RoadVitals

2012 Volkswagen Eos Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
94
Latest Mar 20, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen Eos, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags6459.3%
  • Engine1312.0%
  • Electrical65.6%
  • Powertrain (other)54.6%
  • Fuel system54.6%
  • Steering54.6%
  • Visibility32.8%
  • Interior & seats21.9%
  • Suspension21.9%
  • Exterior lighting10.9%
  • Seat belts10.9%
  • Body & structure10.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

64
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 unidentified vin or vehicle they seem to pick and choose and that isn’t right. VOLKSWAGEN RECALL # 69L2 NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 15V483000 I am not driving it right now as not safe and feel Vw needs to step up and do what is right as exempting vehicles by vin or whatever is not taking proper responsibility for the defects known. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11725901 · filed Mar 20, 2026

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 the clock spring was replaced?

NHTSA ID 11645817 · filed Mar 2, 2025
All 64 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11447593 · filed Jan 15, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11429778 · filed Aug 19, 2021
All 13 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 the clock spring was replaced?

NHTSA ID 11645817 · filed Mar 2, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11429778 · filed Aug 19, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 caused me to wreck several times putting my life and others at risk until I turn car off and immediatly restart engine which allows normal operation for a few minutes. It doesn't operate normally until car cools down. My engine is not overheating. My transmission fluid, and coolant services are current. NHTSA safety recall 09V333000 addressed this exact same issue on 20 August 2009 but it only covers model years 2009 and 2010. This is still a well known problem for the VW DSG transmission experienced by many others. VW said that they couldn't help me even though it's the same issue because my car is a 2012, and it only covers 2009-2010? I am a Disabled Veteran with a heart condition and can't afford to be on the side of the road in the heat without severe health issues.

NHTSA ID 11591236 · filed May 29, 2024

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

NHTSA ID 11101245 · filed Jun 11, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 AND VW WOULD NOT COVER THE FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER - WHICH SEEMS UNFAIR, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF VW'S ISSUE WITH ITS RECENT EMISSION SCANDAL. I HAD 2 INDEPENDENT MECHANICS VERIFY THE IMPACT A FAILED FUEL INJECTOR HAS, YET MY VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP DID NOT AGREE MINE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED INJECTOR.

NHTSA ID 11277027 · filed Oct 30, 2019

VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL WHILE AT LOW IDLE OR STOPPED. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF FIXING THIS ISSUE AT THE DEALERSHIP HAS FAILED TO IDENTIFY AND CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP FIRST REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND COIL PACKS, TWO MOTHS LATER WHEN THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED THEY REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND TWO MONTHS LATER THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE SAME ISSUE. ON TWO OCCASIONS MY CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID 11130542 · filed Sep 21, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 unidentified vin or vehicle they seem to pick and choose and that isn’t right. VOLKSWAGEN RECALL # 69L2 NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 15V483000 I am not driving it right now as not safe and feel Vw needs to step up and do what is right as exempting vehicles by vin or whatever is not taking proper responsibility for the defects known. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11725901 · filed Mar 20, 2026

VW RECALL69L2 AIRBAG -CLOCK SPRING FAILURE NHRSA CAMPAIN #15V483000

NHTSA ID 11404385 · filed Mar 22, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN EOS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MINOR CUTS AND GLASS WAS EMBEDDED INTO HER SKIN DUE TO THE FAILURE, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.

NHTSA ID 11131890 · filed Sep 27, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN EOS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF IMPLODEDCAL DEALER (EXECUTIVE VOLKSWAGEN OF NORTH HAVEN RT5, 444 STATE STREET, NORTH HAVEN, CT, 06473) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INSURANCE AGENT NEEDED TO BE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,307. .*BF *JS

NHTSA ID 11020409 · filed Aug 29, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving, turned seat heater on, it overheated enough to burn the seat and my coat. No noticeable fire.

NHTSA ID 11640042 · filed Feb 1, 2025

Due to the cold weather I turned on the driver heated seat. I suddenly started feeling it extremely hot, I was wearing a quilted sweater. When I arrived at my work a coworker noticed that my sweater was burned from the back, it had a hole. Then I saw that the seat was burnt due to the extreme heat, the seat melted, it had three small holes and one bigger. I am just concerned that my car could’ve burned while I was driving, due to the malfunction of the heated seats.

NHTSA ID 11636020 · filed Jan 15, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 are other complaints filed with NHTSA regarding this same issue on VWs of the same era. If this had happened while driving, it could’ve caused a catastrophic failure and a pretty significant accident if the tire was hit.

NHTSA ID 11483144 · filed Sep 6, 2022

Broken front coil spring. It is available for inspection Broken spring can dislodge potentially causing a tire rupture and steering issue Also occurred on my other previously owned 2012 VW Eos where both front coil springs broke within 6 mo. of each other. That vehicle had around 60K miles. No No

NHTSA ID 11417393 · filed May 17, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11429778 · filed Aug 19, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN EOS KOMFORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS). THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ..UPDATED 05/23/17 *BF UPDATED 08/15/2017*JS

NHTSA ID 10965870 · filed Mar 14, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

While my wife was exiting off of I-75 approaching the traffic light to turn left, the sun roof exploded into pieces. Large and small pieces of glass were scattered throughout the car. The approximate speed was 40 MPH. Luckily she was not hurt or got any glass in her eyes. My name is [XXX] (Husband) and cell phone # is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11449887 · filed Feb 2, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .