2012 Volkswagen Touareg
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 37 |
| 2007 | 9 |
| 2008 | 56 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 25 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 28 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 24 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 28 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241227
5 of 28 total reports mention: steering.
5 of 28 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180806
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180206
3 of 28 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180206
3 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250220
SAFETY TIMELINE
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
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.
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.
Campaign 16V170000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 18V329000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Volkswagen Touareg — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V170000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V329000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.