Cracking trim is a common issue. Peeling soft plastic (the pieces are painted with a soft plastic paint) also seems to be an issue with cars in hot climates that are left out in the sun.

You should have been getting your dealer to replace each piece under warranty as the issues came up. Waiting 3 years and then complaining about this will make it more difficult to get the parts replaced.

 

Who said I waited 3 years? I went to wipe down the interior a few weeks ago, and the cloth was covered with black flecks. I started looking around and that's when I noticed more peeling. Half the dash center 'grill' came up when wiped it off with a damp cloth. 3 years or 3 months, what's the difference if this is a quality issue?

 

Good luck having dealer replace those under warranty. They WILL tell you that interior peices are not covered past 12month/12K miles. I tried three dealers in Chicago and only one of them is replacing some (not all) items for me. So YMMV.

 

The 12 month/12k miles refers to wear and tear items like brake pads. Very little of the trim could be considered wear and tear. This should be covered under the basic 4 year/50k miles warranty.

 

Well if you are still under warranty, then try getting the piece replaced. Your first post made me think this was an ongoing issue, not something that just happened. And I suspect the wood trim has been cracked for a while. They don't all go at once.

 

Thanks for the responses. I really wanted to know if this was a common problem for other Touareg owners, and it looks like it might. Yes, my Touareg does sit out in the sun in California. I took my 'egg into the dealers this morning for this issue, I'll see what they say. Never had this problem on any of my other VW's, which also sat out in the sun...

 

If you use the search, you will find 49 threads that contain the word "peeling". There are 125 with the word "cracked".

 

I have the same probelm with my 04 Jetta. I noticed not too long ago that in few spots the pastics was peeling.

 

I too am having this problem, as a suggestion for the minor peeling pieces, you can pop out the light switch reasonably easily and take it to a model plane/car shop and match it for color and texture (sort of model paint they use to simulate rubber) with model paint and touchup the minor nicks and scratches. The major items just need to be replaced.... Suggest you run around with some paint before you trade it in ;-)

 

I don't understand. My Touareg sits in 110-115 degree heat/direct sunlight all day, it's black, and I've only had a very small piece peel on the driver's side driver's window switch.

Also, I brought it to the dealer and they replaced it immediately. Another time the colored plastic around the switch peeled (I actually think I scraped it by mistake at some point) and they replaced that immediately as well; never even the slightest hassle.

I've owned my car for almost 4 years old now and it has over 50k miles on it.

1. You guys need to find better dealerships.
2. You guys need to stop smoking in your cars or whatever it is you're doing.

 

I have 2004 Treg and see some peeling, but not as drastic as what you have said. Within the past year, my dealer has replaced any cracked wood trimming and even replaced my stereo head-unit (NAVI) due to faded buttons...all under warranty. Haven't really asked them to do anything about the peeling, but it is rather small and isolated to my window controls on the driver door. Maybe I'll inquire during my next trip in.

 

Had it, covered under warranty. Now doing it again.

 

I've had my Touareg for over 3 years now and its as if the interior is coming apart! All over the place, the plastic is peeling and every piece of wood trim shows cracks.

How many other Touareg owners have noticed the peeling plastic syndrom?

Its a VW. get used to it

 

Not when I pay 50k for a VW! You can accept poor quality, I won't!

 

Had my door panels replaced at 2 years under warranty... However the rubberized coatin on the plastic parts will come off if harsh cleansers are used and with any abrasion. Nikon cameras have the same sort of rubberized coating, which also comes off after several years.

 

I am seeing some peeling of the interior color paint on my drivers window switch trim - had exact same issue with my BMW - not unique to VW....

 

Finally got my Touareg back from the dealer. Sunnyvale VW did replace all the bits that were peeling at no cost, they also replaced the cracked wood trim. I was quite satisfied with their service!

 

Drew VW in La Mesa, San Diego. No problems. Salesperson Mike is awesome! Replaced all peeling on steering wheel, side-mirror folding knob, stereo/CD unit replaced, passenger side lumbar switch broke off, replaced, rear AC cover in trunk area broken while vaccuming, replaced. Great Service NEVER any problems having those things taken care of for free.....with a rental car thrown in!

 

I had a 2002 jetta, currently own a 2004 passat, and 2004 toureg. all three have the same peeling.

 

Repaint and option --
HEAD & SHOULDERS is not likely to work on this VW dandruff.

Any one experiment with removing the peeling part them self, completely removing the peel paint and re-spraying? I've got a 98 Passat that I might try this with. Don't think I have the guts the rip the T-reg apart (out of warrenty).

 

The dealer replaced all my pealing parts with no questions asked - I will be going back in for more right before the warranty is up- the longer you wait - the better off you are! They will do it again 3 years from now when you have no warranty. My whole console is now peeling and I think I will be a jerk about it since they have put me through the ringer over the last 4 years with problems....

 

I had cracks in all my wood pieces and 3 buttons are peeling. The dealership did even hesitate to fix the wood trim and I am going in this week to look at the buttons. It's all up to the dealership.

 

Its a shame the buttons look awful on an otherwise immaculately maintained interior and exterior. (04 Model purchased Sep 03, 60K miles) Can any dealer be shamed into doing what is right after the warranty expired? My last car (before the TOUAREG) was a '82 Mercedes and it took nearly 20 years and 250K miles before the left window button showed signs of wear. Same Florida sun! Then I just exchanged it with the unused rear switch! I still have the car and am considering changing the seats and driving it for another 10 years

 

interior peeling

I have had my driver's door interior handle/window switch cover replace 3 times under warranty as well as a few wood pieces. The knobs on my radio/Nav unit have been peeling and I finally got my dealer to replace it after numerous complaints. I asked my dealer service rep. to contact the VW rep., whether he did or not, I don't really know, but he ordered a new unit for me. I had brought it in as I lost voltage in my vehicle which caused a plethora of warning lights to go on, turns out bad cells in the battery. They replaced it today and will have to wait for the other parts to come in before replacement.
They also ordered a new aux heat pump, mine was very loud. When they install the new one, they will also install the insulation update. My 04 vehicle's warranty expires 8/08, but I purchased an extended VW warranty from Chris. While we have had misc. issues with the vehicle I do luv the Egg and plan on keeping it at least thought the extended warranty.

 

My 05 had all the trim replaced at $350 a section the dealer told me..he said it was heat related...so I leave the sunroof cracked or a window cracked to help prevent it from happening agian. Also (I know they are ugly) but the sun visors are a must in the summer for dash protection..
Living in Texas

 

Steven H....you have an extended Warranty?? Who is Chris I have to buy one tomorrow...ugh!!! May I ask the price for one like 5 yr/100k.
I have 35k on mine and they told me after 36 is a big price difference.
Should I buy from the dealer? thanks
I have a loaded 05 V8 I love ...well its a love hate relationship
Off Road Grey/ Kristal Grey interior, Rear Diff, Wood Trim, 4 zone climatronc, premium +, air suspension for off roading, nav, bluetooth, sunroof, tiptronic shifter, tow...on and on... oh my husband loves to spoil me...

 

Our dealer replaced all parts, no problem!