2012 Volkswagen Touareg
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
28 complaints1 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
After driving the car for approximately 30 minutes without any problems and turning it off, it would not turn the ignition back on, release the parking brake or shift out of „P“. Several towing companies were unable to tow the vehicle due to the manufacturer’s failure to provide instructions on…
After driving the car for approximately 30 minutes without any problems and turning it off, it would not turn the ignition back on, release the parking brake or shift out of „P“. Several towing companies were unable to tow the vehicle due to the manufacturer’s failure to provide instructions on how to release the shifter in case of a problem. Other vehicles have a release button somewhere, the 2012 VW Touareg doesn’t. On page 481 of the owners manual VW advises the owner that if „you want to have the vehicle towed, the gear shift selection lever must first be released with the emergency procedure. Get professional assistance.“ The manual doesn’t explain what this emergency procedure would be. We had to call 3 different towing companies with professionals who didn’t have any clue in regards to the question how to release the shifter. The fourth company came with special equipment which allowed to tow the vehicle with the shifter in „P“ The dealership found that the ESL module (electronic steering lock) was faulty, which could be a safety issue, especially if it actuates while driving the vehicle.
- Electrical system
I was driving to church on the morning of 2/16/25 when I heard a very loud “Boom.” I thought something had hit the car. It sounded like a gun going off. When I pulled over to see what had happened I realized the right side mirror had exploded. The glass was completely gone with only the glue left…
I was driving to church on the morning of 2/16/25 when I heard a very loud “Boom.” I thought something had hit the car. It sounded like a gun going off. When I pulled over to see what had happened I realized the right side mirror had exploded. The glass was completely gone with only the glue left on the back plate housing. Both mirrors were in the “off” position. Nothing hit the outside housing. The right side mirror simply exploded. Thank God the window was not down with a passenger in the right front seat. In cool weather I often drive with the window down. Someone could have been hurt. I have owned many cars but NEVER one with a side mirror that exploded. This design is DANGEROUS.
- Fuel/propulsion system
While driving my family around, the car lost engine power and came to a stop on a busy roadway leaving us stranded until a tow truck could arrive. There were no warnings or indications that anything was wrong. One minute, it was driving fine and out of nowhere, the engine shut off in the middle of…
While driving my family around, the car lost engine power and came to a stop on a busy roadway leaving us stranded until a tow truck could arrive. There were no warnings or indications that anything was wrong. One minute, it was driving fine and out of nowhere, the engine shut off in the middle of the road leaving us blocking a lane and creating a dangerous situation. The dealership is claiming that the high pressure fuel pump suffered a catastrophic failure and that the entire fuel system needs to be replaced, which is going to cost more than $13,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an oil odor and smoke odor in the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed oil leaking from underneath the engine compartment. No warning lights were…
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an oil odor and smoke odor in the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed oil leaking from underneath the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced but was unable to locate the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 124,000.
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver clockspring/spiral cassette · Electrical system · Seat belts
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt unintendedly unlatched while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the clockspring was defective, causing several failures with the vehicle. The contact stated while tilting…
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt unintendedly unlatched while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the clockspring was defective, causing several failures with the vehicle. The contact stated while tilting the steering wheel, the vehicle drifted away from the intended direction and the windshield wipers would activate to the fastest speed with windshield washer fluid spraying onto the windshield and the horn was blaring uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that there was an abnormal gasoline odor on the driver’s side of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact looked underneath the vehicle at the gas tank and noticed that gasoline was leaking from the fuel tank…
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that there was an abnormal gasoline odor on the driver’s side of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact looked underneath the vehicle at the gas tank and noticed that gasoline was leaking from the fuel tank onto the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 17V151000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
- Seat belts
The driver seat belt does not latch properly and comes off while driving. multiple attempts are required for the seat belt to latch and be secure. this problem started around july 2020.
- Engine
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 does not have excessive amount of pot holes) .
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
There has been a substantial change/decrease in the performance of my 2012 touareg tdi resulting in significantly reduced fuel economy: previous avg fuel economy was approx 27mpg and IS now barely averaging 16 mpg. noticed continual decrease in car performance after taking my car in for general…
There has been a substantial change/decrease in the performance of my 2012 touareg tdi resulting in significantly reduced fuel economy: previous avg fuel economy was approx 27mpg and IS now barely averaging 16 mpg. noticed continual decrease in car performance after taking my car in for general maintenance to garcia VW dealership in santa fe, nm on the following dates: 3/6/18: general maintenance (air/cabin/fuel/adblue maintenance/ and tire change) 4/17/18: replace a faulty radio which suddenly failed (dealership had car for 8 days) 6/7/18: clean up ad blue fuel spill in the rear spare tire compartment the engine now runs significantly louder and IS revving up and surging at intervals. In addition to the substantial drop in fuel economy, the average speed/mph has been locked at 13mph and dropped to 12mph on june 1, 2018. change in engine behaviour: -engine runs louder and IS revving up when idling,accelerating, breaking,downshifting -sounds like the fuel injection IS sluggish when accelerating -steering wheel feels sluggish when turning right and accelerating through turns. Vibrating sound when turning. -starting ignition: longer pause for ignition to start after turning the key and foot IS on brake. -suspension: suspension of the car rocks back and forth when braking and sounds like there's a tank sliding/ shifting in the rear when coming to a stop. When I initially heard this sound I opened the trunk/cargo area for the spare tire and found dried ad blue spilled all over the cargo area including dirty rags which had been used to wipe up adblue and stuffed in the bottom of the trunk. -air conditioner IS emitting a very strong nauseating yeast odor that will not go away and isn't cooling efficiently. I havent authorized or approved any updates modifications to the vehicle re: the 3.0 liter gen epa/carb modifications: I suspect vehicle tampering.
- Engine · Power train
This happened to this my 2012 touareg. The engine randomly died, even on freeway, which IS too dangerous. The previous time in in jan,2018 and this time was on feb, 5TH, 2018. I went to VW dealership, they couldn't find out anything. Saying everything IS normal and they couldn't suggest…
This happened to this my 2012 touareg. The engine randomly died, even on freeway, which IS too dangerous. The previous time in in jan,2018 and this time was on feb, 5TH, 2018. I went to VW dealership, they couldn't find out anything. Saying everything IS normal and they couldn't suggest anything. But it IS extreme unsafe for me to drive this car. The issue randomly happens. Per http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4965979-car-randomly-dies-while-driving-on-freeway, seems this IS a common issue among VW vehicles, and people thought it IS high pressure fuel pump problem or other relevant parts. VW should take it seriously and find out the root cause and fix it. thanks, liang
- Wheels
TPMS light intermittently started blinking. I took it to the dealer and they "diagnosed" it as the back left sensor. I was initially told that the recommendation was to not change it until I replaced tires and then I was told it was not covered under my warranty. I called the warranty company and they said that it was 100% covered.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Check engine light came on and was a error code for the fuel pump. Took 4 hours of work and had to be replaced.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Check engine light came on at 70,000 miles and was due to the ad blue tank heater.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
For my situation my vehicle shut off by itself while I was driving on the highway at 60 mph. It has happened 3 times already. The first couple of times the dealer has replaced the battery. After they replaced the battery the dealership told me that the car looks fine. When this happened again for…
For my situation my vehicle shut off by itself while I was driving on the highway at 60 mph. It has happened 3 times already. The first couple of times the dealer has replaced the battery. After they replaced the battery the dealership told me that the car looks fine. When this happened again for the 3RD time, it really scared me because I was driving on the highway. Before the vehicle shuts off by itself, all of the electronics turned off also. The weird thing about this issue IS that after the vehicle IS shut off by itself, I am able to restart my vehicle. At this time I brought my car to the dealer to let them check out what IS going on. They told me that they couldn't find anything wrong that everything looked right. They will release my vehicle to me this saturday. My concern IS I can take the vehicle back but I don't know when IS this problem going to happen again. I got lucky this time because there wasn't any cars behind me on the highway. When the car shuts off by itself, it cannot move at all and I'm sitting in the middle of the highway. If something happens like this who will take the responsibility? I asked VW of america, they said if they didn't find anything wrong this time then I need to wait until this happens again or if they can find something wrong. This IS something about safety. When the my vehicle shuts off there IS no warning sign, it just happens. Please help me to solve this issue. I m not sure if the dealer really checks my vehicle or if they are lying? *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Ad blue heating element failed for second time on vehicle. First one replaced at 58,000 miles and second one at 98,500 miles. Volkswagen not offering any financial relief for second failed part citing the part warranty has expired.
- Air bags
While traveling on highway 24 airbag spontaneously deployed and I was involved in mva. Front end of VW toureg smashed into concrete center post. Traveling about 65 mph.
- Steering
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqik_kw7kgg
- Engine · Power train
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…
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 with labor. It IS very surprising that even though this piece IS necessary to the car meet emissions that it's not covered by the emissions warranty and that further driving the vehicle would cause the whole system to fail which would render the car in-driveable.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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 line. I feel that I was lucky not to have been driving on the freeway going 50 - 70 miles an hour, in which a crash could have occurred when the car stalled. *tr
- Exterior lighting
Car following me light issue. Lights on low beam very bright (xenon) with narrow beam pattern. Seemed as if every time there was a bump they were flashing me but its just the lights themselves. This car should be recalled and head lights replaced. Noticed this on all tourages..... *tr
- Service brakes
I own a 2012 VW touareg and recently, I have had an issue with the brakes. When I come to a complete stop at a light or for a long time, after 5 or more seconds, the brake pedal starts to go down and the car starts to roll forward. I can stop the rolling if I push the breaks all the way down…
I own a 2012 VW touareg and recently, I have had an issue with the brakes. When I come to a complete stop at a light or for a long time, after 5 or more seconds, the brake pedal starts to go down and the car starts to roll forward. I can stop the rolling if I push the breaks all the way down further, but the dealership says they cannot reproduce the issue and therefore cannot change any parts or do anything for me. since I am unwilling to gamble with my brakes, especially with my son in the vehicle, I have left the vehicle at the dealership until they can reproduce the issue. I'm not sure if other people are having this break issue, but I wanted someone to be aware. *tr
- Steering
I have a 2012 touareg tdi that has a steering shaking problem which it has exhibited since I purchased it. VW has tried to rectify the problem by road force balancing and installing new tires but this has not resolved the problem. The steering wheel shakes, or oscillates, when driving at speeds…
I have a 2012 touareg tdi that has a steering shaking problem which it has exhibited since I purchased it. VW has tried to rectify the problem by road force balancing and installing new tires but this has not resolved the problem. The steering wheel shakes, or oscillates, when driving at speeds reaching anywhere between 65 and 70 mph and higher. The oscillation continues up through higher speeds without subsiding. The steering wheel continuously cycles back and forth from left to right with about 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. The vibration can be felt and seen when my hands are on the steering wheel. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
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…
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 on line will show several other people reporting this problem, some use a paper clip to remove the key. Others warn of a battery drain and state the key can not be removed if the batter us drained which makes me think this IS an electrical problem. others have also posted you tube videos of not being able to remove the key. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lktfkhfq6lc updated 11/24/2014 *js
- Fuel system, diesel
Vehicle lost power without warning at highway speeds on a three lane expressway. was able to maintain control in spite of loss of power steering and brakes and coasted to stop on narrow berm. when I tried to restart the engine I smelled fuel and upon opening the door discovered a large pool of…
Vehicle lost power without warning at highway speeds on a three lane expressway. was able to maintain control in spite of loss of power steering and brakes and coasted to stop on narrow berm. when I tried to restart the engine I smelled fuel and upon opening the door discovered a large pool of fuel leaking from the vehicle. I have conflicting reports from VW. the dealer who inspected the vehicle claims that a prior fuel pump repair carried out two months ago at another VW dealer caused stress on a bracket supporting the fuel line that ultimately gave way and led to separation of the line, loss of fuel to the engine and the fuel leakage. the dealer that did the original fuel pump repairs claims that the bracket must have failed due to normal wear and tear (these things happen I was informed). if in fact the latter dealer IS correct that indicates a broader problem than simply a negligent repair and this issue may impact other owners of similar vehicles. that leads to the reason for my complaint. IS the design of this vehicle safe? *tr
- Seats
The power seat knob/switch design causes the seat back to recline when entering and exiting the vehicle. On numerous occasions I have fallen/slid back into the seat when exiting because the seat back would recline. On such occasions it's like losing one's balance as you try and stand up by using…
The power seat knob/switch design causes the seat back to recline when entering and exiting the vehicle. On numerous occasions I have fallen/slid back into the seat when exiting because the seat back would recline. On such occasions it's like losing one's balance as you try and stand up by using one's body to push off the seat. On numerous occasions the heavy touareg door unfortunately closes and has slammed on my legs causing bruising and pain. when my partner, who has a bad back, tries to enter and exit the touareg, the reclining seat back has caused her to slide on the seat and tweaking her back and causing unprecedented harm. my continued fear IS when trying to exit the vehicle on busy streets because when I have had to not exit fully because of traffic, the back seat support IS gone causing me to once again slide into the reclined seat back and getting my legs once again caught by a heavy door. I had this issue since my first week of ownership and it IS documented with the dealer. I recently found out VW recognizes the issue as they reengineered the seat knob and backing bezel to stop this issue but prior to the fix owners are not eligible because they consider this reengineered fix to be just an accessory. The fix started to appear within the 2013 model year. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by…
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008860Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11005820Engine Assembly Tip
- 11005819Engine Replacement Tip
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 10253483Engine Exhaust Flap Limited Warranty Extension
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253207Washer Level Sensor
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253203Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253194RNS 850 Radio Software Update
- 10253187RNS 850 Radio Software Update
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252941Washer Level Sensor
- 10252937Vehicles equipped with Immobilizer 4 (Download) ? Adapting Keys after Vehicle Lock Set Replacement
- 10252922Washer Level Sensor
- 10252907Radio Navigation Unit Security Label
- 10252900GPS Antenna Concerns
- 10252225Vehicles Equipped with Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone ? Pairing of Android Phones
Every Volkswagen Touareg model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.