The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg offers a luxurious mid-size SUV experience with a 3.6L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower. However, users report several issues, including engine oil consumption, coolant leaks, and electrical malfunctions. Transmission concerns such as hard shifts are noted but decline over time. Recalls address potential brake pedal and fuel leak risks, illustrating Volkswagen's safety commitment. Owner satisfaction highlights robust build quality and powerful towing capacity, though dissatisfaction stems from fuel economy and maintenance costs. Buyers should check recalls and conduct thorough inspections. Exploring these aspects reveals how the 2017 Touareg balances luxury with maintenance considerations.
Overview of the 2017 Touareg

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is a mid-size SUV that offers both luxury and performance. It has a strong and stylish look on the outside and a classy feel on the inside.
Under the hood, there's a 3.6-liter V6 engine that gives you 280 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, making the ride smooth and fuel-efficient, with 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Inside, the Touareg feels upscale, with quality materials and modern tech. You get dual-zone climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen, and a navigation system.
It also has a lot of space for your stuff, with 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 64 cubic feet when the rear seats are down.
For safety, the Touareg includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These help make driving safe and comfortable.
Common problems reported for the 2017 Touareg
For the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg, owners have reported several common issues across different parts of the car. Here's a simple breakdown:
1. Engine: People often notice their Touareg using too much oil or having coolant leaks. This usually means they need to add oil more often or deal with the engine overheating.
These problems happen moderately often and haven't changed much over time. They can make the engine run less smoothly.
2. Transmission: Some drivers experience hard shifts or a delay when engaging gears. These issues are not very common and are happening less over time.
They can make the ride feel jerky or uncomfortable.
3. Electrical System: There have been reports of the battery draining and the infotainment system not working properly. These problems are happening more frequently now.
They can lead to a dead battery or screens that freeze, which is frustrating for drivers.
4. Suspension: A few owners hear clunking noises or notice their suspension wearing out too soon. These problems are not very frequent and have stayed the same over time.
They can impact the smoothness of the ride.
5. Brakes: Some people have noticed their brakes wearing out too soon or making squeaky noises. This happens moderately often but is becoming less frequent.
It can affect how quickly the car stops, which is a safety concern.
6. Fuel System: Occasionally, the fuel pump fails, which can cause the engine to stall. These problems are rare and haven't changed much over time.
They can affect the car's reliability.
7. Air Conditioning: Some have found the air conditioning doesn't cool or heat effectively. This isn't very common but can make the car uncomfortable, especially in extreme weather.
Recall information specific to the 2017 Touareg

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg had several recalls to fix safety and performance problems.
These recalls aimed to fix issues that could cause harm to the car or passengers. Volkswagen worked to solve these problems quickly.
- Brake Pedal Issue: There was a problem where the brake pedal could come loose. This could make it hard to stop the car and lead to accidents. The fix involved checking and strengthening the brake pedal.
- Fuel Pump Flange: The fuel pump flange could crack, causing fuel leaks and possible fires. The solution was to replace the faulty parts to stop these dangers.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): The TPMS was not warning drivers about low tire pressure, which could lead to tire problems. The recall included updating the software to make it work right.
These actions show how Volkswagen addressed these issues to keep the Touareg safe and reliable.
Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2017 model
Owner reviews for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg are mostly positive. People like its strong build and fancy interior.
The Touareg has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that gives 280 horsepower. Drivers enjoy its smooth performance and steady power. It can tow up to 7,716 pounds, which is great for those who need it.
The Touareg's infotainment system is easy to use, though some wish it was more modern. Its 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system gets good feedback for providing solid traction in different conditions, making drivers feel safe.
Some owners are not happy with the fuel economy. It gets about 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Maintenance costs are a bit higher compared to similar SUVs.
Still, most owners are pleased with the Touareg's driving experience, comfort, and reliability.
Comparison to previous and subsequent Touareg model years

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg was the last model of its second generation, which started in 2010. This version had better tech and safety features than earlier ones. It came with standard adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings, which weren't in older models.
The 2017 model kept the same 3.6-liter V6 engine from before. It offered 280 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup was similar to past models and provided reliable performance. However, its fuel efficiency was not as good as some competitors, with ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
In 2018, the third-generation Touareg came out, featuring a fresh design and new technologies like the Innovision Cockpit. This new version improved fuel efficiency and handling.
Some drivers, however, still liked the 2017 model for its simplicity and dependable nature, even though it lacked the latest tech features. The 2017 Touareg offered a balanced luxury SUV experience without extra modern gadgets.
Tips for buying a used 2017 Touareg
When you're thinking about buying a used 2017 Volkswagen Touareg, consider its reliable performance and luxury features. This model has a strong V6 engine, a nice interior, and is good for off-road adventures.
But make sure you check a few things before buying.
Here's what to look at:
- Vehicle History: Check the car's past. Look for regular maintenance, any accidents, and who owned it before. A clean history usually means the car was taken care of well.
- Mechanical Inspection: Have a mechanic look at the car. They should check the transmission, suspension, and brakes. These parts are important for driving and safety.
- Feature Check: Make sure all electronic features work. Check the infotainment system and safety features. The 2017 model might not have the latest tech, but the features it does have should be in working order.
Maintenance recommendations for the 2017 Touareg

To keep a 2017 Volkswagen Touareg running smoothly, regular maintenance is key. Simple tasks like changing the oil, checking brakes, and rotating tires help a lot. Use synthetic oil and change it every 10,000 miles or once a year.
Don't forget to check and refill transmission fluid and brake fluid when needed.
Here's a simple guide for when to do these tasks:
- Oil Change: Every 10,000 miles or once a year
- Brake Check: Every 20,000 miles or every 2 years
- Tire Rotation: Every 10,000 miles
- Transmission Fluid Check: Every 40,000 miles
- Brake Fluid Change: Every 30,000 miles or every 3 years
Rotating tires helps them last longer, and checking brakes keeps you safe.
The car's electronics need updates too, which you can get from the dealer. Following this guide helps keep your Touareg reliable and safe.
Resale value and long-term ownership costs
Regular check-ups help keep the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg in good shape and can affect how much you can sell it for later. The Touareg, with its strong build and fancy features, doesn't lose its value as fast as some other cars. Keeping a tidy service record can boost the sale price by 10-15%, says Kelley Blue Book. People looking to buy often prefer cars with a clear history of upkeep, so these records are handy.
Here's a look at possible value drop and costs over time:
| Detail | Volkswagen Touareg | Other SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Value Drop Over 5 Years | 45% | 50% |
| Yearly Maintenance Cost | $1,200 | $1,000 |
| Yearly Insurance Cost | $1,500 | $1,300 |
| Miles Per Gallon (MPG) | 21 | 24 |
The Touareg may cost a bit more in upkeep and insurance, but it doesn't lose its value as quickly, which can be a plus. Premium models might have extra perks that buyers like. However, it uses more fuel compared to some other SUVs, which can add to costs over time. Owners who stick to regular maintenance often get better trade-in prices. So, it's something to think about for those considering buying one.
People Also Ask
What Are the Towing Capabilities of the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg?
The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg can tow up to 7,716 pounds when it has the right equipment. This means it can pull big things like trailers or boats. It's great for people who need to move heavy stuff from one place to another.
How Does the 2017 Touareg Perform in Off-Road Conditions?
The 2017 Touareg is good for off-road driving. It has a special all-wheel-drive system, adjustable air suspension, and strong power. These help it go over tough ground easily, making it a good choice for different off-road adventures.
Are There Any Notable Interior Features Exclusive to the 2017 Touareg?
The 2017 Touareg has special interior features like comfy Vienna leather seats, a big glass sunroof, and a smart touchscreen for navigation. These make the car feel extra fancy and easy to use, perfect for people who love cool cars.
What Are the Available Color Options for the 2017 Touareg?
The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg comes in several colors. You can choose Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, Canyon Gray, Reef Blue Metallic, and Sand Gold Metallic. These colors let you pick the one you like best to make your car feel special to you.
Does the 2017 Touareg Support Apple Carplay or Android Auto?
The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This means you can't connect your smartphone to the car's system for things like maps or music. Some people might not like this because they want easy access to their phone's features while driving.
