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2012 Volkswagen CC problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Volkswagen CC has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 230owner complaints
- 11crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 29%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Volkswagen CC year on file: 230 complaints, against an average of 57 for the other 5 model years.
Every Volkswagen CC model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Volkswagen CC?
The components named most often in the 230 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Volkswagen CC owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 230 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Volkswagen CC stall, lose power or shut off while driving?37 owners · 16.1%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Volkswagen CC engine?19 owners · 8.3%
- Why won't my 2012 Volkswagen CC start?16 owners · 7%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Volkswagen CC?16 owners · 7% · Recall 18V148000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Volkswagen CC?11 owners · 4.8%
- Why does my 2012 Volkswagen CC idle rough, misfire or hesitate?8 owners · 3.5%
- Has the 2012 Volkswagen CC had engine failures?7 owners · 3%
- Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2012 Volkswagen CC?7 owners · 3% · Recall 11V312000
Has the 2012 Volkswagen CC been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Unknown Or Other 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air Bags: Frontal Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Tires: Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, CC VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." THE FACTORY INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED AT THE PORT WITH ACCESSORY WHEELS AND TIRES THAT WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER TPMS SENSORS.
Risk: WITH THE INCORRECT TPMS SENSORS, DRIVERS WILL RECEIVE A CONSTANT WARNING FROM THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM ALERTS THE DRIVER BUT, DUE TO INCORRECT TPMS SENSORS, THE SYSTEM CANNOT DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED. THIS INCREASES THE RISK THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE DRIVEN WITH ONE OR MORE UNDERINFLATED TIRES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A TIRE FAILURE THAT MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Fix: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPLACE THE TPMS SENSORS WITH THE PROPER SENSORS TO MAKE THE TPMS SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLES COMPLIANT WITH FMVSS 138. AS OF JUNE 1, 2011, VOLKSWAGEN HAS CONTACTED ALL AFFECTED CUSTOMERS TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Is the 2012 Volkswagen CC recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATakata Front airbag
Risk: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag's gas generator may be faulty, resulting in uncontrolled inflation and the release of metal fragments.This increases the risk of injuries to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations.In the event of an accident in which the front airbag is deployed, this could result in fragments from the inflator housing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Volkswagen CC fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Volkswagen CC owners report?
12 of the 230 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The tire pressure light continues to alert never going away and tire store says it's a sensor but it's causing my tires to get worn quicker and have had 2 blowouts I have tried to get this resolved and repaired by Volkswagen but the customer service employee said I was crazy because they have never had 1 recall on my vehicle and that she was going to report my VIN number for illegal reporting of recalls to have repairs that I want free of charge then proceeded to tell me my kind are liars, stealing from Americans and needed to be taken to my country and I would be in trouble for calling them…
I was driving on the highway and out of no where it threw its self into neutral and the gear indicator was flashing with a wrench and it can move for like 5 mins then does it again was told the whole MECHtrnical in the transmission
Well first off there was a recall on my year make and model but I guess it only lasted like a couple years .so twice already my fuel pump. Has needed to be replaced.which is what the recall was for .so I was driving In the fast lane on the freeway when out of nowhere my car just stalled putting me and my passenger in risk of being rammed from behind .I've had to take it too a mechanic two or three times so they can fix the same thing . I have the invoice from the repairs . Also I can be driving and the emergency brake will just engage by itself not having been touched by anyone or anything. It…
Vehicle stalls when accelerating or traveling at high rates of speed and it will lose power. It bumps and jolts to life. My RPM shoots up and and down. It lags to accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed to accelerate it suddenly jolts. Battery, Epc light, as well as engine light come on immediately.
I'm part of a class action lawsuit where I was denied after sending all of the pertinent information the attorney's requested. I have all documentation of the correspondence which was requested with contact information to the Volkswagen company and other recipients. The class action is "Engine Water Pump Settlement". The water pump was faulty in this vehicle and many others of this model. It was deemed a safety concern by the federal government of the United States. This has been in progress since 2019.
I have a VW CC 2012 --Vin [XXX]-- I have 87K and since 40K , I am going on my 3rd fuel pump, I only put in Premium gas with a fuel injector cleaner every 6K miles, I am not sure if this warrants investigation but I am putting this out there in case there are similar cars in this class/model. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The Power Steering keeps failing while driving. It is available for inspection, ASAP. This is a very dangerous hazard to lose the ability to steer the vehicle at any speed. I have not taken to my mechanic, yet. I have read all sorts of problems with steering since the Takata Air Bag Replacement Recall. Ever since the AirBag Replacement, many of my warning lights have been illuminated. The Dealer told me it is due to the Sensors on my Tires. I see they were previously recalled and now I have a problem with them, too. Right before the Steering Fails, I hear a gone and the Red Steering Wheel…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CC SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SHE SAW SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE VENTS. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE AND FIRE BEGAN TO ENGULF FROM THE DASHBOARD. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT. THE CONTACT HAS NOT NOTIFIED LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF…
OIL PRESSURE CHANGE INDICATED ON DASHBOARD STATING, "LOW OIL PRESSURE", THE INDICATOR THEN WENT OUT AND THE 2012 VW CC 2.0 TSI SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES A HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND MOVED OF THE INTERSTATE UNDER ITS OWN POWER, BUT WAS IDLING ROUGH AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START NOW. THE CODE PULLED FROM THIS VEHICLE NOW READ, P0300, P0302, P0341, P000A, P0016, P0304, P0301, P0011, P0506
I BROUGHT THIS CAR ABOUT 3MONTHS AGO ANDRIVE ONE DAY ABS ERROR SO TOOK TO MECHANIC HE HOOKED TO MACHINE SAY REAR WHEEL DRIVER SIDE WHEEL SENSOR SO GOT THAT CHANGED THEN IT GAVE MORE CODE SAY COMPUTER NOT COMMUNICATING AN ALSO THE OTHER SENSORS OUT AN TCS PLUS STEERING ASST. SO I WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT VW CAN'T EVEN FIX .BUT THERE STILL ALLOWED TO SALE THEM WITH OUT A FIX SO NOW I HAVE TO GUESS IF I HAVE BRAKES OR TCS AN FORGOT THE PARK BRAKE HAS A CODE AS WELL SO WILL ANYBODY FIX THIS PROBLEM OR DO MORE PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE IN CRASH OR WASTE MONEY TAKEN IT TO…
I TOOK MY CAR TO GUNTHER VOLKSWAGEN OF FORT LAUDERDALE 1660 S STATE RD 7, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33317 (954) 420-7374. THEY REFUSED TO CHANGE THE TAKATA AIRBAG I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT CONNECT THEIR EQUIPMENT . I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO PAY FOR THEM TO DO DIAGNOSTICS ON MY CAR. THEY WOULDN'T EVEN CHECK THE PROBLEM WITHOUT PAYING. I TOLD THEM THAT I COULD NOT AFFORD ANY REPAIRS AND THIS WAS A RECALL. THEY WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT MY CAR WITHOUT PAYING. SO I HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITH THE SAME AIRBAG. I CANNOT AFFORD THESE REPAIRS SO THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THIS AIRBAG SITUATION. I ALREADY…
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AFTER 6 MONTHS OF TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE ISSUE AFTER THE RECALL. WENT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME TO FIX THE ISSUE.
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2012 Volkswagen CC: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Volkswagen CC reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 230 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen CC; the most common categories were air bags (86, 37.4%), engine (64, 27.8%), fuel/propulsion system (58, 25.2%). There are 6 safety recalls. 11 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen CC?
Across 230 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (37.4% of complaints), engine (27.8% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (25.2% of complaints), electrical system (16.5% of complaints), steering (5.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen CC have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen CC; the most recent (campaign 18V329000, 2018-05-16) concerns Unknown Or Other. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Volkswagen CC stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
37 of the 230 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen CC (16.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Vehicle stalls when accelerating or traveling at high rates of speed and it will lose power. It bumps and jolts to life. My RPM shoots up and and down. It lags to accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed to accelerate it suddenly jolts." (NHTSA complaint 11524594, May 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Volkswagen CC engine?
19 of the 230 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen CC (8.3%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volkswagen cc. the contact stated while driving 10 mph, the check oil warning light illuminated. the contact pulled over and upon inspection, noticed that engine oil needed to be added." (NHTSA complaint 11413403, April 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2012 Volkswagen CC start?
16 of the 230 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen CC (7%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Oil pressure change indicated on dashboard stating, "low oil pressure", the indicator then went out and the 2012 vw cc 2.0 tsi shut off while driving on the interstate at a speed of approximately 45 miles a hour." (NHTSA complaint 11362367, October 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Volkswagen CC?
16 of the 230 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen CC (7%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 18V148000 (air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module). The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Driving on a rainy day the abs brakes skid slightly and and then the abs light the traction control light the parking brake the airbag light it also says (fault/ abs stabalization control (esc) and next message is air bag fault all turn on then turn off a few…" (NHTSA complaint 11234982, July 2019). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Volkswagen CC?
11 of the 230 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen CC (4.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Flashing check engine light; epc light; car shaking; power loss; engine misfire. vehicle was moving around 50mph at the time." (NHTSA complaint 11377626, December 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Volkswagen CC idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
8 of the 230 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen CC (3.5%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Flashing check engine light; epc light; car shaking; power loss; engine misfire. vehicle was moving around 50mph at the time." (NHTSA complaint 11377626, December 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2012 Volkswagen CC had engine failures?
7 of the 230 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen CC (3%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Car stuttered right before i parked in a parking spot turned off car, went in a store came back out and car would not start, just cranks but wont turn over. timing chain tensioner failure. loss of 4 cylinder compression. need complete engine replacement." (NHTSA complaint 11254467, September 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2012 Volkswagen CC?
7 of the 230 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen CC (3%) describe tire wear, blowouts or tire pressure warnings. A related recall exists: campaign 11V312000 (tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems). The fix: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPLACE THE TPMS SENSORS WITH THE PROPER SENSORS TO MAKE THE TPMS SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLES COMPLIANT WITH FMVSS 138. One owner wrote: "Volkswagen recalled certain model year 2012, cc vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicles safety standard no. 138, "tire pressure monitoring system (tpms)." (NHTSA complaint 11317575, March 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own CC
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.