2003 Volkswagen Touareg diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Volkswagen Touareg first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 226 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 226 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 Volkswagen Touareg diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Volkswagen Touareg diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Brakes32% 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.
- Lights and electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres20% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks16% 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 mirrors9% 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 2003 Volkswagen Touareg diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volkswagen Touareg?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Touareg compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,063 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 4,046 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 5,900 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 8,734 | Tyres 22% |
| 2018 | 4,665 | Tyres 22% |
| 2017 | 9,744 | Tyres 23% |
| 2016 | 11,497 | Tyres 23% |
| 2015 | 12,353 | Tyres 24% |
| 2014 | 9,164 | Tyres 25% |
| 2013 | 6,937 | Tyres 26% |
| 2012 | 5,554 | Tyres 26% |
| 2011 | 5,067 | Tyres 26% |
| 2010 | 2,179 | Suspension 34% |
| 2009 | 3,295 | Suspension 37% |
| 2008 | 4,287 | Suspension 40% |
| 2007 | 5,908 | Suspension 39% |
| 2006 | 5,013 | Suspension 45% |
| 2005 | 3,464 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 1,897 | Suspension 44% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen Touareg cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score