VehicleVerdict

2012 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg sits mid-pack among Touareg years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 37, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (8), engine (6), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

37

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Touareg years?

Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted373 complaints2004: 373 complaints2005: 106 complaints2006: 52 complaints2007: 9 complaints2008: 73 complaints2009: 25 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 37 complaints2013: 42 complaints2014: 35 complaints2015: 35 complaints2016: 67 complaints2017: 34 complaints
Touareg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Touareg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Volkswagen Touareg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System822%
Engine616%
Electrical System514%
Steering514%
Transmission38%
Seat Belts25%
Brakes25%
Airbags25%
Speed Control13%
Seats13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Lighting13%

Does the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V329000OtherMay 16, 2018 · 252 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

16V170000BrakesMarch 24, 2016 · 46,574 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.

Consequence

If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET, WHEN I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CAR STALLED AT THE LIGHT, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP (METAL FOUND), AND THAT THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP, AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 30, 2015

“THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM ITS OWN FLANGE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE EXHAUST HEADER. ULTIMATELY CAUSING AN EXHAUST LEAK AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AND UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. DRIVING ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH, WHICH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 15, 2019

“ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE KEY CAN NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. YOU STOP THE VEHICLE , PLACE IT IN PARK AND THE KEY CAN NOT BE REMOVED. I VIEW THIS AS A SAFETY AND SECURITY HAZARD, THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN WE HAVE HAD TO STOP AND START THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE KEY TO BE REMOVED. A SEARCH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2012

“STEERING WHEEL SHAKES DURING HIGH WAY DRIVING. MOSTLY HAPPENS AROUND 80 MPH, HAVE DONE THE ROAD FORCE BALANCING AND 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. THE POWER STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAS A WEAK ASSISTANT TO TURN BACK TO CENTER. HERE IS A YOUTUBE LINK OF DEMONSTRATION OF STEERING SHAKE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 6, 2016

“MY 2012 TDI LUX JUST WENT IN FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE ADBLUE HEATER HAS GONE BAD. I HAD 55,000 MILES AT THE TIME. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN OR EMISSIONS WARRANTIES. I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS FIX WOULD BE AROUND $700…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 2, 2014

2012 Volkswagen Touareg — common questions

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

It is close to typical for the Touareg: 37 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2012 Touareg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (8 complaints), engine (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volkswagen Touareg years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Touareg years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2013. The cleanest record among Touareg years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.