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Model-year record

2012 Audi A4
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Audi A4

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

45

Reports to NHTSA, 2012

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

25

EPA estimate

Known issues

Engine issues lead owner complaints (47% of 45 reports), followed by electrical system (11%).

Engine47% · 21 reports
Electrical System11% · 5 reports
Power Train9% · 4 reports
Unknown Or Other9% · 4 reports
Steering7% · 3 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System4% · 2 reports
Air Bags2% · 1 report
Engine And Engine Cooling2% · 1 report

+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 45 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11145285, ODI 11139039, ODI 11130770, ODI 11074127, ODI 11073235.

Individual complaint reports(45)

Showing the 45 most recent reports
Electrical SystemJan 2026 · ODI 11712256Details +

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Audi A4. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 90,512 and at the time of the registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 175,000.

Reported
Jan 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11712256 at NHTSA →
EngineOct 2024 · ODI 11617631Details +

There is a recall for the year after this when many Audi owners of this model have the same issue per the Audi forums. We have the coolant leaking issue as well and it should have been included in the recall

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Sep 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11617631 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2023 · ODI 11531710Details +

1) Turbo, not because I'm looking to replace it 2) the car could stall when merging into highway or passing on the left lane 3) Yes 4) No 5) Yes, Check Engine Light came on afterward Check engine light came on after I tried to merge into a lane, while I was stepping on the gas peddle hard there was no acceleration. While the car did not stall, but it was not moving fast enough to provide the distance I need to be safe from the car behind me.

Reported
Jul 2023
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11531710 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2023 · ODI 11510295Details +

There have been wide-spread reports & complaints with Audi A4's starting in 2009. Audi settled a class-action lawsuit in 2015 but it only covered vehicles madein 2009-2011. If you look at any Audi owner blog or any car blog you'll find thousands of complaints about excessive oil consumption resulting in owners needing to replace pistons. In my case, I was given an estimate to replace pistons & timing belt for over $8,000 in 2021. There are additional class-action lawsuits pending against Audi BUT on my own I can do nothing and I have contacted Audi multiple times since they are "clearly" well-aware of that this is a wide-spread problem with their cars. HOW IS IT the NHTSA has no information on this problem? How is it that a recall wasn't instituted years ago? What are you doing to protect consumers from Audi's refusal to help owners? It is impossible that this problem hasn't been previously reported. I need this matter resolved, I need the car repaired & I need Audi to pay for the cost of repair based on their faulty manufacturing. Given that thousands of Audi owners are affected, clearly, this should qualify as a recall.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11510295 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2022 · ODI 11472474Details +

I have continued to notice increasing oil consumption on my 2012 AUDI A4. I have mentioned this to my dealership, however they kept dismissing it as an old car. I noticed that there have been numerous reports of this with AUDI vehicles. I requested for 2 part oil consumption test, which failed. Nonetheless, they keep suggesting that there is nothing to be done. Please advise, if this meets concern similar to other consumers with this issue.

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11472474 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2021 · ODI 11444569Details +

Owned 1 year and just over 120ish miles TIMING CHAIN Jumped Required Head Rebuild and the Timing Replacement. Soon as those were completed and Car back on the road, OIL CONSUMPTION every 150miles with Carbon Buildup regularly on the rear bumper. Low Oil Pressure light soon to appear following up with Water Pump Housing Cracking, Replaced the water pump and low oil pressure is worse than before this repair. Checked Oil Pan for sludge, OIL PAN FULL of METAL, tear down the top end of motor inspection disclosed that both of the BALANCE SHAFTS and SPROCKET were destroyed teeth missing form gears, assuming that in addition to this that piston rings definitely must be fried so they will be replaced with the balance shafts repair. In Addition to this entire ENGINE being a Lemon and needing replaced or rebuilt, 2 smaller issues I’ve had would be Wiper Motor is not even fast enough for major downpours so possibly needs replacement and also the rear backup camera is extremely difficult for viewing as it’s foggy/pixelated/shadowy and during rain completely useless.

Reported
Dec 2021
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11444569 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2021 · ODI 11438117Details +

This vehicles Water Pump has failed and has been replaced 3 times in the last 3 years. I fear for the safety of the vehicle. We've received numerous correspondence regarding class actions suits and such for cooling system issues.

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11438117 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2021 · ODI 11416432Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED AN OIL CHANGE HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING ONLY 300 MILES, THE MINIMUM OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED TWO QUARTS OF OIL TO THE ENGINE HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES OF DRIVING, THE OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI STEVENS CREEK SERVICE (751 S WINCHESTER BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95128, (888) 903-4834) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PISTONS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Reported
May 2021
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11416432 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11414193Details +

HAVING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. VARIES NOT CONSISTENT. WHEN APPLYING PEDAL TO ACCELERATE. THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND. RPM DROPS TO ZERO. ENGINE STILL RUNS BUT NO MOVEMENT. RELEASING PEDAL AND TRYING AGAIN WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. SCARY WHEN TRYING TO GET CAR OUT OF DANGER.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11414193 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2021 · ODI 11407692Details +

TIMING CHAIN BROKE AT APPROXIMATELY 104K MILES.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11407692 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2021 · ODI 11407695Details +

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, THIS CAR DRINKS AN EXTRA QUART OF OIL PER MONTH. NO LEAKS ON THE DRIVEWAY OR IN THE GARAGE.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Sep 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11407695 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11406141 · fireDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 AUDIO A4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, SHE SAW SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, NOTICE FLAMES IN THE HEAD LIGHT COMPARTMENT UPON OPENING THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THEY ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH WATER BUT THAT FAILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE FIRE DAMAGE SHE BELIEVED THAT VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11406141 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2021 · ODI 11390828Details +

SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF FAULTY PISTON RINGS CAUSING OIL CONSUMPTION TO BE 1 QUART EVERY 200/300 MILES FROM AUDI A4 MODELS 2009-2015

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11390828 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2021 · ODI 11389802Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REGARDING THE GEAR BOX MODULE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER AUDI MEMPHIS (1825 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128) WHO REPLACED THE GEAR BOX HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED WHILE ACCELERATING. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAULT MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11389802 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2020 · ODI 11385745Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE ENGINE COILS AND SPARK PLUGS TO BE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE WITH THE ADDITION OF LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND DIFFICULT FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 138,000

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11385745 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2020 · ODI 11378089Details +

I HAVE GONE GONE TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES VISITS RIGHT AFTER I HAD THE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES DONE. THE OIL LIGHT / CONSUMPTION ISSUE HAPPENS AFTER I'VE GOTTEN AN OIL CHANGE, BUT 7,000 MILES BEFORE THE NEXT ONE IS DUE. I GET AFRAID THINKING THAT MY CAR IS OUT OF OIL . I DO NOT HAVE ANY OIL LEAKS. OIL IS LEAKING AROUND LADDER FRAME. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOW ISSUE FOR A FEW YEARS THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING AND AUDI WILL NOT RESOLVE.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11378089 at NHTSA →
EngineFeb 2020 · ODI 11311924Details +

MY VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT IN VOLKSWAGEN TIMING CHAIN PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION, CIVIL ACTION NO. 16-2765 (JLL)(JAD). I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND WAS UNAWARE OF THIS SETTLEMENT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. AT MY FIRST SERVICE APPOINTMENT, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CHAIN VALVE COVERS WERE IN CRITICAL NEED OF REPAIR, AND WAS GIVEN A ROUGHLY $2,000 REPAIR ESTIMATE FOR THE JOB. I PERFORMED RESEARCH MYSELF AND DISCOVERED THIS SETTLEMENT, AND INQUIRED THE SERVICE ADVISOR AS TO WHY I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WHY I WAS NOT ABLE TO USE IT TO GET MY VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THAT FOR MY VEHICLE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE REPAIR AND COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, THE TIMING CHAIN WOULD HAVE TO ACTUALLY FAIL. UNTIL THEN, IT WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE WARRANTY. I THOUGHT THIS WAS RIDICULOUS AS IT BASICALLY FORCES ME TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE WHILE PUTTING MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS AT RISK. I WAS TOLD BY THE BBB THAT MY CLAIM COULD NOT BE PROCESSED VIA THEIR SYSTEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PAST THE TIME LIMIT FOR THEIR REQUIREMENTS, BUT THAT I SHOULD CONTACT THE NHTSA ALONG WITH MY STATE(ILLINOIS) ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE. I HAVE DONE THAT.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11311924 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2019 · ODI 11289132Details +

AS I ACCELERATE FROM 0 TO AROUND 2K RPM, CAR JERKS RAPIDLY AND THEN CONTINUES TO FIX ITSELF TO BE SMOOTH. EVEN ON 55MPH SPEED AND I DECIDE TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR DOWN QUITE A BIT, THE CAR JERKS AGAIN.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11289132 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNov 2019 · ODI 11281413Details +

FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE AND PRODUCING A STRONG GAS SMELL IN THE CAR. THE ISSUE IS VERY SIMILAR TO NTHSA CAMPAIGN 16V660.

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11281413 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2019 · ODI 11241469Details +

AFTER A FAILED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS FREAKED OUT. 60,000MI ON THE DASH, AND MY CAR IS A BRICK. AFTER A MONTH ON THE LIFT THE MOST WELL CERTIFIED MECHANICS IN MY AREA, INCLUDING SOME OF AUDI'S OWN, ARE AT A COMPLETE LOSS. THE ONLY THING WE'VE COME UP WITH IS THAT THE COMPUTERS TURN ON EVERY 30 SECONDS WHILE MY CAR IS OFF.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11241469 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2019 · ODI 11218134Details +

CAR HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. AND STARTING UP THE CAR HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE RANDOMLY JUSTIFIED. SOME TIMES IT STARTS UP RIGHT AWAY, SOME TIMES IT JUST TAKES A FEW CRANKS. DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S WARM OR COLD ENGINE. I PULLED ECU CODE AND IT SAYS U0100 WHICH IS LOSS OF COMMUNICATION TO ECM. WELL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN BE DRIVING JUST FINE ON THE ROAD BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST DECIDES TO QUIT CAUSE A HAVOC ON A BUSY TRAFFIC IN HOUSTON.

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
Jun 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11218134 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2019 · ODI 11192438Details +

THIS CAR HAS A MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. A WEEK AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE THE LOW OIL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER APPROXIMATE 150 MILES OF DRIVING. I STARTED HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY OF 2017 SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON . I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER THEY RAN THE REQUIRED TESTS THAT FAILED, WAS TOLD THAT AUDI PUT THE WRONG ENGINE IN THE CAR AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $8K FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THIS IS NOT MY PROBLEM, IT IS AUDI'S BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT THEY SETTLED IN A LAWSUIT YEARS PRIOR. IT IS NERVE-WRACKING TO DRIVE BECAUSE, I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH OIL IS IN THE CAR.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11192438 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2019 · ODI 11192289Details +

PISTON RINGS CAR IS SMOKING AND OIL IS COMING OUT OF THE MUFFLER THE CAR HAVE LAST THEN 100K MILEAGE

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11192289 at NHTSA →
EngineNov 2018 · ODI 11145285Details +

2012 AUDI A4 QUATTRO USES (BURNS) AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL, CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD MOTOR OIL. MUST ADD A QUART OF OIL ON A MONTHLY BASIS AND DRIVING LESS THAN 1,000 PER MONTH.

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11145285 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherNov 2018 · ODI 11144723Details +

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND AUDI WANTS TO CHARGE ME $12,000 TO REPAIR THE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO THEIR BEING DAMAGE TO MY PISTON RINGS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR. DURING THE TIME THAT THE FIRST OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT THAT HAD BEEN FILED AND SETTLED AGAINST AUDI DO TO THE MANUFACTURER MALFUNCTION WHICH CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. BY THE TIME I BECAME THE OWNER THE SUITE HAD ALREADY SETTLED. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Nov 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11144723 at NHTSA →
EngineOct 2018 · ODI 11139039Details +

2012 AUDI A4 HAS HAD ONGOING OIL CONSUMPTION ISUUES. AUDI DEALER PERFORMED CONSUMPTION TEST DONE AROUND 74K (3QTS PER 1000MILES - BASICALLY HAVE HAD TO ADD 1 QT EVERY 300 MILES. WAS TOLD NO RECOURSE - WAS OUTSIDE OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OF 2009-2011 OF SIMILAR ISSUES. NOW AT 133K MILE, ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING - EPC LIGHT CAME ON - CAR WAS SERVICED LESS THAN 25K MILES AND HAD ALL 4 FUEL INJECTORS, 4 SPARK PLUGS AND 2 IGNITION COILS REPLACED AND DE-CARB PROCEDURE DONE. I'M AT A LOSS THAT AUDI REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAULTY ENGINE.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Sep 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11139039 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2018 · ODI 11130770Details +

WE WERE JUST INFORMED OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT INVOLVING TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER FAILURE. THIS FAILURE COULD CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STOP POSSIBLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND HARM TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. THE LAWSUIT COULD RESULT IN AN EXTENDED PRO-RATED WARRANTY BUT NO RECALL OR REPAIRS MADE TO ANY VEHICLE PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. AUDI IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO THE DEALER NETWORK BUT WILL NOT OFFER ANY REPAIRS OUTSIDE OF THE CURRENT WARRANTY. WE BELIEVE ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED PRIOR TO A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIFE.

Reported
Sep 2018
Incident date
Sep 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11130770 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2018 · ODI 11111303Details +

SINCE PURCHASING MY CPO AUDI WITH EXTENDED MAINTENANCE PACKAGE & I HAVE IMMACULATE REPAIR RECORDS. IT'S GLARINGLY CLEAR NOW THAT THE DEALERSHIP AVOIDED DIAGNOSISING MY REPEATED COMPLAINTS ABOUT STEERING VIBRATION FEEDBACK. COUNTLESS DOLLARS SPENT ON ALIGNMENTS & RIM, TIRES CHANGES.MY STEERING HAS COMPLETELY DECAYED TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND NO AUDI SUPPORT ON RECALLING THIS ISSUE. FEELS LIKE A CROSSWIND PUSHING CAR ON HIGHWAYS, NOTCHING IS SO BAD THAT IT REQUIRES MUSCLE ENDURANCE TO TURN IT WHILE DOING K TURNS NOW. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY & FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT OF MANUFACTURING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED A LONG TIME AGO. NO FIX AVAILABLE THAT IS A GUARANTEED SUCCESS. TRULY DISGUSTED. 90,000 MILES OUTRIGHT FRAUD! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11111303 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2018 · ODI 11101607Details +

UPON HAVING 3 CONSECUTIVE OIL CHANGES, MY CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN TO BURN OIL (NO LEAKS) AFTER THE FIRST OIL CHANGE UPON DRIVING LESS THAN 900 MILES. THEN THE SECOND OIL CHANGE DID THE SAME THING UPON DRIVING UNDER 300 MILES. IT ACTUALLY RAN OUT OF OIL TOTALLY. I ADDED OIL AS INSTRUCTED BY THE CAR, AND IT BURN THE OIL WITHING 250 MILES OF DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR HAD THE WRONG ENGINE PUT IN THE VEHICLE. THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE AT MY COST, WITH POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT TO ME. NOT ACCEPTABLE, SINCE THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT. OIL CONTINUES TO BURN AT A VERY HIGH RATE AND POTENTIAL CAUSE ADDITIONAL ENGINE PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11101607 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2018 · ODI 11080208Details +

TAKATA RECALL I'VE NOTICED ON MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS I SEE THAT THE AUDI A4 HAS A PROBLEM OF JERKING AFTER IT IS ISOLATING IN TRAFFIC. MY CAR JERKS AFTER SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC, AND THEN ONCE I PRESS TO ACCELERATE THE CAR JERKS. COULD YOU PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM ON THE AUDI A4? I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TWICE AND THEY SAY THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM.

Reported
Mar 2018
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11080208 at NHTSA →
EngineFeb 2018 · ODI 11074127Details +

OIL LIGHT KEEP APPEARING ON DASHBOARD EVEN WHEN SERVICED

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Feb 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11074127 at NHTSA →
EngineFeb 2018 · ODI 11073235Details +

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING CHAIN TO SLIP AND IMMEDIATE ENGINE STOPPAGE.

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Feb 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11073235 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2017 · ODI 11055992Details +

REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER, TIMING CHAIN GUIDES & LOWER TIMING COVER WITH PISTON REPAIR

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11055992 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2017 · ODI 11012148Details +

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AND ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST ALMOST ALL POWER AND DECELERATED TO A 15 MPH PACE ON MAJOR STREET WITH 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT.

Reported
Aug 2017
Incident date
Jul 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11012148 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2017 · ODI 11006466 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

TAKATA RECALL: MY 2012 AUDI A4 WAS TOTALLED IN JULY 2014. AFTER TURNING LEFT IN FRONT OF ANOTHER CAR GOING 60 MPH, I WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT MYSELF AND TOOK MY HANDS OFF THE WHEEL, FEEL OFF THE PEDALS, CLOSED MY EYES AND WAITED FOR THE OTHER VEHICLE TO STRIKE ME. I WAS WEARING SUNGLASSES AT THE TIME. EVERY AIR BAG INSIDE MY VEHICLE WAS DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE DRIVER REAR HEADREST BAG, USUALLY INDICATING A DEATH. I AM CERTAIN THE AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT SAVED MY LIFE. I AM STILL PULLING OUT PARTICLES OF DEBRIS FROM MY FACE AND LEFT FINGER, BUT AM THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE. I AM ALSO CERTAIN THAT TAKING MY HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL, FEET OFF THE PEDALS, CLOSING MY EYES AND ROLLING SLOWLY INTO THE COLLISION ALSO SAVED ME. IF POSSIBLE MAYBE DIAL DOWN ON THE EXPLOSIVES, IF ANY COMPLAINT, BUT I WAS A BEE TO WALK AWAY FROM A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. IT DID FEEL AS THOUGH A BOMB WENT OFF, AND NEITHER CAR HAD AN ENGINE, HOOD, FENDERS, ETC. LEFT BUT BOTH OF US WALKED AWAY. JULY 24, 2014. MULHOLLAND HWY AND LAS VIGENES AT 12:00 NOON, MALIBU, CA. SO MANY AGENCIES WERE ON THE SCENE SOMEONE MUST HAVE FILMED IT. THANK YOU TAKATA INFLATORS FOR SAVING MY LIFE.

Reported
Jul 2017
Incident date
Jul 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 11006466 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2017 · ODI 10980165Details +

I TURNED CAR OFF, WENT INTO A STORE CAME BACK, STARTED CAR AND IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE, AS IF TOTALLY FALLING APART. TURNED IT OFF, TRIED AGAIN AND WOULD NOT START AT ALL. DEALER SAID ENGINE WAS SHOT, SEIZED UP HAS TO BE REPLACED. THEY HAVE BEEN MAINTAINING IT SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. OIL CHANGES ALL UP TO DATE. 30,000 MILE OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. DEALER HAS NO UNDERSTAND OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING? NO IDEA. HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO THEIR AUDI A4 2012?

Reported
Apr 2017
Incident date
Apr 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10980165 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2016 · ODI 10934723Details +

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V382000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported
Dec 2016
Incident date
Jul 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10934723 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2016 · ODI 10854168Details +

EXTREMELY LOUD "ROARING" NOISE ON A COLD START AFTER HAVING SAT OVERNIGHT. DEALERSHIP BASICALLY REPORTED AS NORMAL "OF NO CONSEQUENCE". CONTINUOUS SINCE NEW.

Reported
Apr 2016
Incident date
Sep 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10854168 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2015 · ODI 10816264Details +

STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES/VIBRATES. THE VIBRATION IS VERY NOTICEABLE AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED. IT MAY OCCUR AT HIGHER SPEEDS BUT IT CANNOT BE DETECTED SINCE ROADS ARE NOT SMOOTH. THE CURRENT UPDATED HOSE -- NOT SURE WHICH ONE -- WAS OEM ON CAR BUT AT 28583 MILES THE "SERVOTRONIC VALVE/CONVERTER" WAS REPLACED AND PROBLEM CORRECTED FOR A TIME. ORIGINAL PROBLEM HAS RETURNED AND CONTINUES DURING AND AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD -- I.E., PROBLEM HAS BEEN PRESENT STARTING WITH THE PURCHASE IN 2011 AND IS STILL PRESENT AT 12/26/2015. AUDI AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER CONFIRMED WITH AUDI THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE CAR AND IS PRESENT IN OTHER 2012 AUDI CARS. SAFETY OF DRIVERS IS BEING COMPROMISED.

Reported
Dec 2015
Incident date
Dec 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10816264 at NHTSA →
WheelsOct 2015 · ODI 10786887Details +

TIRES WILL NOT HOLD AIR PRESSURE. DECEMBER 2014 DRIVING ALONE TIRE BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON COLD EVENING (10 DEGREES F), HWY 19 SOUTH BOUND. TPMS LIGHT CAME ON SECONDS BEFORE TIRE BLOW OUT. CALLED AUDI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. RECORD AVAILABLE. REPLACED WITH SAME PERELLI P6 - 245X40RX18. SAME ISSUE. TIRES DO NOT HOLD PRESSURE. OCTOBER 11, 2015 HAD RIMS CLEANED AND TIRE/RIM SEALER APPLIED TO HOLD TIRE PRESSURE. SAME ISSUE. TIRES DO NOT HOLD PRESSURE. MY SPOUCE IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING CAR THAT TIRES BLOW OUT AND DO NOT HOLD PRESSURE. THESE TIRES SHOULD BE INSPECTED AND RECALLED. HAPPY TO HELP GETS THESE TIRES OFF THE ROAD. THEY ARE DANGEROUS!

Reported
Oct 2015
Incident date
Oct 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10786887 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2015 · ODI 10750153Details +

I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY 2012 AUDI A4 AFTER A FEW WEEKS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED I WAS TOLD ( SYSTEM WAS TO LEAN IN BANK 1) I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW O2 SYSTEM, LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF AND I WAS TOLD NEXT THAT THEIR WAS A LEAK IN A VACUUM SEAL AND LASTLY MY COOLANT LEVEL WAS DEPLETING AT A RAPID SPEED AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEIR WAS A LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP.

Reported
Aug 2015
Incident date
Jul 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10750153 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemApr 2014 · ODI 10583872Details +

ONLY FIVE MINUTES AFTER STARTING CAR IN MORNING, ENGINE RAPIDLY LOST POWER AND QUIT COMPLETELY WHILE IN 60 MPH TRAFFIC ON HEAVILY TRAVELED INTERSTATE 526 IN CHARLESTON, SC. COASTED CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC LANES TO SIDE, A VERY DANGEROUS LOCATION ON ELEVATED ROADWAY. HAD CAR TOWED TO AUDI DEALER, WHO SAID THEY TESTED AND FOUND FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. THEY REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND ENGINE SEEMS TO RUN NORMALLY NOW. IN FOUR DECADES OF DRIVING I'VE NEVER HAD A FUEL PUMP FAIL. THIS ONE PUT MY WIFE AND ME IN JEOPARDY DUE TO THE SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER IN MIDDLE OF FAST, HEAVY TRAFFIC. WE WERE LUCKY TO GET OUT WITHOUT BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRUCKS & TRAFFIC. *TR

Reported
Apr 2014
Incident date
Apr 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10583872 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2014 · ODI 10564936Details +

2012 AUDI A4 AVANT WITH 55,000 MILES AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH, MECHANISM AND SENSOR ARE INTERMITTENTLY FAILING. CENTRAL LOCKING THINKS DOOR IS OPEN, DOME LIGHTS AND DOOR AJAR CHIME CONSTANTLY TURNING OFF AND ON. FIXED AT AUDI DEALERSHIP. AUDI USA DEEMED THE ISSUE "WEAR AND TEAR". *TR

Reported
Feb 2014
Incident date
Jan 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10564936 at NHTSA →
VisibilityJan 2014 · ODI 10559519Details +

SUNROOF EXPLODED AROUND 4:AM WHILE DRIVING @ 40 MPH. NO IMPACT TO VEHICLE TO CAUSE EXPLOSION.THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 45 DEGREES AND THE INSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS SET @ 75 DEGREES. LEFT A HOLE 5" X 10" AND GLASS WAS FALLING INSIDE CAR. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WHICH SCARED ME BUT I TOOK CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD AT THAT TIME. *TR

Reported
Jan 2014
Incident date
Jan 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10559519 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingMar 2012 · ODI 10451274Details +

AT APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER OF MY 2012 AUDI A4 AVANT QUATTRO, A STRANGE NOISE BEGAN FROM THE FRONT AREA OF THE ENGINE. THE NOISE HAPPENS AT THE FIRST STARTUP OF THE ENGINE REGARDLESS OF AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES WHEN THE ENGINE IDLES DOWN THE NOISE STOPS. DIFFERENT AUDI TECHNICIANS AT TWO DEALERSHIPS HAVE DIAGNOSED THE NOISE AS 1) CAM TENSIONERS, 2) A BAD BEARING INSIDE THE CAM CASE, 3) SECONDARY BLOWER MOTOR AND, 4) LASH IN THE VVT SYSTEM. NONE OF THE TECHNICIANS HAVE PUT A WRENCH ON ANY OF THE NAMED COMPONENTS BECAUSE, ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIPS' SERVICE MANAGERS, AUDI USA WILL NOT AUTHORIZE REPAIRS. ACCORDING TO AUDI USA, THE STRANGE NOISE IS A NORMAL FUNCTION EVEN THOUGH AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY THE NOISE WAS NOT APPARENT FOR THE FIRST APPROXIMATE 1000 MILES OF DRIVING. *TR

Reported
Mar 2012
Incident date
Feb 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10451274 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2012 Audi A4 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2012 Audi A4 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
A42.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive223025

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2012 Audi A4: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Audi A4?

Owners filed 45 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Audi A4. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2012 Audi A4?

The most-reported problem areas are Engine (47% of complaints) and electrical system (11%).

How many recalls does the 2012 Audi A4 have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2012 Audi A4 as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi A4 get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Audi A4 at 25 mpg combined.