2012 Volkswagen Touareg Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 3 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Fuel/Propulsion System (6 reports).

2Recalls
28Owner complaints
1Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Touareg?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg recalls

Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules

Recall 18V329May 16, 2018252 vehicles affected

Some 2011-2017 Volkswagen vehicles were modified while they were in an internal evaluation period, and those changes may mean the vehicles do not fully comply with all applicable federal regulatory requirements.

Brake pedal may dislodge, reducing braking ability

Recall 16V170Mar 24, 201646,574 vehicles affected

The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip.

Most common 2012 Volkswagen Touareg problems

Problem areas named in the 28 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Steering5
Engine5
Electrical System4
Power Train3
Service Brakes2
Air Bags2
Seat Belts2
Seats1
Fuel System, Diesel1

What owners report

2026-03-23, 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 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 pro
2025-02-20, 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 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 DAN
2024-12-27, 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 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.
2023-10-03, 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 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.
2023-08-23, Air Bags
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 rep

2012 Volkswagen Touareg questions

Does the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg: Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules; Brake pedal may dislodge, reducing braking ability. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?

Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Fuel/Propulsion System (6), Steering (5), Engine (5).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Volkswagen Touareg years

Other 2012 Volkswagen models