 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 →