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2012 Volkswagen CC

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 CC.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2012 Volkswagen CC is a passenger car that pairs an Automatic (S6) transmission with EPA ratings of 22/31/25 mpg and an engine oil capacity of 4.9 quarts using 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 viscosity. Across the 2008–2017 model run, the 2012 model year generated 230 total owner complaints, placing it near the upper extreme of the range just under the 2010 peak of 242 and far above the 2008 low of one. That volume, alongside six recalls and air bags as the top complaint category, marks the 2012 CC among the most heavily reported model years in the model’s 2008–2017 span.

Model year2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40OEM · verified

Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy22/31/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 47 · 540 CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 47 · 540 CCAOEM · verified

Tire size235-40R18OEM · verified

Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	06J115403Q alt 03H115441
Engine air filter	1K0129620G alt 1K0129620
Fuel filter	3AA919715 alt 06H103484A
Spark plug	06H905601A alt 06H905621A
Battery	000915089E alt 000915089F
Front wiper blades	3C1998002 alt 3C8955425B
Serpentine belt	06J260849D alt 022145933AP
Thermostat	06J121113C alt 06J121113A
Cabin air filter	1K1819669 alt 1K0819644B

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	189 in
Overall width	73.2 in
Overall height	55.9 in
Wheelbase	106.7 in
Curb weight	3329 lb
Track (front / rear)	60.6 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	59/41

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	22 / 31 / 25 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	94 cu ft
Cargo volume	13 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the CC of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.1–7.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.10 sec — 2009 VR6 4Motion V6

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2013	Sport 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.40 sec	14.90 sec	200 hp	FWD
2013	Lux 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.50 sec	15.00 sec	200 hp	FWD
2013	Sport 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.50 sec	15.20 sec	200 hp	FWD
2010	R-Line 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.40 sec	15.00 sec	200 hp	FWD
2010	Sport 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.80 sec	15.30 sec	200 hp	FWD
2014	R-Line 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.70 sec	15.10 sec	200 hp	FWD
2009	VR6 4Motion V6 3.6L V6	6.10 sec	14.60 sec	280 hp	AWD
2009	VR6 4Motion V6 3.6L V6	6.20 sec	14.80 sec	280 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.5
Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Engine Coolant	USE G012ABG-A1 COOLANT
Engine Oil	0W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity	4.9 qt
Engine Oil	0W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity	5.8 qt

Engine torques

Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs

96 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	11.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	Bevel box: 44.0, Haldex Clutch: 22.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-3-6-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	720 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	80 rpm
Spark Plug Manufacturer	VW
Spark Plug Gap	0.039-0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	18 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.12-1.29 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Standard BCI Group Number	47
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	540 cca
Optional BCI Group Number	49
Optional BCI Cranking Performance	680 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	58.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	101.0 psi
Residual Pressure	43.5 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	58.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	101.0 psi
Residual Pressure	43.5 psi
Engine Compression	159
Engine Compression	159

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH FNR-G
Torque Caliper to Bracket	22 ft-lbs / 26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	140 ft-lbs
Brake Application	WITH CII 38 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NO 1KU
Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Brake Application	WITH FNR-G
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.181 in / 0.866 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

6 ft. lbs

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45

4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

29 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

29 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees.	90 degrees
3	90 degrees.	90 degrees
4	Front bolts	6 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees.; Do not re-use old bolts.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees.	90 degrees
3	90 degrees.	90 degrees
4	Front bolts	6 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees.; Do not re-use old bolts.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	29.5 ft. lbs.	29.5 ft. lbs
2	turn 90 degrees	90 degrees
3	turn 90 degrees; Starting at center and working outward, tighten all fasteners alternately and evenly.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	11 ft. lbs.; Step:2: 22 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
3	using a ratchet turn 90 degrees	90 degrees
4	using a ratchet turn 90 degrees; Apply liquid locking fluid-D 197 300 A2 sealant under head of bolts before installing the longer cylinder head bolts must be installed in the middle holes of the cylinder head.	90 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

2 ft. lbs., step 2: 7

2 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

4 ft. lbs., step 2: 9 ft. lbs., step 3: 12 ft. lbs., step 4: 18

4 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

2 ft. lbs., step 2: 7

2 ft. lbs

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

4 ft. lbs., step 2: 9 ft. lbs., step 3: 12 ft. lbs., step 4: 18

4 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180

22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi.

Every 10,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level)
Every 20,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Suspension Shock or Strut (inspect)
Every 40,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Door Stop (lubricate) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 mi	Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2012 Volkswagen CC sits near the midpoint of its generation’s federal record, with complaint and recall activity reflecting a broader trend of escalating issues. Complaints spiked in 2009 (136) and 2010 (242), then dipped in 2011 (86) before rising again in 2012 (230), suggesting unresolved or emerging problems—particularly in air bags (56 complaints) and engine systems (36). Recalls also peaked in 2012 (6), the highest of any year in the dataset, indicating systemic concerns rather than isolated defects. The following years show a gradual decline in complaints, though recalls remained elevated through 2016, implying lingering reliability challenges. With 11 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports, the 2012 model year appears riskier than adjacent years, particularly 2011 or 2014, which had fewer complaints and recalls. **Given the data, the 2012 CC is not the strongest year to buy; opt for a 2011 or 2014 model if possible.**

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

984

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

230

Owner complaints

11 involved a crash · 3 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’08 ’09 ’10 ’11’12’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 230 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags56

Engine36

Fuel/Propulsion System28

Electrical System7

Wheels6

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System6

Air Bags,Fuel/Propulsion System5

Electrical System,Air Bags5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V329000Unknown Or OtherReported 16/05/2018

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… Remedy: 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…

18V148000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 06/03/2018

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 984 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TT 10-18-02_2	2026-06-18	Engine	Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_3	2026-06-18	Engine	Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_17	2026-06-11	Air Bags	Inquiries
V1719012012855_81	2026-06-04	Engine	Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-21	2026-03-27	Engine	This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific CC. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 47 battery Vehicles taking 4.9 qt Engine oil filter 06J115403Q Engine air filter 1K0129620G Fuel filter 3AA919715 Spark plug 06H905601A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 CC take?

4.9 qt of 0W-40, 5W-30 OR 5W-40 MEETING VW SPECIFICATION 502.00, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 CC have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the CC get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined mpg.

2012 Volkswagen CC

Quick specs

Fitment & sizes

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

Performance & power Independent road tests

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Lubricants & capacities

Engine torques

Chassis torques

Ignition

Battery & A/C

Service checks

Brakes

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Common OBD-II trouble codes

VIN tools

Vehicles with shared specs

Reference guides

Related vehicles

Other years

Frequently asked