2009 Volkswagen Touareg: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Volkswagen Touareg?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Touareg

  16.7% All 2009 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Sub-frame bushes8.6× usual
  Volkswagen Touareg

  4.3% All 2009 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Suspension arm2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Touareg

  6.6% All 2009 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Flexible brake hoses2.2× usual
  Volkswagen Touareg

  5.8% All 2009 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Side repeaters2.5× usual
  Volkswagen Touareg

  3.5% All 2009 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2009 Volkswagen Touareg MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Volkswagen Touareg MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  27% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Volkswagen Touareg

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame bushes? (Flagged at MOT 8.6× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?