2012 Volkswagen Touareg Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 18%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg, 18% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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) .”
NHTSA complaint #11277646, filed 2019-11, 90,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10825817, filed 2016-02“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 complaint #11118181, filed 2018-08Related service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the…
- 11025437Oct 14, 2025G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
- 11025430Oct 14, 2025Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
- 11025436Oct 9, 2025How to measure engine oil consumption.
- 11025431Oct 6, 2025A list of suggested fuel stations
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 19 | 79% |
| 2016 | 22 | 49% |
| 2015 | 14 | 58% |
| 2014 | 6 | 22% |
| 2013 | 4 | 13% |
| 2012 | 5 | 18% |
| 2011 | 4 | 25% |
| 2010 | 7 | 28% |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% |
| 2008 | 7 | 13% |
| 2007 | 3 | 33% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
8 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology