DecodedCars2012 Volkswagen Touareg
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 3.0l Tdi 4motion 4 Dr SUV AWD, 3.6l V-6 4 Dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 4,711–4,974 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2012 SUV - (19 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints20 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 116 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,974 lb (3.0l Tdi 4motion 4 Dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway), 16% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Touareg — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Touareg →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0l Tdi 4motion 4 Dr SUV AWD | 189 in | 76.4 in | 68.1 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,974 lb | 53/47 |
| 3.6l V-6 4 Dr SUV AWD | 189 in | 76.4 in | 68.1 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,711 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touareg Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +16% | $4,350 | 463 |
| Touareg Hybrid Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 24 / 21 | +11% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Touareg | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | 0% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (4)
Unknown Or Other · May 16, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V329000 · 252 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- Risk
- If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Mar 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V170000 · 46,574 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
- Risk
- If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Jan 25, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V035000 · 825 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Touareg Hybrid vehicles manufactured March 20, 2010, to April 11, 2015. The hybrid battery tray may not drain water sufficiently. If water collects in the hybrid battery tray, it may cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly, free of charge. The recall began late February 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this 53B8.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V019000 · 26,008 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Not every 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Volkswagen Touareg buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 6 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 73,900 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Touareg years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Touareg | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 1 | 24 |
| 2016 Touareg | 24 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2015 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2014 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2013 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2011 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2010 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2009 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2008 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2007 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2006 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2005 Touareg | 16 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 28 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →