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2012 Volkswagen Eos problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Volkswagen Eos has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 94owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 2fire reports
- 28%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Volkswagen Eos year on file: 94 complaints, against an average of 18 for the other 4 model years.
Every Volkswagen Eos model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Volkswagen Eos?
The components named most often in the 94 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Volkswagen Eos owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 94 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2012 Volkswagen Eos been recalled?
4 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.
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.
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Eos 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 drivers or passenger airbag replacement
Risk: Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Fix: The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.
UK DVSATakata Front airbag
Risk: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
UK DVSAStarter motor may malfunction and overheat
Risk: On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
UK DVSAFuel may leak
Risk: On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.
Fix: Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.
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 Eos 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 Eos owners report?
12 of the 94 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.
My airbag light came on my 2012 EOS and Vw dealer said it was a Clock Spring part issue causing it part number (5K0-953-569-AL) I mentioned this is a safety issue as it also disabled my horn on steering wheel and was pretty sure VW had a recall/bulletin or campaign on this issue. Appears for some odd reason VW didn’t have my vin [XXX] listed or flagged which I believe is a clear mistake. I am escalating this situation with VW and now here as my vehicle is having this same problem and needs listed as well. I strongly feel vw should replace the defective part 5K0-953-569-AL as part of an…
In an accident I was struck by another vehicle that swerved into my lane at a very high rate of speed. His vehicle struck my car on the drivers side front quater panel just after the head light and continued past the drivers door. Air bags failed to deploy causing injuries to my head and body. In a separate accident, head on collision the airbags failed in the front and side causing bodily injuries. The failure of the air bags to deploy was supposed to fixed in Nov 2022 at the VW dealership with the clock spring recall . I did have that replaced so why did mine fail not once but twice after…
While driving, turned seat heater on, it overheated enough to burn the seat and my coat. No noticeable fire.
My car goes into a false neutral and shifts out of gear while driving. The "PRNDS" indicator on dash had a blinking "D" alternating with a wrench. I have to come to a complete stop turn the car off and right back on and it goes away for about 5-10 minutes only to reoccur. This started happening when weather became hot, and only occurs after driving for an hour or more. Only when hot outside. I performed transmission fluid service with no resolve. There was no debris in the old fluid to indicate mechanical issues. I also get error code P2711- "unexpected mechanical failure". This has almost…
The vehicle has 37444 miles on it and the front driver side coil spring was laying broken off partially by the front wheel well when I went to move vehicles around (The vehicle was sitting, not driving when the coil broke, which really is curious). I reported the issue to VW customer care tonight (9/6/22) and they said that it was outside of warranty-Essentially nothing they could do. The complaint number is 05384519, and the rep I spoke with is named Tara. This is not something that should happen with a front coil spring (maybe sagging at 100k+) and seems indicative of bad heat treat. There…
The motor abruptly shut off while driving. Within 20 seconds the inside of the car filled with smoke and shortly thereafter there were visible flames seen through the front grill. Fire spread and fully engulfed the car. Flames extended 20 feet. Fire dept and police responded. The vehicle was a total loss.
00927 - Terminal 30 (Right) 011 - Open Circuit 01516 - Terminal 30; Left 011 - Open Circuit - Intermittent I believe this is a major fire hazard and also will leave you stranded. Based on the codes and physical condition of the issue apparently many other people have had the same problem. http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/00927_-_Terminal_30_(Right) The noticeable thing is the A/C turns off and once the car is turned off you will not be able to lock the doors or turn the car back on.
VW RECALL69L2 AIRBAG -CLOCK SPRING FAILURE NHRSA CAMPAIN #15V483000
I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ON 02/15/2013 IT ONLY HAVE 10,000 MILES ON IT. THEN AS SOON AS IT HIT 68,500 MILES AND WENT OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAD JUST HAD IT SERVICED FOR THE LAST TIME UNDER WARRANTY ON 6/21/2019 AT 67,996 MILES. THE TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED AND BENT ALL THE VALVES. I HAD TO REBUILD THE ENGINE. WHICH COASTED A FORTUNE. I SAW THAT THEIR WERE A BUNCH OF CLASS ACTION SUITES GOING ON AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN FOR SIMILAR ISSUE BUT WAS DEALING WITH A FAMILY CRISIS THAT ENDED POORLY AND WENT INTO A STATE OF DEPRESSION FROM THE DEATH OF MULTIPLE FAMILY MEMBERS BACK TO BACK SO I NEVER FOLLOWED UP ON IT…
WHILE DRIVING A 2012 VW EOS, THE ENGINE STUMBLED AND UNLOADED TONS OF SMOKE OUT OF THE REAR OF THE CAR. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND CAUSED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTOR, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE UNDER WARRANTY FOR 120,000 MILES. THE ISSUE I HAVE IS THAT VW WILL NOT PROACTIVELY REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTORS, POTENTIALLY CAUSING 3 MORE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN A FUEL INJECTOR FAILS THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF A CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE DUE TO THE ENGINE MISFIRE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME…
TAKATA RECALL. RECALLED OCTOBER 2018 FOR REPLACING THE AIRBAG UNIT, RECALL COMPLETED. IN NOV. DEC. 2018 RECEIVED PHONE CALLS TELLING US THE WRONG PART HAD BEEN FITTED AND WE SHOULD RETURN TO THE DEALER JOSEPH VW 3813 MONTGOMERY ROAD, CINCINNATI OHIO 45212. RETURNED CAR TO DEALER WHO AFTER 2 1/2 HOURS COULD NOT GET THE WRONG PART OFF. DEALER TO CONTACT VW FOR INSTRUCTIONS. CAME BACK NEXT DAY TO COLLECT THE CAR. I FOUND THAT BACK IN OCTOBER A NEW AIR BAG ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN FITTED WHICH WAS THE CORRECT PART. THE WRONG PART WAS INFACT THAT ONLY A NEW IGNITER WAS TO BE FITTED. THE DEALER CLAIMED HE…
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 50+ AND THE TRANSMISSION QUIT( LIKE WE WERE IN NEUTRAL ). HAD TO MANEUVER ACROSS TRAFFIC TO THE SHOULDER. RESTARTED AND VEHICLE DROVE FINE TIL NEXT DAY AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN.CODE WAS CHECKED AND IT SAID NO COMMUNICATION WITH TRANSMISSION MODULE I'M THE SECOND OWNER AND THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 78,000 MILES
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2012 Volkswagen Eos: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Eos reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 94 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen Eos; the most common categories were air bags (64, 68.1%), engine (13, 13.8%), electrical system (6, 6.4%). There are 4 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Eos?
Across 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (68.1% of complaints), engine (13.8% of complaints), electrical system (6.4% of complaints), power train (5.3% of complaints), steering (5.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Eos have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Eos; 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 Eos stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 94 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen Eos (5.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "The motor abruptly shut off while driving. Within 20 seconds the inside of the car filled with smoke and shortly thereafter there were visible flames seen through the front grill. Fire spread and fully engulfed the car. Flames extended 20 feet." (NHTSA complaint 11447593, January 2022). 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 Eos?
5 of the 94 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen Eos (5.3%) 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: "2012 volkswagen eos komfort. consumer writes in regard to vehicle airbag safety recall. *as the consumer stated since the airbag recall was completed, the air bag warning light illuminated on multiple occasions. *js" (NHTSA complaint 11143128, October 2018). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Volkswagen Eos engine?
4 of the 94 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Volkswagen Eos (4.3%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volkswagen eos. while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact's husband coasted the vehicle to the right side of the road." (NHTSA complaint 11025443, September 2017). 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.
Check your own Eos
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.