Research · Compact Cars

2012 Volkswagen CCRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 230 owner complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen CC. Most complaints involve air bags (86) and engine (64). The EPA rates it 20–25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
20–25mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest May 2018
Owner complaints
230
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Unknown or other

Free remedy

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.

Unknown or otherReported May 16, 2018NHTSA 18V329000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Mar 6, 2018NHTSA 18V148000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Aug 16, 2017NHTSA 17V509000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

230 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2011 – Apr 2025
  1. Air bags86
  2. Engine64
  3. Fuel/propulsion system58
  4. Electrical system38
  5. Steering12
  6. Power train11
  7. Wheels10
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)9
  9. Service brakes8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CC model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2009136
2010242
201186
2012230
2013148
201480
201530
201626
20174
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
8
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

86 reports8 crashes
“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 Light illuminates. I am then forced to slowly get off the road, barely able to turn the wheel, turn off the vehicle and re-start the engine to get the Power Steering to Re-Set itself. It is happening more and more often. Just went to Doctor appt Friday and it happened five (5) times going to and from Doctor (14 mile round trip). I see Dealers are telling people it is a Clock Spring and they are charing up to $ 6,800. to repair. My car only has 56,000. miles on it !!!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2021Steering, Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11427345

Engine

64 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 31, 2023Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11524594

Fuel/propulsion system

58 reports2 crashes2 fires
“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 puts me and my passenger at risk for whiplash due to the fact that it engages when I'm driving .no warning lite come on I've just felt the jolt almost causing me to hit my head on the windshield. Please help .thank you Sincerely [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2024Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11584641
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CC
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
223125$3,200355
CC
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
213124$3,300370
CC 4motion
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
172520$4,000444
  • CC
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 31 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • CC
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 31 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • CC 4motion
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Volkswagen CC as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 6598Vehicle 6341
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2012 CC questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen CC have?

6 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2012 Volkswagen CC problems?

Owners filed 230 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (86), engine (64), fuel/propulsion system (58). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2012 Volkswagen CC get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Volkswagen CC at 20–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026