Recall 16V170 covers 46,574 2011-2016 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles for a brake pedal pivot-pin clip defect. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 46,574 2011-2016 Touareg SUVs because a missing securing clip can let the brake pedal pivot pin move and the pedal dislodge. If that happens, the driver can lose braking ability and face a higher crash risk; the Volkswagen dealer repair will be free once Volkswagen makes the remedy available.
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What's wrong?
The brake pedal in a 2011-2016 Volkswagen Touareg turns on a pivot pin, a metal shaft that lets the pedal swing smoothly when you press and release it. A small securing clip holds that pin in position so the pedal stays aligned with the brake linkage. The whole setup depends on the pin staying locked between the pedal brackets.
During assembly, the securing clip became caught in the dashboard wiring harness and was pulled off the pivot pin on affected Touaregs. Without the clip, the pivot pin can walk out of its brackets as the pedal is used. If it moves far enough, the brake pedal can dislodge instead of transferring pedal force cleanly into the braking system.
The warning sign is a spongy brake pedal as the pivot pin starts to move out of the pedal brackets. Treat that change in pedal feel as a sign that the pedal hardware is no longer staying in place.
Who's affected?
Spans six Touareg model years, all tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2015 Volkswagen Touareg | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2013 Volkswagen Touareg | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Volkswagen Touareg | hydraulic brake system |
| 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Volkswagen Touareg | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 46,574 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A dislodged brake pedal can leave the driver unable to apply the brakes, increasing crash risk. A spongy pedal is the warning sign that the pivot pin has started moving out of the brackets. If the pedal feels spongy, pull over safely and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2016 Volkswagen Touareg is included in this recall.
- Watch for Volkswagen's owner notice mailed April 27, 2016, or use your VIN result when contacting Volkswagen customer service.
- Contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 to confirm repair timing for the brake-pedal securing-clip inspection.
- Reference recall number 16V170 and Volkswagen recall 46G4 when you call or speak with a dealer.
- Drive cautiously until the brake pedal assembly is inspected and any missing securing clip is installed.
What happens at the repair
Volkswagen has not opened the final dealer repair for scheduling in this status. Once available, a Volkswagen technician inspects the brake pedal assembly, checks whether the brake pedal pivot pin has its securing clip, and installs any missing securing clip. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Ask the service desk to confirm remedy availability for your VIN before arranging the visit.
Timeline
| March 24, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V170?
Recall 16V170 covers 46,574 2011-2016 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles with a brake pedal pivot pin that lacks a securing clip. If the pin moves, the brake pedal can dislodge. Volkswagen dealers inspect the brake pedal assembly and install missing securing clips for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2016 Volkswagen Touareg is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Touareg is included in recall 16V170. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for recall 46G4. The dealer will inspect the brake pedal assembly and install the securing clip at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Volkswagen's remedy says dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly, verify the securing clip, and install a missing clip free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V170?
The safety risk is loss of braking if the brake pedal dislodges. Volkswagen's filing says a missing securing clip lets the brake pedal pivot pin move, which can leave the driver unable to apply the brakes and increase crash risk.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Touareg used?
The free recall repair still applies to used vehicles. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then give the dealer recall number 16V170 or Volkswagen recall number 46G4 when you call for service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V170000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V170 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V170000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →