Problem overview
The 2009-2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 3.0L engine is equipped with a mechanical high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) which delivers highly pressurized fuel needed to run the clean diesel engine. This pump is know to fail at random in both new and used Touareg TDI models leaving the vehicle running very roughly, with very little power, unable to start, and/or OBD code P0087
The most common causes of failure are fueling with gasoline or biofuel, and a factory defect in the HPFP.
When the HPFP fails, it sends fragments of metal through the entire fuel system, necessitating replacement of every component, with exception of the gas tank.
To help prevent this issue, ensure you are using only diesel fuel, and highly trafficked gas stations.
Additionally, Volkswagen has issued an extended warranty of 10 years/120,000 miles for this condition on select vehicles.
Volkswagen Touareg vehicles with this problem
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