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Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L) (2003-2010) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L) built around 2010: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L) models built around 2010 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L) models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 29% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L) models built around 2010 involves the suspension.

Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2003-2010SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 8,793 tests of Touareg models registered 2003-2010.

About 1 in 9 Touareg Mk1 (7L) MOTs (10.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 634 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 8.7% and 13.5%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Touareg Mk1 (7L) MOTs (4.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 634 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.2% and 6.5%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (7L) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
63427.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,24428.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,25528.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,78127.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,55228.0%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
86627.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
40127.7%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
6036.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 22 years old.

How the Touareg Mk1 (7L) compares

At each age below, see how the Touareg Mk1 (7L) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 182,459 tests across 17 Volkswagen models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
63427.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,24428.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,25528.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,78127.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,55228.0%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
86627.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
40127.7%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
6036.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Touareg Mk1 (7L).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 27.4% for the Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L), both built around 2010.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,501 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Audi Q7

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.6%
    Dangerous
    7.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.6%

    Lower fail rate: 20.5%, against 27.4% for the Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L), both built around 2010.

    1,354 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Honda CR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 24.8%, against 27.4% for the Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L), both built around 2010.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    11,324 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Toyota Urban Cruiser

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.5%
    Dangerous
    4.9%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 6.5%, against 10.9% for the Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L).

    1,619 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

90%of all Volkswagen Touareg cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

15 recalls in all

5 of the 15 Touareg Mk1 (7L) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Fire may occur
  • Brake pedal may fail and make hard braking impossible
  • Rear spoiler could become detached when driving.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Touareg Mk1 (7L) cars built around 2010

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 205 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
55%
Emissions
21%
Drivetrain
6%
Bodywork
5%
Steering
3%

Wear items

Lighting
58%
Tyres
49%
Brakes
48%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 15% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Touareg Mk1 (7L) cars have aged

How Touareg Mk1 (7L) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%40%111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (679 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (658 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (679 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (595 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (536 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (989 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (918 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (821 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (738 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (677 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (1,673 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (1,467 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (1,341 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (1,222 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (1,026 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (1,769 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (1,567 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (1,357 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (1,133 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (951 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (1,799 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (1,599 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (1,338 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (1,106 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (926 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (1,285 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (1,056 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (891 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (625 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (490 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (721 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (577 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (488 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (374 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (295 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (177 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (79 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (66 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 36.7% (60 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
How each part holds up as Mk1 (7L) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (7L) cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension55%53%52%60%
Brakes48%54%46%47%
Emissions21%18%22%17%
Tyres49%46%50%37%
Lighting58%58%60%60%
Drivetrain6%7%2%6%
Bodywork5%5%2%1%
Steering3%6%3%7%
Corrosion15%13%15%19%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 205 to 300 cars at each age.

Mk1 (7L) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Touaregs of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Touareg built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (7L) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    24.0%
    Advisory: 430Fail: 23 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    23.0%
    Advisory: 398Fail: 67 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    19.1%
    Advisory: 224Fail: 3 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    12.4%
    Advisory: 265Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    10.4%
    Advisory: 81Fail: 75 (48% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,170 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 (7L) (2003-2010) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 634 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 8,793 MOT tests on Volkswagen Touaregs first registered between 2003-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.