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2016 Volkswagen Touareg

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Touareg.

Body SUV

The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is an SUV that generated 44 owner complaints and two recalls, with engine-related issues standing out as the most frequently cited problem area. Viewed against the full 2004–2017 model run—where complaint volume reached a high of 231 for the 2004 model year and a low of just 9 for 2007—the 2016 model sits comfortably below the historical peak. That placement suggests a comparatively controlled reliability profile for this model year, though the concentration of engine complaints means that specific system remains the primary focus for researchers examining long-term ownership data.

Model year2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Fitment & sizes

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

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. · Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. CCA battery, OE oil filter 03H115562. 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 Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. · Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified

Tire sizeP255/55R18, P265/50R19, P275/45R20OEM · verified

Wheel / rim8-J, 8.5-J, 9-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	03H115562 alt 059198405
Engine air filter	7P0129620A
Fuel filter	7P0919679 alt 7P6127177A
Spark plug	101905622
Battery	000915089G alt 000915089BF
Front wiper blades	7P0998002
Serpentine belt	059903137AL alt 022145933P
Thermostat	03H121113E alt WHT000863
Cabin air filter	7P5819631

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	189 in
Overall width	76.4 in
Overall height	68.1 in
Wheelbase	113.8 in
Curb weight	4974 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.

7.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.80 sec — 2016 V6 Lux

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2016	V6 Lux 3.6L V6	7.80 sec	15.90 sec	280 hp	AWD
2015	TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	7.00 sec	15.40 sec	240 hp	AWD
2013	TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	6.90 sec	15.40 sec	240 hp	AWD
2013	TDI Lux 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	6.90 sec	15.30 sec	240 hp	AWD
2011	Hybrid 3.0L Supercharger V6 + Elec 34-kW 1.7-kWh	5.90 sec	14.50 sec	380 hp	AWD
2011	Hybrid 3.0L Supercharger V6 + Elec 34-kW 1.7-kWh	5.90 sec	—	380 hp	AWD
2011	TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6	6.90 sec	15.90 sec	225 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 22.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-3-6-2-5. 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

Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Engine Coolant	Use genuine VW G13 type coolant/antifreeze
Engine Coolant Capacity	10.5-16.0
Engine Coolant	Use genuine VW G13 type coolant/antifreeze
Engine Coolant Capacity	15.8

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	84 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Transfer Case Fill Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	Install a new nut and torque to 369.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	Install a new nut and torque to 369.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-3-6-2-5
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	100 rpm
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Spark Plug Gap	- in
Spark Plug Torque	- ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46

Brakes

Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	Front: 199; Rear: 22 /; Rear: 22
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Rear: 1.023
Maximum Drum Diameter	Parking Brake: 8.307

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts lightly with specified motor oil.

1	26.0 ft. lbs.	26 ft. lbs
2	44.0 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
3	90 degrees	90 degrees
4	90 degrees	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs. Step:2: 22 ft. lbs. Step 3: using a ratchet turn 90 degrees Step 4: using a ratchet turn 90 degrees Apply liquid locking fluid-D 197 300 A2 sealant under head of bolts before installing the longer cylinder head bolts must be installed in the middle holes of the cylinder head.

11 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

tighten all bolts by hand, step 2

7 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

tighten all bolts by hand, step 2

11 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180

22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs at 120,000 mi.

Every 10,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (inspect fluid level) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 20,000 mi	Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Diesel Particulate Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Sunroof Assembly (inspect) · Suspension Shock or Strut (inspect)
Every 40,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Door Stop (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Instrument Cluster Warning Indicator (inspect) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 mi	Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
Every 80,000 mi	Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 120,000 mi	Diesel Particulate Filter (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)

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 2016 Volkswagen Touareg marks a notable uptick in complaints within its generation, rising to 44 from 24 in 2015 and 27 in 2014, though it remains below the early-generation peaks (e.g., 231 in 2004). Recalls and investigations held steady at 2 and 0, respectively, consistent with the 2014–2017 trend, while technical service bulletins (TSBs) declined from 720 in 2015 to 598, suggesting Volkswagen was addressing issues proactively. The bulk of 2016 complaints centered on the engine (20), with no reported crashes or fires, aligning with the broader mid-generation pattern of powertrain-focused concerns. Compared to 2017, which saw fewer complaints (24) and recalls (1), the 2016 model sits in a transitional phase—neither the worst nor the most refined. The data implies that while 2016 isn’t the generation’s weakest link, its elevated complaints and persistent engine issues warrant thorough pre-purchase inspection. **Takeaway:** A 2016 Touareg is a *conditional* buy—only with verified service history and a clean engine report.**

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

598

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15’16’17

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 44 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine20

Forward Collision Avoidance3

Structure3

Fuel/Propulsion System2

Unknown Or Other2

Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance1

Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance1

Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

16V243000Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating SystemsReported 26/04/2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toureg vehicles manufactured July 7, 2015 to March 3, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be… Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will correct the TPMS settings and replace the safety certification label, free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2016…

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 598 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TT 10-18-02_2	2026-06-18	Engine	Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_3	2026-06-18	Engine	Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_17	2026-06-11	Air Bags	Inquiries
V1719012012855_81	2026-06-04	Engine	Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-21	2026-03-27	Engine	This 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.

Group B battery Engine oil filter 03H115562 Engine air filter 7P0129620A Fuel filter 7P0919679 Spark plug 101905622

Reference guides

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

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules

Frequently asked

Does the 2016 Touareg have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.