2012 Volkswagen
Touareg
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
Volkswagen Touareg: best and worst years
Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2012.
Overview
- Body
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Transmission
- Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Powertrain
- DieselEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel
- DieselEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Engine & performance
- Cyl
- 6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Aspiration
- TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Efficiency
- MPG Hwy
- 26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG City
- 19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG Comb
- 22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel $/yr
- $3,550EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- CO₂
- 463 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Smog score
- 4/10
- Elec. Range
- 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- 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
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 yearsFederal 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
Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year
760 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year
Mar 27, 2026ENGINEVOS-26-21
This 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 error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.
Mar 25, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0018092053065_6
Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
Mar 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV9422022066761_4
Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors
Mar 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-15
This 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 multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system issue, N493, J338, Camshaft, V465 etc. Use this test for all the basic setting. You will need to select the component you need to run the basic settings. But there are also stand-alone tests for each of those components.
Mar 5, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV5515032021354_9
Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color
Mar 2, 2026AIR BAGSDC_VW_CF_Airbag
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
Jan 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-01
This 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 a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output:
Nov 18, 2025SUSPENSIONV4016012043146_4
What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut.
- and 752 more
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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.