Recall 12V147 affects 15 2012 Volkswagen Routan vehicles for a right rear hub and bearing defect. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 15 2012 Routan vehicles because the right rear hub and bearing assembly was not fully machined. A less durable hub can lead to wheel separation and increase crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Volkswagen makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The right rear hub and bearing assembly on the 2012 Volkswagen Routan is the wheel-support unit at the back corner of the van. The hub holds the wheel in the correct position, and the bearing lets that wheel turn smoothly while the rear suspension carries the load.
On affected Routans, that hub and bearing assembly was not fully machined. Machining is the finishing work that gives the part its final shape and fit. When that work is incomplete, the assembly does not have the finished surfaces and alignment the rear wheel needs to sit and rotate as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. If you hear new grinding, humming, or feel vibration from the right rear of the vehicle, treat it as a service concern and have the van inspected.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Volkswagen Routan | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 15 |
Not every 2012 Volkswagen Routan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced durability in the right rear hub and bearing assembly can lead to wheel separation, which increases the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously, keep trips limited until the recall work is handled, and schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Volkswagen Routan is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to ask about the free right rear hub and bearing replacement that fixes the incompletely machined rear assembly.
- Reference recall number 12V147 when you call the dealer or Volkswagen customer service.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one, plus any repair paperwork tied to the rear hub or bearing assembly.
- Avoid driving with rear-wheel noise, vibration, or looseness, and ask the dealer about towing if the vehicle feels unsafe to move.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the right rear hub and bearing assembly covered by this recall. The filing says the affected hub and bearing assemblies were not fully machined, so the repair replaces that assembly rather than adjusting it. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Volkswagen's filing says the safety recall began on April 20, 2012. If your VIN is included, ask the Volkswagen service desk to confirm the recall repair before the appointment.
Timeline
| April 5, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V147?
Recall 12V147 covers 15 2012 Volkswagen Routan vehicles with right rear hub and bearing assemblies that were not fully machined. The defect can reduce durability and lead to wheel separation, increasing crash risk. Volkswagen dealers replace the assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Volkswagen Routan is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Routan is included in recall 12V147. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and schedule replacement of the right rear hub and bearing assembly. Reference recall number 12V147 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel separation. The right rear hub and bearing assembly was not fully machined on included vehicles, which can reduce durability and allow the wheel to separate from the vehicle, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Routan used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012 Volkswagen Routan is included, then contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall number 12V147.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V147000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V147 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V147000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →