2012 Volkswagen Touareg Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 18%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 850miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg, 18% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 850 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.
“I have a 2012 Touareg tdi that has a steering shaking problem which it has exhibited since I purchased it. Vw has tried to rectify the problem by road force balancing and installing new tires but this has not resolved the problem. The steering wheel shakes, or oscillates, when driving at speeds reaching anywhere between 65 and 70 MPH and higher. The oscillation continues up through higher speeds without subsiding. The steering wheel continuously cycles back and forth from left to right with about 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. The vibration can be felt and seen when my hands are on the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10610742, filed 2014-07, 13,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10505743, filed 2013-04, 850 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11726250, filed 2026-03Related service bulletins
- 10181413Oct 2, 2020Mandatory fastener.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 8 | 30% |
| 2013 | 8 | 27% |
| 2012 | 5 | 18% |
| 2011 | 3 | 19% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
8 complaintsEngine
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 31, 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