2012 Volkswagen

Touareg

Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo

Volkswagen Touareg: best and worst years

Overview

Body: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain: All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission: Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain: DieselEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel: DieselEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl: 6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration: TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy: 26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City: 19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb: 22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr: $3,550EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂: 463 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score: 4/10
Elec. Range: 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Real-world MPG: 27.5 mpg, reported by 6 driversabout 5.5 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified: No

Dimensions & capacity

Length: 189 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width: 76 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height: 68 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase: 114 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight: 4,711 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls: 2
Owner complaints: 28
Reported injuries: 3

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16%
ENGINE14%
STEERING14%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11%
POWER TRAIN8%
AIR BAGS5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 37 total.

Volkswagen Touareg: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
EA11003opened Feb 7, 2011FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic: 4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain: 4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance: 3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance: 2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery: 8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.