Volkswagen Touareg 2013 Problems

The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of your vehicle is 2890kg. That is, the total mass of the vehicle and its payload (including passengers) must not exceed this figure. The Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is the absolute weight limit for the vehicle, it’s payload and whatever it’s towing.

VW has earned a poor reputation for the way it deals with customers who complain, but it appears to have softened its stance in recent times after being subjected to intensive scrutiny in the media. In June the company ran full-page ads in newspapers all around the country, in which Managing Director, John White, stated that “If you are concerned about your Volkswagen vehicle due to this recent media coverage, for your peace of mind, Volkswagen Australia is offering a free inspection of your vehicle at any Volkswagen dealer throughout Australia.” I would take him up on his offer and have my vehicle inspected.

The reputation of the Touareg is pretty good, but it will be much costlier to run because of its size and weight, particularly things like tyres.

The guy from VW is correct, it is a big, heavy and powerful vehicle set up to handle like a sports car with big wheels and low-profile tyres, and aggressive wheel alignment. I have no doubt that the alignment has been checked and found to be within specification. You could perhaps go to an independent suspension specialist and have them attempt to adjust the alignment to give you better tyre life. You could buy smaller wheels and higher profile tyres, which are likely to improve your tyre life.

Were you given an explanation of what was causing the grinding noise? I can't believe it's normal for a car to have a grinding noise, so I would be pressing VW for an explanation that makes sense to you. It's also a good plan to get the car independently checked, as you are going to do.