repaired · 2020 Q1
Unknown or other
Risk. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
2012 Volkswagen EOSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 94 owner complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen EOS, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-148 the manufacturer reports only 56% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 20, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Volkswagen EOS has problems
94 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
64Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
13Engine1 crash/fire/injury
6Electrical system
5Steering
5Power train
4Fuel/propulsion system
2Suspension
2Seats
2Visibility
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 64 | 1 |
| Engine | 13 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 1 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility | 2 | 1 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 Volkswagen EOS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
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…
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
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…
repaired · 2017 Q2
Air bags: frontal
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other EOS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the EOS median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Volkswagen EOS safety ratings
2012 Volkswagen EOS C FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Volkswagen EOS, and the recalls they led to.
- Clockspring failureNo recall
- Air Bag Clockspring FailureLed to recall 15V-483
- Air Bag Clockspring FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What EOS owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2012 EOS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.