2012 Volkswagen Touareg recalls and problems

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has 2 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

Recall 18V-329: Unknown or Other

Reported May 16, 2018 · 252 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-170: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Mar 24, 2016 · 46,574 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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

Fix: 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.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Steering	5
Engine	5
Electrical System	4
Power Train	3
Service Brakes	2
Air Bags	2
Seat Belts	2
Seats	1
Fuel System, Diesel	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Ignition — 1
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Volkswagen Touareg complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Mar 23, 2026

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 âPâ. Several towing companies were unable to tow the vehicle due to the manufacturerâs 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 doesnât. On page 481 of the owners manual VW advises the owner that if âyou want to have the vehicle towed, the gear shift selection lever must first be released with the…

Electrical System · reported Feb 20, 2025

I was driving to church on the morning of 2/16/25 when I heard a very loud âBoom.â 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 âoffâ 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…

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Dec 27, 2024

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 · at 124,000 miles · reported Oct 3, 2023

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 · at 178,000 miles · reported Aug 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that the driverâs 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…

Other Volkswagen Touareg years

2017 2016 2015 2014 201320122011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Compare all Volkswagen Touareg years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg: 18V-329 (unknown or other), 16V-170 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (6 reports), followed by steering (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.