Volkswagen Touareg Complaints (2012)

28 consumer complaints on file.

#11726250March 23, 2026
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 procedure would be. We had to call 3 different towing companies with professionals who didn’t have any clue in regards to the question how to release the shifter. The fourth company came with special equipment which allowed to tow the vehicle with the shifter in „P“ The dealership found that the ESL module (electronic steering lock) was faulty, which could be a safety issue, especially if it actuates while driving the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643863February 20, 2025
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 DANGEROUS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632714December 27, 2024
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548067October 3, 2023
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540257August 23, 2023
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11478400August 9, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11415844May 10, 2021
SEAT BELTS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11277646November 2, 2019
ENGINE
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM ITS OWN FLANGE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE EXHAUST HEADER. ULTIMATELY CAUSING AN EXHAUST LEAK AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AND UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. DRIVING ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH, WHICH DOES NOT HAVE EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF POT HOLES) .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11118181August 6, 2018
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11067295February 6, 2018
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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. SAYING EVERYTHING IS NORMAL AND THEY COULDN'T SUGGEST ANYTHING. BUT IT IS EXTREME UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE THIS CAR. THE ISSUE RANDOMLY HAPPENS. PER HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?4965979-CAR-RANDOMLY-DIES-WHILE-DRIVING-ON-FREEWAY, SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG VW VEHICLES, AND PEOPLE THOUGHT IT IS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM OR OTHER RELEVANT PARTS. VW SHOULD TAKE IT SERIOUSLY AND FIND OUT THE ROOT CAUSE AND FIX IT. THANKS, LIANG
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10925975November 14, 2016
WHEELS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10925396November 10, 2016
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 70,000 MILES AND WAS DUE TO THE AD BLUE TANK HEATER.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10925411November 10, 2016
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS A ERROR CODE FOR THE FUEL PUMP. TOOK 4 HOURS OF WORK AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10917678October 20, 2016
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10906918September 15, 2016
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10906075September 13, 2016
AIR BAGS
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10854971April 11, 2016
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES DURING HIGH WAY DRIVING. MOSTLY HAPPENS AROUND 80 MPH, HAVE DONE THE ROAD FORCE BALANCING AND 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. THE POWER STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAS A WEAK ASSISTANT TO TURN BACK TO CENTER. HERE IS A YOUTUBE LINK OF DEMONSTRATION OF STEERING SHAKE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=GQIK_KW7KGG
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10825817February 12, 2016
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10714211May 2, 2015
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10703645April 3, 2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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