VolkswagenTouareg2011Overview/volkswagen/touareg/2011/base/

2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Touareg.

Body SUV

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is an SUV that requires 8.8 quarts of 5W-30, 5W-40, or 0W-40 API engine oil. This model year is associated with four recalls and 16 total owner complaints, with the engine cited as the top complaint area. Within the broader 2004-2017 model history, the 2011 version falls between the peak of 231 complaints in 2004 and the low of 9 complaints recorded in 2007.

Model year201920182017201620152014201320122011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity8.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-40 / 0W-40 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque118 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 Diesel · 640 Diesel CCA battery, OE oil filter 06D115475. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 Diesel · 640 Diesel CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire sizeP265-50R19OEM · verified
Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06D115475 alt 059115441K
Engine air filter7P0129620A
Fuel filter7P0919679 alt 7P6127177A
Spark plug101905611G alt 101905622
Battery000915089BD alt 000915089BF
Front wiper blades7P0998002
Serpentine belt06E903137AB alt 022145933P
Thermostat03H121113E alt WHT000863
Cabin air filter7P5819631

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189 in
Overall width76.4 in
Overall height68.1 in
Wheelbase113.8 in
Curb weight4974 lb
Track (front / rear)64.6 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)53/47

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Touareg of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.9–6.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.90 sec — 2011 Hybrid
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011Hybrid 3.0L Supercharger V6 + Elec 34-kW 1.7-kWh5.90 sec14.50 sec380 hpAWD
2011Hybrid 3.0L Supercharger V6 + Elec 34-kW 1.7-kWh5.90 sec380 hpAWD
2011TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V66.90 sec15.90 sec225 hpAWD
2013TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V66.90 sec15.40 sec240 hpAWD
2013TDI Lux 3.0L Turbo Diesel V66.90 sec15.30 sec240 hpAWD
2015TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V67.00 sec15.40 sec240 hpAWD
2016V6 Lux 3.6L V67.80 sec15.90 sec280 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 8.8 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 0W-40 API engine oil, CONTACT DEALER FOR CORRECT LUBRICANT in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 118 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidVW part number G055540A2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity11.0-13.2
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilCONTACT DEALER FOR CORRECT LUBRICANT
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.6 Pints
Engine CoolantUSE G012ABG-A1 COOLANT
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-40 · API · 0W-40
Engine Oil Capacity8.8 qt

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsSupercharger: 14.7 ft-lbs, lower: 7.4 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6.6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs15 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs96 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts118 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub369 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub369 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.43-2.45 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.30-5.00 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.75-2.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Pressure Test14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief20-23 psi
Injector Primary Resistance178
Engine Compression159
Engine Compression159

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH BREMBO (17 inch) CALIPER
Torque to Knuckle199 ft-lbs
Brake ApplicationWITH BREMBO
Torque to Knuckle199 ft-lbs / 133 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Brake ApplicationWITH BREMBO (17 inch) CALIPER
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.26 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.26 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 906 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 454 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
137 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9037 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
129 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9029 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
126 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
244 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees; Do not re-use old bolts.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
1Tighten in sequence shown 30 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees; Do not re-use old bolts.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
111 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
222 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees; Do not re-use old bolts.90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1install by hand, step 211 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18022 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 9,300 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi.

Every 9,300 miEngine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 10,000 miBrake Rotor (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 20,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Diesel Particulate Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 40,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Drive Axle Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 miAir Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miDiesel Particulate Filter (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg marks the first model year of a new generation, and the data shows a notable uptick in complaints compared to the final year of the prior generation (2007 had only 9 complaints). With 16 complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 investigations, 2011 experienced more regulatory activity than any year since 2004 (which had 231 complaints), though the complaint volume remains relatively modest. The 4 recalls tie it with 2004 for the highest recall count in the entire dataset, and the 2 NHTSA investigations indicate serious safety concerns were elevated to federal scrutiny. TSB volume surged to 888—more than double the 2007 figure—suggesting increased technical complexity or dealer-facing service issues. Moving forward, complaints gradually climbed from 16 (2011) to 30 (2013) before moderating, while investigations remained elevated through 2014. The top complaint categories (engine, fuel system, steering) and 1 crash-related complaint provide context but no clear pattern of catastrophic failure. The 2011 model represents a high point in manufacturer warranty/recall activity within this generation, which may actually benefit a used buyer if those recalls were addressed—making it a reasonable purchase if a comprehensive service history confirms the recalls were completed.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
888
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
16
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 16 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine3
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Unknown Or Other2
Steering2
Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Steering,Unknown Or Other1
Fuel System, Diesel,Fuel/Propulsion System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V329000Unknown Or OtherReported 16/05/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began…

16V170000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And LinkagesReported 24/03/2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 888 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TT 10-18-02_22026-06-18EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_32026-06-18EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_172026-06-11Air BagsInquiries
V1719012012855_812026-06-04EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-212026-03-27EngineThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Touareg. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Touareg take?

8.8 qt of 5W-30 , 5W-40 API, OR 0W-40- MEETING VW SPECIFICATION VW50700, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Touareg have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.