2004 Volkswagen Touareg: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Nov 9, 2025 · Fuel system · IL

I have contacted Volkswagen about my recall over a month ago the man claimed he ordered the parts and would be in contact but has never contacted me ever since and since then my vehicle has completely stopped working and the gas smell is at a very dangerous level

Filed Apr 24, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · TX · fire

My SUV was sitting for a few days at the airport and I when I got in the car, it started fine but the headlights, interior lights, power folding mirrors and the voltmeter were not working. I had to leave the car there since it was night time. The next day I drove it home in daylight and started checking fuses. I noticed two fuses (#2, #12) on the driver side fuse panel were failed. I replaced the #2, 5 amp, fuse and no changes were noticed. Then I replaced the #12, 25 amp, fuse and I heard a number of systems clicking and powering on; the lights flickered. Then I smelled burning and saw a puff of smoke come from under the dash. I immediately pulled the fuse . After troubleshooting, I found the body control module 7L6-937-049-K had caught fire internally and started to burn through the casing. Had I not pulled the fuse and disconnected the battery, this could have been catastrophic. Once I smelled the smoke, I realized it was like the acrid smell in the suv the night before. The fact the fuse blew the previous day saved the vehicle. It was parked on the fourth floor of parking garage at the airport so many vehicles could have been damaged and people endangered had it caught fire. Not to mention the disruption at an airport. There were no warning lamps. The only indication of a problem was the inoperable systems I mentioned. Also thinking back, the slight acrid smell was present the day I arrived at the airport, I had mistaken it for plane exhaust and car exhaust smells in the garage. The vehicle has not been inspected by any dealer, manufacturer or govermental agency. I have contacted the manufacturer for guidance and help with repairing. I am awaiting a response.

Filed Dec 4, 2019 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · CA

There is a strong smell of gasoline outside of the car after the car has been driven (or while it's driving, but it's not often I'm outside of the car while it's running). This is due to the plastic housing on the fuel pump that has developed a crack, and is leaking gasoline. This is similar to another recall, 17v583000, which is for the fuel filter flange, but vw is saying they will not cover it under that because this is the housing, not the flange. But it's the same result...

Filed Feb 12, 2018 · Fuel system · 89,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen touareg. While driving various speeds, a strong fuel odor emitted through the vents of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge failed to provide the accurate reading. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v583000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the part was not available for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 12, 2017 · Fuel system · CA

This is a complaint regarding the way that volkswagen is handling the safety recall 20z4 (fuel pump flange). My car smelled like gasoline and I had received the safety recall letter in the mail, so took my car into volkswagen immediately as directed. They told me that they do not yet have the replacement part, but that they could "patch" the problem by replacing the flange with a new flange. However, I would have to pay for the flange replacement ($590), and then once the recall is "validated" and the replacement part comes in, they would repair the car and then I could send in my receipt for vw to re-reimburse me. They said that if I did not pay for the temporary repair that I would be driving my car at my own risk. I do not have an extra $590 lying around to pay for this repair, even if at some point in the future I might be reimbursed.

Filed Nov 28, 2017 · Fuel system · 220,638 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen touareg. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer (platinum volkswagen, 45 nelson ave, hicksville, ny 11801) and was informed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and opened case number: [xxx]. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 220,638. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 9, 2012 · Fuel system · 101,000 miles · AZ

In previous weeks, several intermittent mil lights for loose gas cap came on and off. Checked codes, found "large evap leak" in the memory which confirmed the gas cap suspicion. I found several small cracks in the seal and was planning on replacing the cap. Faint gasoline odor could be detected after shutdown and while stored in garage overnight. Today, immediately following a fill-up to the auto shutoff level, a large amount of gasoline began dripping from the mid-left underside of the car in very close proximity to hot exhaust parts. (ignition off but still very hot). I estimate at least 2-3 cups of fuel was spilled. No mil light at the time. I inspected the left fuel pump area and found a severe fuel leak (source not determined) on the exposed top of the pump, submerging an electrical connector in fuel. What is most concerning is the rather benign "gascap" warning and then the major fuel leak. The manual states if the mil flashes at any time, to immediately take the car in for service. At no time did the mil flash. In fact, it went out by itself at least 3 times and was not on at the time of the incident.