Recall 17V151 affects 20,908 2007-2010 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles for fuel-filter-flange cracks and fuel leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 20,908 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles because the fuel filter flange can crack and leak fuel. A fuel leak near an ignition source can increase fire risk, and Volkswagen dealers will replace the flange free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fuel filter flange on the 2007-2010 Volkswagen Touareg is part of the gasoline fuel system. It sits at the fuel filter and helps keep fuel sealed inside the system while fuel moves under pressure. In normal use, that flange has to stay strong enough to hold pressure without seepage.
On affected Touaregs, the flange material loses strength as it ages and oxidizes. Fuel also presses against the inside of the flange, adding stress to the material. That combination creates small cracks in the flange, and fuel leaks through those cracks. Volkswagen's replacement part adds a protective cover to reduce the aging and oxidation that contributed to the failure.
The warning sign is a significant smell of fuel. If you notice fuel odor around the vehicle, treat it as a sign that the fuel system needs inspection before normal driving continues.
Who's affected?
Spans four Touareg model years, all tied to the same fuel system component.
| 2008 Volkswagen Touareg | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2007 Volkswagen Touareg | fuel system |
| 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | fuel system |
| 2010 Volkswagen Touareg | fuel system |
| Units affected | 20,908 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel leak near an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. A strong fuel smell is the warning sign named for this recall, so treat that odor as a reason to stop, keep ignition sources away, and contact a Volkswagen dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2010 Volkswagen Touareg is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free fuel-filter-flange inspection and repair for the flange cracks that can leak fuel.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V151 and Volkswagen recall 20Z4 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found and apply the protective cover that prevents oxidation cracks from forming.
- Avoid open flames, sparks, and fuel odors around the vehicle until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician inspects the fuel filter flange for cracks. If cracks are found, the technician replaces the flange and applies a protective cover to the fuel filter to help prevent oxidization cracks from forming. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Volkswagen has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair before the recall notice. Contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 to ask how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 8, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 26, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| August 3, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 3, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V151?
Recall 17V151 covers 20,908 2007-2010 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles with a fuel filter flange that can crack and leak fuel. A fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of fire. Volkswagen dealers will inspect the flange, replace it if cracked, and add a protective cover for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2010 Volkswagen Touareg is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Touareg is included in recall 17V151. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for recall 20Z4. The dealer will inspect the fuel filter flange, replace it if needed, and install the protective cover at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says these repairs are free. A franchised Volkswagen dealer will inspect the fuel filter flange, replace a cracked flange if found, and apply the protective cover without charging parts or labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from a fuel leak. The fuel filter flange can crack and let fuel escape, and fuel near an ignition source increases fire risk. Until your VIN is checked and the repair is complete, take fuel smell or visible leaking seriously and call a Volkswagen dealer.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Touareg used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2007-2010 Touareg is eligible if its VIN is included in recall 17V151. Check your VIN, then reference Volkswagen recall 20Z4 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V151000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V151 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V151000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →