VolkswagenTouareg2012Overview/volkswagen/touareg/2012/base/

2012 Volkswagen Touareg

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Touareg.

Body SUV

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is an SUV that requires 8.6 quarts of oil in viscosities such as 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40. Across the model's documented history from 2004 to 2017, this year logged 28 total owner complaints centered mostly on steering issues and triggered two recalls. This performance sits between the model's recorded extremes of 231 complaints in 2004 and a low of 9 in 2007, framing the 2012 model as a moderate entry in the vehicle's reliability timeline.

Model year201920182017201620152014201320122011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity8.6 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40OEM · verified
Lug nut torque118 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 Diesel · 640 Diesel CCA battery, OE oil filter 06D115475. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 Diesel · 640 Diesel CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire size255-55R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06D115475 alt 059115441K
Engine air filter7P0129620A
Fuel filter7P0919679 alt 7P6127177A
Spark plug101905622 alt 101905611G
Battery000915089BD alt 000915089BF
Front wiper blades7P0998002
Serpentine belt06E903137AB alt 022145933P
Thermostat03H121113E alt 059121139A
Cabin air filter7P5819631

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189 in
Overall width76.4 in
Overall height68.1 in
Wheelbase113.8 in
Curb weight4974 lb
Track (front / rear)64.6 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)53/47

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Touareg of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.9–7.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.90 sec — 2011 Hybrid
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011Hybrid 3.0L Supercharger V6 + Elec 34-kW 1.7-kWh5.90 sec14.50 sec380 hpAWD
2011Hybrid 3.0L Supercharger V6 + Elec 34-kW 1.7-kWh5.90 sec380 hpAWD
2011TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V66.90 sec15.90 sec225 hpAWD
2013TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V66.90 sec15.40 sec240 hpAWD
2013TDI Lux 3.0L Turbo Diesel V66.90 sec15.30 sec240 hpAWD
2015TDI Executive 3.0L Turbo Diesel V67.00 sec15.40 sec240 hpAWD
2016V6 Lux 3.6L V67.80 sec15.90 sec280 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 8.6 qt of 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 engine oil, CONTACT DEALER FOR CORRECT LUBRICANT in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 118 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidVW part number G055540A2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity11.0-13.2
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilCONTACT DEALER FOR CORRECT LUBRICANT
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.6 Pints
Engine CoolantUSE G012ABG-A1 COOLANT
Engine Oil0W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity8.6 qt

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsSupercharger: 14.7 ft-lbs, lower: 7.4 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6.6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs15 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs96 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts118 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub369 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub369 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.43-2.45 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.30-5.00 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.75-2.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Pressure Test14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief20-23 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum80.0 psi
Residual Pressure62.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum80.0 psi
Residual Pressure62.0-72.5 psi
Engine Compression159
Engine Compression159

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH BREMBO
Torque to Knuckle199 ft-lbs / STEP 1: 11, STEP 2: 148 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Brake ApplicationWITH BREMBO
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.26 in / 1.417 in / 1.102 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.26 in / 1.417 in / 1.102 in
Rotor Discard at or Under1.181 in / 1.339 in / 1.023 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 906 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 454 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
137 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9037 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
129 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9029 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
126 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
244 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees; Do not re-use old bolts.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
1Tighten in sequence shown 30 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees; Do not re-use old bolts.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
111 ft. lbs.; Step:2: 22 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
3using a ratchet turn 90 degrees90 degrees
4using a ratchet turn 90 degrees; Apply liquid locking fluid-D 197 300 A2 sealant under head of bolts before installing the longer cylinder head bolts must be installed in the middle holes of the cylinder head.90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1install by hand, step 211 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18022 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 20,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Diesel Particulate Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Sunroof Assembly (inspect)
Every 40,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 60,000 miAir Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 100,000 miDrive Belt (replace)
At 120,000 miDiesel Particulate Filter (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg represents a mid-cycle refresh within its generation, and the federal data reveals a notable shift in its reliability profile compared to surrounding years. Complaints for the 2012 model (28) are slightly elevated relative to the 2011 (16) and 2015 (24) models but remain below the 2016 peak (44), suggesting a temporary uptick in reported issues rather than a sustained trend. Recalls (2) and investigations (1) for 2012 are consistent with the broader generation, though the volume of technical service bulletins (TSBs) jumps to 967—among the highest in the dataset—indicating Volkswagen addressed a significant number of minor or emerging concerns through non-recall campaigns. The top complaint areas—steering (5) and fuel/propulsion systems (4)—align with recurring themes across the generation, though the data doesn’t specify root causes. With no fire-related complaints and only one crash-related issue reported, the 2012 model’s safety record appears stable. The 2012 Touareg’s federal record positions it as a relatively average year within its generation, neither the worst nor the most trouble-free. While its complaint and TSB counts are higher than some adjacent years, the absence of fire risks and minimal crash complaints mitigate major red flags. For a used buyer, this year could be a reasonable choice—provided a pre-purchase inspection confirms no unresolved steering or fuel-system issues—but it doesn’t stand out as a clear best-in-class pick.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
967
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
28
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 28 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering5
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Electrical System2
Power Train,Engine2
Service Brakes2
Engine & Engine Cooling1
Electrical System,Seat Belts,Air Bags1
Fuel System, Gasoline1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V329000Unknown Or OtherReported 16/05/2018

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… Remedy: 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…

16V170000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And LinkagesReported 24/03/2016

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 967 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TT 10-18-02_22026-06-18EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_32026-06-18EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_172026-06-11Air BagsInquiries
V1719012012855_812026-06-04EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-212026-03-27EngineThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Touareg. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Touareg take?

8.6 qt of 0W-40, 5W-30 OR 5W-40 MEETING VW SPECIFICATION 502.00, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Touareg have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.