This page covers 4 recalls, 28 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg.
19–22 mpg combined
10.7–12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg center on steering and fuel/propulsion issues, with powertrain problems also appearing across multiple reports. On the steering side, owners describe loss of steering assist or unexpected behavior while driving. The fuel and propulsion complaints are more dramatic, several owners report the engine shutting off without warning while in motion, leaving the vehicle stalled in traffic with no prior indication of trouble. A handful of owners also describe oil leaking from the engine compartment, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell inside the cabin, with no warning lights triggering beforehand. Powertrain complaints include situations where the vehicle becomes immobilized after shutoff, with the parking brake unable to release and the shifter stuck in park, leaving owners unable to move the vehicle or have it towed conventionally.
28
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has 4 recalls, the most serious being a brake pedal that can physically fall away from the pedal assembly, leaving the driver unable to slow or stop the vehicle.
The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a retaining clip, allowing the pin to migrate out of position until the pedal detaches entirely. On the fire risk side, two recalls affect Touareg Hybrid models specifically. The fuel injection system on those vehicles can develop a fuel leak near the engine, and if that fuel contacts a hot surface or spark, it can ignite. Separately from the fuel system, water can pool in the high-voltage battery tray because the drain does not clear moisture adequately; standing water in that tray can cause an electrical short in the battery pack, also raising the risk of fire. There is also a compliance recall covering vehicles that went through an internal evaluation period, during which modifications may have been made that cause the vehicle to fall outside required safety standards, with a broadly stated potential for crash, fire, or injury risk.
At a glance
What can fail
Modifications made during an internal evaluation period may have left these vehicles not fully compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair vehicles to restore full compliance or Volkswagen will repurchase them at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal pivot pin may lack a securing clip, allowing the pin to shift and the brake pedal to come loose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly and install any missing securing clips at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water may not drain properly from the hybrid battery tray, allowing water to collect and cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly from the hybrid battery tray.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel injection system's fuel rails and seals may develop a leak, allowing fuel to escape.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rails and seals at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
