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2012 Volkswagen Touareg Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2012 Volkswagen Touareg Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has 36 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve fuel/propulsion system and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.8/ 10

Based on 36 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 16.7%

ENGINE

5 13.9%

STEERING

4 11.1%

POWER TRAIN

3 8.3%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 8.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, accounting for 16.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 18 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has 36 owner complaints in this dataset. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 17% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6), ENGINE (5), STEERING (4).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 26 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 Touareg complaints2013 Touareg complaints2014 Touareg complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 18 of 18 systems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

5/2/2015

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.

9/15/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

5 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

2/12/2016

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 70,000 MILES AND WAS DUE TO THE AD BLUE TANK HEATER.

11/10/2016

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

4 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AT ALL SPEEDS AND WHICH NECESSITATES CONSTANT INPUT FROM THE DRIVER TO HOLD THE CAR STRAIGHT. *TR

11/12/2012

THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 99% OF THE TIME. THE SPEED AT WHICH THIS OCCURS IS IN THE RANGE OF 65-80 MPH. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

4/10/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

2/12/2016

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

10/20/2016

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

10/20/2016

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.

8/23/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A KNOCKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE KNOCKING, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT HAVE A SOLUTION AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER 9 DAYS, THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED A SPECIAL SPRAY TO THE DEALER TO SPRAY BEHIND THE BRAKE PADS. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 1,200.

7/27/2012

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

7/21/2014

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

5/10/2021

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.

8/23/2023

SEATS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

8/21/2013

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

4/23/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

5/18/2014

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

4/3/2015

AIR BAGS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

9/13/2016

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

10/20/2016

WHEELS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

11/14/2016

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

8/6/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

8/9/2022

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

8/23/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

10/3/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, with 6 owner reports. That is about 17% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING.

Are complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 26 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg severe?

26 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Touareg: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
36
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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