2012 Volkswagen Touareg: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks2.3× usual
  Volkswagen Touareg

  13.6% All 2012 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2012 Volkswagen Touareg MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Volkswagen Touareg MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  19% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Lights and electrics
  12% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Clogged particulate filters and oil leaks

  Diesel

  Clogged particulate filters are reported on a number of cars, and oil leaks on some.

  At the viewing: Look for oil under the engine and watch for a DPF warning.

  Source: What Car?: used Volkswagen Touareg (2010-2018) reliability

• Sensor faults and starting problems

  All engines

  Sensor faults are known, and older cars have had starting problems.

  At the viewing: Start it several times and check for warning lights.

  Source: What Car?: used Volkswagen Touareg (2010-2018) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?