TireKick

Model-year record

2012 Audi A6
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Audi A6

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

59

Reports to NHTSA, 2012

Safety recalls

8

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

28

EPA estimate

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (17% of 59 reports), followed by electrical system (15%).

Air Bags17% · 10 reports
Electrical System15% · 9 reports
Engine12% · 7 reports
Power Train12% · 7 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System10% · 6 reports
Steering10% · 6 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling5% · 3 reports
Service Brakes5% · 3 reports

+ 6 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 59 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11176599, ODI 11149920, ODI 11118997, ODI 11100598, ODI 11063220.

Individual complaint reports(59)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
StructureJul 2025 · ODI 11676688Details +

Dear Highway Safety Authority Officer I am writing to formally request an investigation into a potential safety concern involving structural rust on the engine subframe (engine cradle) of the Audi A6, particularly in models from 2012 There have been growing concerns among owners and independent mechanics regarding excessive and premature rust and corrosion affecting the structural integrity of the engine mounting frame. In some cases, this corrosion could potentially compromise the stability of the engine or the safety of the vehicle during operation. Given the importance of this component to both drivability and crash safety, this issue merits further inspection. I am bringing this to your attention in hopes that your office will investigate whether this represents a broader manufacturing or design defect, and if a recall or safety advisory might be warranted. For your reference, the vehicle in question is: Make/Model: Audi A6 Model Year: 2012 VIN : [XXX] Description of issue: Extensive rust to the frame and some cracks I am happy to provide additional documentation or photographs to assist in the review process. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Ensuring the structural safety of vehicles on the road is of utmost importance, and I appreciate your diligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jul 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11676688 at NHTSA →
SteeringJan 2024 · ODI 11566847Details +

Vehicle suffered sudden and total loss of power steering. Had just driven the car 5-10 minutes prior, came out to leave and had a message stating do not drive vehicle, steering defective. At that point the steering wheel felt locked in place and the vehicle was effectively a brick. This issue just happened yesterday and has not been to the dealership yet for diagnosis but I am a former automotive service manager (German specialist) and have connected my car to the VCDS system in order to retrieve the system failure codes. Error code was for the power assist motor. I then did some quick research online and saw dozens of other complaints from owners with the same issue. Thankfully most fail upon start up but I did come across one or two that reported having the issue after turning a corner and suddenly losing all power assist. This is a known issue for Audi and they sent letters to owners around June of 2021 stating that the issue was being covered under a 10 year or 120k mile warranty. That's nice if your vehicle happens to fail while under warranty but now that the time period is it, the burden of repairing this potentially dangerous system defect is on the owner and costs in excess of $4,000 at the dealer. Audi also requires the new unit to be coded to the vehicle via their ODIS system which means owners don't have the option of going to many other sources for a repair. Few shops can afford the monthly fees Audi charges for the ODIS equipment.

Reported
Jan 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11566847 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11562753Details +

Good morning, For the past couple of weeks, I've been getting the run around on whether the issue I'm having with my vehicle is an active recall. I recently took my vehicle to Eurocode Tuning (Torrance, CA), and the mechanic instructed me to take my vehicle to the dealer because the issue I am currently experiencing (fuel leak in the injection system) is listed as a recall. I contacted the Audi dealership in Long Beach CA via phone at (562)610-4000, the service representative stated that he found no active recall on my vehicle. Once again contacted Eurocode Tuning and they stated to have them run a diagnostic on the vehicle and they will see its the fuel leak in the injection system. And they are required by law to fix the recall. The following morning I took my vehicle into McKenna Audi ( Norwalk, CA) and one of the service representatives reiterates that my vehicle has no active recall. I stated that I was well aware of that, however, the issue I was having was listed as a recall on the web and I was informed by the repair shop as well. I proceeded to show him the information I got offline and my failed smog that was done on my vehicle. He proceeded to show me the breakdown on his computer that it was no active recall and the only thing that they were looking into was issues regarding the turbo. He stated what I was talking about was an extended warranty and my vehicle is well past that warrant. He then proceeded to say if a diagnostic is done on my vehicle I will be responsible to pay it and any repair done on my vehicle. So I walked out and decided to contact you. I am just trying to determine whether my vehicle could be repaired under the recall. I'm extremely frustrated and concerned for my safety because the recall did state the risk of a fire. Sincerely a confused, frustrated Audi owner [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11562753 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemSep 2023 · ODI 11545382Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Audi A6. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, he smelled an abnormal fuel odor. The contact stated that the fuel odor became stronger while driving 65 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled into a parking lot and opened the hood. The contact stated that he noticed that the fuel odor was coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the check engine warning light illuminated. The mechanic determined that the check engine warning light had illuminated due to low pressure on the fuel rail, and the contact was informed that the supercharger needed to be removed for a more thorough inspection of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V019000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Reported
Sep 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11545382 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemDec 2022 · ODI 11498311Details +

My car almost overheated on the high on thanksgiving night thank god my brother was behind me driving and took me to go get antifreeze my coolant was leaking and i think my water pump messed up almost a accident cause i was in the middle lane and my vehicle was slowing down on the highway at night

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11498311 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2022 · ODI 11466406Details +

This needs to be heavily looked into. I see countless reports online and on NHTSA about "coolant" leaking onto components/wiring. Whatever it is, is definitely frying the electrical system. My info screen will state: "Transmission Malfunction: You can continue driving" and it'll go away a minute later, them beep again with the same message- then beep again- then go away- then come back again. etc etc etc. I recently a year or so ago got some coolant leak that was dripping on transmission wires below. I've seen this complaint too many times. Audi needs to investigate this issue and if this is a countless issue we need to be issued a proper TSB / recall. Here's some links to best help direct this issue: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-c7-platform-discussion-194/obdii-code-p2753-anyone-2886141/page2/ https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-c7-platform-discussion-194/transmission-fluid-cooler-control-circuit-error-2886938/ https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-c7-platform-discussion-194/help-p2753-issue-2999672/ The codes I get occasionally are: TCU Code: 12448 and OBDII Code: P2753

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11466406 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2022 · ODI 11459608Details +

Greeting, I drove my car for a minor body repair and paint job at Midland Park Auto Body located at 158 Godwin Ave, Midland Park, NJ 07432 on March 22 2022. There were no signs on the dashboard for any services or repair when I dropped of the car. Warren the owner called me to let me know that the paint job was completed by had some bad news for me. The car would not start. He thought it was the starter that had malfunctioned. We decided to have the car inspected by Jack Daniels Audi of Paramus Service Center located at 16-01 McBride Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. I have had this car serviced there since I bought the car from them. James a senior technician called Warren and told him that the engine was shot. He was surprised and shocked that the engine ceased working. The was enough oil in the engine, car had been serviced regularly with them. They told me it would cost about $25,000 to replace the engine. They also told me that they would ask Audi Corporate to see if they can assist me with. It has been about 4 days , there has been no response from Audi. I started to search on the internet to see if other consumer had experienced this problem. I found several. Did Audi know if their engines were malfunctioning ? What would happen if this car stopped when I was driving on a highway? This is very serious . Hope to hear from your team soon.

Reported
Apr 2022
Incident date
Mar 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11459608 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemFeb 2022 · ODI 11449706Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel line connector. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and quoted a price for the fuel line replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11449706 at NHTSA →
Forward Collision AvoidanceOct 2021 · ODI 11436167Details +

My ACC is not working - I bought the car like that, and the dealer knew about it but did not tell me about it and bought the case as is... I did everything to try to fix it and changed the parts but still not working.

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
Jul 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11436167 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2021 · ODI 11397718Details +

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO REPAIR FOR 2 RECALLS ON 2/22/21, THE NEXT DAY 2/23/21 THEY CALLED ME TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY $ 550.00 FOR THE REPAIR. ACCORDING TO DOWNTOWN AUDI TECH THE ECU OF MY VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE THEY CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER, BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR THE RECALLS IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION SINCE I CHANGED THE OIL AND CONNECTED MY SCANNER TO RESET THE MAINTENANCE MESSAGE ON THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD. THIS IS ABSURD THAT THEY WANT TO SCAM THEIR CUSTOMERS. NOW THEY WANT TO GIVE ME THE VEHICLE WITHOUT REPAIRING THE RECALLS AND WITH LIGHTS ON ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY VEHICLE, THIS IS NOT ETHICAL OR PROFESSIONAL.

Reported
Feb 2021
Incident date
Feb 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11397718 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesNov 2020 · ODI 11375394Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, A MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THAT THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO D. PATRICK AUDI LOCATED AT 200 N GREEN RIVER RD, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11375394 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemAug 2020 · ODI 11348634Details +

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE & NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION SHORTLY DOWN THE ROAD (~1 MILE) I INSPECTED MY ENGINE FOR THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL & FOUND FUEL LEAKING DOWN THE FRONT OF MY ENGINE FROM UNDER THE SUPERCHARGER. AFTER DISASSEMBLING THE TOP OF THE ENGINE I FOUND THE INJECTOR SUPPORTS TO BE THE OLD RECALLED PARTS (VERIFIED WITH ENGRAVED PART NUMBERS). I THEN CALLED THE AUDI DEALER THAT SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED THE RECALL AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. THEY WERE VERY DISMISSIVE & ADVISED ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN. AFTER A FEW DAYS (4-7) THEY ADVISED ME THEY WOULD BE HAVING A REPRESENTATIVE FROM AUDI COME LOOK AT IT. I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT AUDI MULTIPLE TIMES FOR A LOANER VEHICLE WITH NO RESPONSE. AFTER MULTIPLE DAYS OF REACHING OUT, I SHOWED UP TO THE DEALER & WAS GIVEN A LOANER VEHICLE DUE TO THE KINDNESS OF ANOTHER ADVISOR. THE RECALL: 24AP FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM LEAK. IN THE AUDI NOTIFICATION TO THE NHTSA THEY SPECIFICALLY CALL OUT THE INJECTOR SUPPORT BEING REVISED UNDER "DESCRIPTION OF REMEDY" STATING " IMPLEMENTATION OF REINFORCED FUEL RAIL RETAINING BRACKET" & RECEIVED AN UPDATED PART NUMBER WHICH CHANGED FROM 06D133036H TO 06D133036K. I AM WORRIED MORE PEOPLE COULD HAVE THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL ISSUE DUE TO THE LACK OF CRAFTSMANSHIP SHOWN AT THAT DEALER. THE ISSUE COULD BE SWIFTLY COVERED UP IF THE CUSTOMER DOES NOT HAVE THE MECHANICAL INCLINATION TO VERIFY CORRECT WORK IS BEING PERFORMED ON THEIR VEHICLE.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11348634 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2020 · ODI 11322857Details +

WAS TOLD BY AUDI SOUTH ORLANDO THAT A WATER VALVE SEAPED COOLANT THROUGH THE CONNECTOR UP THROUGH THE WIRING AND INTO THE TRANS CONTROL MODULE CAUSING IT TO BURN OUT CAUSING A 14,000.00 CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.

Reported
Apr 2020
Incident date
Apr 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11322857 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2020 · ODI 11320629Details +

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY STEERING SYSTEM FAULTED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. RACK COMPLETELY FAILED. VERY VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. CAR ONLY HAS 124K MILES.

Reported
Apr 2020
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11320629 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2020 · ODI 11319084Details +

SHIFTS ROUGH FROM START THROUGH FIRST SET OF GEARS. FROM A STANDSTILL, UNDER NORMAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, NO MATTER WHAT SETTING THE CAR IS IN, THE TRANSMISSION HUNTS FOR THE CORRECT GEAR AND ROUGHLY SHIFTS FROM 1-2 OR 2-3. THIS ISSUE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SETTLED BY THE CVT CLASS ACTION BUT AUDI IS REFUSING TO REPAIR/REPLACE. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE 05-06/2014 AND FOR 9 TIMES SINCE UNTIL CPO WARRANTY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY LAPSED, NOW THEY FEEL THE PROBLEM WHEN BEFORE THEY COULD NOT AND DETERMINE THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACEMENT FOR $12,000.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
May 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11319084 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2020 · ODI 11317923Details +

RAN OBD READER MYSELF AND AT MECHANIC AND FOUND THE FOLLOWING; P0456 EVAP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM (VERY SMALL LEAK) | LEAK DETECTED AND P190F00 COOLANT PUMP FOR CHARGE PRESSURE COOLER | ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION IN LOAD CIRCUIT. MECHANIC INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS A SOFTWARE UPDATE REGARDING THE P0456 CODE AS NO LEAK WAS FOUND. ALSO THAT ONLY AUDI PERFORMS THIS UPDATE. REGARDING THE P190F00 CODE INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AS IT HAS BEEN CAUSING SOME SEVERE SYMPTOMS SUCH AS ENGINE SHAKING, LOSS OF POWER, SQUEALING, WHINING NOISE NEAR OR AT TIMING BELT AREA AT START UP, DELAYED REACTION AT ACCELERATION ( TAKES A WHILE TO REACH DESIRED SPEEDS), TEMP GAUGE LOWERING DESPITE WARM UP, WARMING OF VEHICLE TAKING LONGER, UNABLE TO DRIVE OVER 30-40MPH AND RPM WON'T GO ABOVE 2000-2500 RPMS. ACCELERATION IS NOT AS RESPONSIVE AS IT SHOULD BE.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11317923 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2020 · ODI 11316250Details +

COOLANT MIGRATION INTO THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE CREATING UNSAFE CONDITION. DEALER STATED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH A COOLANT VALVE FAILING. CREATES FIRE HAZARD BY ALLOWING COOLANT INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH CAN THEN DESTROY THE ECU ON THE VEHICLE

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11316250 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2020 · ODI 11316135Details +

I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A RECALL REGARDING THE AFTER-RUN COOLANT PUMP ON DECEMBER 10TH TO 27,2019. THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL SERVICE. THEY CHARGED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE SERVICE REPAIR. AT THE END OF JANUARY 2020 THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON AND ON 2/10/2020 THE AUDI DEALER INDICATED THAT THE AFTER-RUN COOLANT PUMP WAS DEFECTED BECAUSE IT WAS PLASTIC AND IT CAN CRACK EASILY WHICH IS WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY INDICATED THAT THEY REPLACED IT.THEY SUGGESTED THAT I HAVE A FLUSH OF THE FLUIDS AND I TOLD THEM I WOULD LOOK OUTSIDE OF THE DEALER FOR THESE SERVICES. ON 2/23/2020 THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME THE DEALER IS INDICATING THAT THERE WAS A BUILD UP OF DEBRIS AND IS CAUSING THE COOLANT PUMP TO MALFUNCTION. HOWEVER, THEY ARE STATING THAT THIS IS DUE TO MY NEGLIGENCE OF NOT FLUSHING THE FLUIDS. I ASKED WHY THE FLUID WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CHANGED THE TWO TIMES THEY REPLACED THE COOLANT PUMP? THEY SAID THEY DO NOT FLUSH THE SYSTEM THEY ONLY PUT BACK WHAT WAS LOST DUE TO THE CHANGE OF PART. I TOOK MY CAR FOR A SECOND OPINION AND THE NEW MECHANIC CALLED THE AUDI DEALER TO GET A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. HE EXAMINED THE CAR AND REMOVED ALL PARTS IN QUESTION. HE INDICATED THAT THE AFTER-RUN COOLANT PUMP HAS A FILTER BAG THAT HAS BROKEN OPEN AND EXPELLED PELLETS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM. HE WILL NOW HAVE TO REPAIR THE ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT THESE PELLETS ARE CLEARED OUT. HE INDICATES THIS IS BAD DESIGN ON THE MANUFACTURE AND THERE IS NO WAY ANYONE THE DEALER NOR HIM CAN WITH 100% CERTAINTY GET ALL THE PELLETS OUT. THESE PELLETS CAN STAY STUCK IN ANY COMPONENT OF THE COOLING SYSTEM AND DISLODGE AT ANY TIME AND CAUSE THE DAMAGE TO OCCUR AGAIN. CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COOLANT PUMP RECALL EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE ALREADY REPLACED IT ONCE?

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11316135 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2019 · ODI 11288818Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THE MESSAGE "STEERING MALFUNCTION DO NOT DRIVE" WAS DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AUDI OF CLARKSBURG (1 STONEYBROOK RD, CLARKSBURG, WVA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11288818 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2019 · ODI 11244691Details +

I JUST HAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH APERANTLY IS A BAD MECHATRONIC DEVICE. THANK GOD NOTHING BAD HAPPENED DURING DRIVING, HOWEVER WHEN I TALKED TO AUDI CORPORATE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT ACOMMON PROBLEM AND THEY DONT WANT TO FIX IT. THE CAR IS 60K AND ALWAYS WAS TAKEN CARE IN DEALERSHIP SHOPS, ON TIME. USED ONLY 30 MILES A DAY AND ALWAYS KEPT INDORR BOTH AT MY WORK AND AT HOME. WHEN READING ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM I LEARNT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND AUDI APPARENTLY NOT TRYING TO COVER OR SOLVE IT. I AM ATTACHING DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM FROM A WEBSITE (HTTPS://WWW.ECUTESTING.COM/COMMON-FAULTS/AUDI/AUDI-S-TRONIC-0B5-GEARBOX-MECHATRONIC-PROBLEM/) "THIS S-TRONIC TRANSMISSION UNIT FITTED TO HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDI'S, WITH THE 0B5 DL501 DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG), IS A VERY COMMON FAILING MECHATRONIC CONTROL UNIT. INTERNAL COMPONENT BREAKDOWN OF THE S-TRONIC MECHATRONIC CONTROL UNIT WILL CAUSE A MULTITUDE OF SYMPTOMS ON THE VEHICLE BEGINNING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE EPC (ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL) AND PRNDS WARNING LIGHTS. THE RUNNING SYMPTOMS THAT A FAULT WITHIN THIS MECHATRONIC...AS THE S-TRONIC/0B5 GEARBOX MECHATRONICS FAILURE ADVANCES, THESE SYMPTOMS PROGRESS FURTHER INTO CRITICAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE: STICKING IN GEAR, DEACTIVATION OF HALF OF THE GEARS, NO REVERSE OR GEARS ABOVE FIRST. TYPICALLY, WHEN DEALING WITH THESE AUDI S-TRONIC GEARBOX PROBLEMS, MAIN DEALERSHIPS AND SPECIALISTS WILL SEEK TO PURCHASE AN EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR KIT DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH WILL ALSO INCUR CODING FEES. THE GLARING PROBLEM WITH THIS METHOD IS THAT THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS MECHATRONIC CONTROL UNIT HAS NOT YET RESOLVED THE ROOT CAUSE OF FAILURE AT FACTORY LEVEL, MEANING THAT ALL REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIR KIT COMPONENTS STILL HAVE THE UNDERLYING DEFECTS THAT WILL CAUSE MALFUNCTION, USUALLY OUTSIDE THE SHORT ONE-YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY."

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11244691 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2019 · ODI 11206823Details +

ON MY CAR, THERE IS AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COOLANT VALUE THAT IS PART OF THE COOLING SYSTEM AND OBVIOUSLY, THAT COMPONENT ALSO HELPS KEEP THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE IN CHECK. THE ISSUE WITH THIS DEFECTIVE PART IS THE VALVE MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING COOLANT TO PENETRATE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND FROM THERE INTO THE WIRING HARNESS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT IS A CATASTROPHIC MALFUNCTION OF THOSE COMPONENTS AND A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. WATER AND ELECTRICAL DO NOT MIX WELL. PICTURES ARE ATTACHED. THE ROOT OF MY ISSUE IS THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO DETECT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMOBILE UNTIL THIS MAJOR MALFUNCTION HAPPENS. IF THAT WERE NOT THE CASE, THE CONSUMER COULD AT LEAST HAVE THE CHANCE TO HAVE THE CAR SERVICED PREVENTING THIS HUGE EXPENSE AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE AN EMAIL FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER ADMITTING THIS IS THE CASE. IN MY CASE. THE CAR RAN FINE. THEN JUST WENT HAYWIRE. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID COOLANT GOT INTO THE CONTROL MODULE AND 'FRIED' THE MODULE AND WIRE HARNESS. THE PICTURES THAT ARE ATTACHED ARE FROM THE SAME INSTANCE I FOUND ONLINE AND NOT PICTURES FROM MY CAR. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. AUDI HAS TURNED ME DOWN TWICE TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY COMBUSTIBLE PROBLEM. VERY SCARY.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11206823 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2019 · ODI 11193012Details +

UPON STARTING MY VEHICLE I NOTICED EXTENDED CRANKING. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A FUEL ODOR, INITIALLY I THOUGHT IT WAS THE OLDER VEHICLE DRIVING IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 4 MILES I REALIZED IT WAS MY VEHICLE. I THEN DROVE MY VEHICLE BACK TO MY HOUSE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO AUDI OF ALBANY DUE TO RECALLS THAT WERE OPEN. UPON INSPECTION THEY PERFORMED RECALLS, BUT INFORMED ME THE RECALL FOR THE ENGINE FUEL RAILS WAS PERFORMED JUNE 2015. THEY THEN TOLD ME THEY NEEDED TO CHARGE LABOR TO INSPECT THE ISSUE, TO WHICH POINT I TOLD THEM I AM AN ASE MASTER MECHANIC, AND I WILL FIGURE THE ISSUE OUT MYSELF. I THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY GARAGE, WHERE I TOOK IT APART FOLLOWING THE RECALL PROVIDED ON YOUR WEBSITE. UPON INSPECTION I VERIFIED THAT THE INJECTOR SUPPORTS (P/N 06D133036K) LISTED IN THE RECALL (CODE 24AP) WERE NEVER REPLACED. THE INJECTOR SUPPORTS I REMOVED FROM MY VEHICLE ARE (P/N 06D133036H). AUDI HAS HAD MY VEHICLE NOW FROM 21NOV2018 UNTIL THE PRESENT. THEY WILL NOT VERIFY THAT THOSE PARTS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED DURING THE RECALL, AND ALSO IF ANY OTHER PARTS WERE NEVER REPLACED. THEY HAVE CONTACTED ME AND TOLD ME MY FUEL INJECTOR FAILED CAUSING THE FUEL LEAK, AND EVERYTHING WILL BE COVERED. I BELIEVE MY INJECTOR FAILED (IF THAT IS THE TRUTH) DUE TO THE NON REPLACED INJECTOR SUPPORTS. THE INCORRECT GEOMETRY OVER TIME WOULD CAUSE STRESS ON THE INJECTOR, AND FOR IT TO CRACK. I ALSO QUESTION IF ANY SEALS WERE TRUTHFULLY REPLACED, OR IF THE RECALL WAS DONE AT ALL. I ALSO FEAR THAT THIS ISSUE MAY HAVE OCCURRED TO OTHERS WHO HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED THERE (LANGAN AUDI), AND ARE NOT MECHANICALLY INCLINED ENOUGH TO DISASSEMBLE THERE ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEMS. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIERY DEATH FOR ME AND MY FAMILY IN THE CAR IF I WASN'T INCLINED ENOUGH TO REALIZE THE PROBLEM IS MY CAR AND NOT OTHERS AROUND ME.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11193012 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2019 · ODI 11176599Details +

TAKATA RECAL....THIS WAS TAKEN TO DEALER IN 2015 FOR THE RECALL AND FIXED. RECENTLY THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE RECALL WAS FOR THE OCD, NOT THE MODULE....THEY FOUND A "FAULTY CONTROL MODULE". THE MODULE IS PART OF THE ABS SYSTEM. THE ABS MODULE AND THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODEL COMMUNICATE TOGETHER. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A PART OF THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE MODULE HAS BEEN RESET FOR NOW.....TO REPLACE.....THAT PART COSTS $1456.00

Reported
Feb 2019
Incident date
Feb 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11176599 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesNov 2018 · ODI 11150259Details +

I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JANUARY OF 2017 FROM AUDI (INTERNATIONAL AUTOS) OF ORLAND PARK, ILLINOIS. THE CAR WAS A CPO VEHICLE, AND WE ALSO PURCHASED AUDI CARE. WE LIVE IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS, AND WE DROVE THE CAR HOME 2 HOURS FROM THE DEALERSHIP. DURING THE DRIVE, WE NOTICED A VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT, GROSSINGER MOTORS. THE BRAKES WERE WARPED, CAUSING THE VIBRATION. THEY IDENTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD RECENTLY HAD THE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED AT THE ORLAND PARK DEALERSHIP AND WERE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. RATHER THAN HAVING US MAKE THE FOUR HOUR ROUND TRIP, THEY REPLACED THEM AGAIN AT THEIR LOCATION. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD 2 MORE SETS OF ROTORS REPLACED, AND THE CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR THE FOURTH SET. THE WARRANTY COVERED THE FIRST 3 SETS, AS THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN ONLY A COUPLE THOUSAND MILES OF EACH OTHER. THE LAST FRONT SET WAS DONE IN AUGUST OF 2017, AND LASTED UNTIL JULY OF 2018 - AROUND 10 THOUSAND MILES. THIS TIME, AUDI WILL NOT COVER THE BRAKES, THEY ARE REQUIRING ME TO PAY FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR, EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED. IN THE MEANTIME, I HAVE READ COUNTLESS ONLINE BLOGS OF OTHER AUDI OWNERS WITH SIMILAR MODELS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT GROSSINGER/BLOOMINGTON NORMAL AUTO MALL NOW FOR ALMOST THREE MONTHS. IN PART DUE TO AUDI BLOCKING PURCHASE OF THE BRAKE ROTORS. THEY ARE IN LIMITED SUPPLY, IT WOULD APPEAR BECAUSE THEY ARE HAVING WIDESPREAD ISSUES WITH THEM. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO PROVIDE A LOANER DURING THIS TIME, HOWEVER, AUDI WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLE/PARTS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED NEARLY EVERY BRAND OF AUTOMOBILE FROM CHEVROLET TRUCKS TO BMWS AND PORSCHE 911, AND NEVER HAD ANY REPETITIVE BRAKE ISSUES SUCH AS THIS. BASED ON THIS EXPERIENCE I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER AUDI VEHICLE.

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11150259 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2018 · ODI 11149920Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATIONS IN JUNE AND JULY OF 2018. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH AUDI CLEARWATER (18940 US-19 CLEARWATER, FL 33764, (888) 727-0742) SEVERAL TIMES AND REQUESTED PART INFORMATION; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A TIME FRAME FOR WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONTINUE TO CHECK WITH THE DEALER REGARDING PART AVAILABILITY. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 AND VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000.

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11149920 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2018 · ODI 11118997Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY REDUCED SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND AN UNKNOWN MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI NORTH ATLANTA (11505 ALPHARETTA HWY, ROSWELL, GA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDERS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED FREQUENT FAILURES TO START AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS AGAIN DIAGNOSED WITH ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Reported
Aug 2018
Incident date
Apr 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11118997 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJul 2018 · ODI 11113087Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 18V370000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER (BRAMAN BMW WEST PALM BEACH, 2901 OKEECHOBEE BOULEVARD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409, (561)-465-8293) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11113087 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2018 · ODI 11109864Details +

2 PROBLEMS I HAVE AND I SEE MORE AND MORE PEOPLE HAVING IT, THE CHAIN RATTLE ON THE BACK OF THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE FLEX PIPE BRAKING AND MAKING THE CAR SOUND LIKE IT HAS A TIN CAN BOTH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING CHAIN RATTLE WHENEVER YOU START THE CAR MAKES IT SOUND LIKE A LOOSE HEAT SHIELD, I WENT AND CHECKED THE CAR AT MULTIPLE MECHANICS/DEALERSHIPS AND ALL KNOW THOSE ARE COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THE 3.0T A6 2012

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11109864 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2018 · ODI 11103028Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTICE PERTAINING TO THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI JACKSONVILLE AT 904-565-4000 (LOCATED AT 7230 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11103028 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2018 · ODI 11100598Details +

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V004000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUDI BROOKLINE, 308 BOYLSTON ST, BROOKLINE, MA 02445, (617) 734-2020) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11100598 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2018 · ODI 11079792Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND START THE VEHICLE. THE "STEERING FAULT" MESSAGE APPEARED AND THE EPS WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE FAILURE SEIZED THE STEERING WHEEL; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI MEADOWLANDS (425 ROUTE 3 EAST, SECAUCUS, NJ 07094, (201) 982-7056). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V781000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED 53 TSBS FOR THE STEERING, BUT NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO ADDRESS THE FAILURE AND THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported
Mar 2018
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11079792 at NHTSA →
VisibilityMar 2018 · ODI 11078741Details +

MY A6 SUNROOF SHATTERED, WHILE DRIVING ON 3-02-2018, ON THE HIGHWAY GOING TO MEMPHIS, TN *JS

Reported
Mar 2018
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11078741 at NHTSA →
EngineFeb 2018 · ODI 11072674Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (AUDI OF HUNTINGTON, 363 E JERICHO TURNPIKE, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V619000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE RECALL WAS FOR A DIFFERENT MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Feb 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11072674 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2018 · ODI 11066897Details +

MY MIL ( MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ) CAME ON, IN MY AUDI A6 2012 ON 1/21/18. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY AUDI DEALERSHIP ON 1/31/18. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY TRANS COOLANT VALVE WAS LEAKING INTO A WIRING HARNESS. THEY REPLACED MY N509 VALVE AND WIRING CONNECTOR. I FOUND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS PROBLEM IN MY CAR AS WELL AS OTHER AUDI MODELS. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS IN AUDI A8 2010-2013. ( I HAVE INCLUDED THESE IN THE FILES THAT I HAVE UPLOADED.) THE AFFECTED A8 VEHICLES HAVE A COOLANT VALVE LEAK ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER OR THE ENGINE TO STALL. A VEHICLE STALL INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH. I HAD MY CAR REPAIRED AS MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR AND I CERTAINLY DID NOT WANT THE CAR TO STALL AND POSSIBLY HAVE A CRASH. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE AUDI A6 2012 SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. IF ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11066897 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2018 · ODI 11065744Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. WHENEVER AN OCCUPANT WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR BELOW THE RADIO FLASHED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUDI GRAPEVINE DEALER (1260 E STATE HWY 114, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POD SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 180078683. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Reported
Jan 2018
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11065744 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2018 · ODI 11063220Details +

REFERENCE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 15V823000, MY 2012 AUDI A6 FALLS WITHIN THE MODEL YEAR AS WELL AS THE AS BUILD DATE. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MY LOCAL DEALER I NEED THE NEW PODS (PASSENGER OCCUPANCY DETECTION SYSTEM) INSTALLED SINCE MINE IS BAD. MY AUDI HAS THE HEATED SEATS, BUT NOT AIR CONDITIONED SEATS AS IDENTIFIED IN THE CAMPAIGN, BUT I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. EVEN THOUGH MY VIN DOESN'T PULL UP AS AFFECTED, THE ISSUE IS EXACTLY AS THE CAMPAIGN REFERENCED ABOVE, AND PARTS REQUIRED TO REPLACE ARE THE ONES MENTIONED IN THE CAMPAIGN. I FEEL MY CAR SHOULD BE COVERED AND AUDI DIDN'T INCLUDE ALL VIN'S NEEDED TO BE RECALLED.

Reported
Jan 2018
Incident date
May 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11063220 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2018 · ODI 11060999Details +

AIR BAG FAULT LIGHT IS ON WITH FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS IN THE SEAT AND WHEN NOT IN THE SEAT WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION. AUDI SERVICE STATES, "VERIFIED AIRBAG LIGHT ON, RAN GFF, FOUND PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR HAS AN INTERMITTENT OPEN CIRCUIT FAULT. INSPECTED WIRING, ALL WIRING OK. SEAT WEIGHT PODS SENSOR HAS AN INTERNAL OPEN CIRCUIT AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED." AUDI ALSO STATES, "A DEFECTIVE PODS SENSOR CAN CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG DURING IMPACT DUE TO A CRASH AND THEREFORE MAY NOT DEPLOY." THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL (74D1), FOR THE SAME PODS DEFECT/FAILURE RELATED TO 2012-13 AUDI A6 AND A7 WITH 'HEATED' AND 'COOLED' SEATS. THIS VEHICLE HAS 'HEATED' SEATS ONLY. UPON ONLINE RESEARCH, THERE ARE HUNDREDS+ 2012/2013 AUDI A6 VEHICLE OWNERS WITH A VIN# NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME PODS DEFECT AND IS BEING ASKED BY AUDI TO REPAIR AT CONSUMER EXPENSE. ADDITIONALLY, AUDI SERVICE LIVERMORE, CA INFORMED THAT PARTS MAY TAKE MONTHS FOR ORDERING OUT OF GERMANY DUE TO BACK-ORDER AND MAY TAKE A WEEK OR MORE TO REPAIR, WHICH INCLUDES USING A 3RD PARTY REPAIR SHOP. AUDI STATES THEY ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO COMPLETE A REPAIR OF THIS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE LEAVING THIS VEHICLE NON-OPERATIONAL DUE TO HIGH RISK OF DEATH SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR.

Reported
Jan 2018
Incident date
Oct 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11060999 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2017 · ODI 11053965Details +

2012 AUDI A6 MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY WOULD NOT START. THE IGNITION DID NOT TURN ON. IT SAID "DO NOT DRIVE - STEERING DEFECTIVE" STEERING COULD NOT BE TURNED, GEARS COULD NOT BE SHIFTED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED USING DOLLY TOW TRUCK SINCE ALL THE WHEELS WERE LOCKED. THE DEALER SAID IT HAD A FAULTY STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND GAVE ME A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILL. THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE AND IF THE STEERING LOCKS LIKE THIS ON THE HIGHWAY, THIS COULD LEAD TO SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. ON THE INTERNET I FOUND MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. SOME EXAMPLES BELOW: HTTPS://WWW.AUDIWORLD.COM/FORUMS/A6-S6-C6-PLATFORM-DISCUSSION-58/TRANSPONDER-STEERING-COLUMN-2834070/ HTTP://DOYLESTOWNAUTOSHOP.COM/A6-AUDI-STEERING-COLUMN-LOCK-PROBLEMS/ I KINDLY REQUEST NHTSA TO REVIEW THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND REQUEST AUDI TO FIX THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ASAP. THANKS.

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11053965 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2017 · ODI 11034075Details +

THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS NOT TURNED ON WHEN A PASSENGER SITS IN THE SEAT. THIS MEANS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT BE DEPLOYED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THEY INDICATED THAT THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR LOCATED IN THE SEAT WAS NOT WORKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS 67,000 MILES. AS THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD WHICH COULD LEAD TO SEVERE INJURIES OR DEATH, AND GIVEN THE CAR'S RELATIVE LOW MILEAGE, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WARRANTY THIS FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I CHOSE TO HAVE THE DEALER REPLACE THE SEAT SENSOR, IT WOULD COST ME >$1,700.

Reported
Oct 2017
Incident date
May 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11034075 at NHTSA →
EquipmentJun 2017 · ODI 11000544Details +

AUDI 2012 A6 #1 I TRIED TO FUEL MY CAR AND THE ACCESS DOOR TO THE GAS CAP WOULD NOT OPEN IN THE COLD WEATHER OF NOVEMBER 2016. I TRIED THE EMERGENCY PULL CORD IN MY TRUNK AND THAT WOULDN'T UNLOCK THE ACCESS DOOR EITHER? THE NEXT THING I DID WAS DRIVE HOME PRAYING THAT I WOULD NOT RUN OUT OF FUEL. I PARKED MY CAR IN MY WARM GARAGE AND AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR AND HALF I BANGED ON THE ACCESS DOOR A NUMBER OF TIMES AND IT FINALLY POPPED OPEN. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ICE OR WATER THAT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE DOOR FROM OPENING.. #2 THIS FAILURE HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 OR 4 TIMES BEFORE I HAD TO BRING MY CAR TO MY DEALER TO HAVE THEM GET THE ACCESS DOOR UNLOCKED. #3 THE DEALER HAD TO ORDER THE DOOR LOCK PART AND REPLACE THE ACCESS DOOR LOCK WHICH WHEN THEY FINISHED COST ME A RIDICULOUS $250.00! WHEN I CALLED AUDI CUSTOMER ADVOCATE, SHE DANCED AROUND MY QUESTION OF HOW MUCH SHOULD THAT REPAIR COST ME. I ASKED THE ADVOCATE HOW MUCH WOULD AUDI HAVE PAID THE DEALER IF MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY WOULDN'T VOLUNTEER THAT INFO EITHER. IN CLOSING, I FIND THIS TO BE A SERIOUS DEFECT AND IT CAN ENDANGER LIVES IF A WOMAN WITH CHILDREN SHOULD RUN OUT OF FUEL AND HAVE NO WAY OF OPENING THE ACCESS DOOR. BTW, I HAVE THE DEFECTIVE LOCK AND THERE IS NO WAY THAT YOU CAN GET THE LOCK TO OPEN WITH THE PULL CORD. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP, SHE ADMITTED THAT THIS GAS DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTIONS ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. HOW CAN A MANUFACTURER GET AWAY WITH INSTALLING AN UNDEPENDABLE FUEL ACCESS DOOR LOCK AND NOT EVEN HAVE AN EMERGENCY PULL CORD THAT WILL OPEN THE DOOR NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PULL ON IT?

Reported
Jun 2017
Incident date
Nov 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11000544 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2017 · ODI 10991359Details +

COLLANT VALVE LEAKED THROUGH WIRING HARNESS, ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. THIS LED TO A SHORTING OF THE MODULE AND CAUSED A LOSS OF ALL POWER AND MOBILITY. THIS EVENT OCCURRED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET.

Reported
May 2017
Incident date
May 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10991359 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2016 · ODI 10888936Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER WAITING MINUTES, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STARTER RELAY COULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Reported
Jul 2016
Incident date
Jul 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10888936 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2016 · ODI 10881267Details +

PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM SWITCH WENT BAD, DISABLING THE AIRBAG. $2,000+ QUOTED FOR REPAIR. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL, THIS MODEL YEAR FOR THAT EXACT PART MALFUNCTIONING BUT AUDI SAYS MY VIN IS EXCLUDED.

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
Jun 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10881267 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2016 · ODI 10874321Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL, WHICH WAS IDENTICAL TO THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V19000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
Jun 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10874321 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2016 · ODI 10864188Details +

MY 2012 AUDI A6 WAS PART OF SAFETY RECALL 74D1. RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AND IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED, WITH THE DEALERSHIP, TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR THE NECESSARY WORK. THE SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ON 02/16/16. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED, THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM BEGAN EXHIBITING THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. PRIOR TO THE RECALL THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM HAD BEEN WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER AND AND THE AUDI TECHNICAL FIELD MANAGER HAVE WORKED ON THE VEHICLE BUT CANNOT GET IT TO RECOGNIZE WHEN MY WIFE IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CURRENT OFFICIAL POSITION OF AUDI IS THAT THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION AND NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. I DISAGREE WITH THE CONCLUSION SINCE THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM WORKS FINE OF OTHER AUDI A6 VEHICLES WITHOUT HEATED AND COOLED SEATS. IT APPEARS THAT THE DESIGN OF THE A6 WITH HEATED/COOLED SEATS IS FUNDAMENTALLY THE PROBLEM. I WROTE A VERY DETAILED LETTER TO MR. SCOTT KEOGH WITH ALL OF THE DETAILS. I HAVE ATTACHED THAT DOCUMENT FOR YOU REVIEW. EVEN AFTER THAT LETTER THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF AUDI IS THAT THE SYSTEM S WORKING TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT ON A DAILY BASIS WHEN MY 68 YER OLD WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SHE IS PUT AT INCREASE RISK IN THE EVENT OF A ACCIDENT THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY GUIDANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION SINCE IT WAS PART OF AN AUDI / NHTSA SAFETY RECALL

Reported
May 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10864188 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2016 · ODI 10863026Details +

REFERENCE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 15V823000, MY AUDI A6 FALLS WITHIN THE MODEL YEAR AS WELL AS THE AS BUILT TIME LINE. I'VE JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED BY MY LOCAL AUDI DEALER THAT MY PODS UNIT IS BAD. MY AUDI DOES HAVE HEATED SEATS SO IT FITS THE PROBLEM DESCRIPTION AS RELEASED BY AUDI AS WELL AS NHTSA BUT DUE TO THE FACT MY VIN DOESN'T PULL UP THIS CAMPAIGN. I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MORE AUDI'S AFFECTED WITHIN THAT MODEL YEAR AS WELL AS BUILD TIME FRAME THAT COULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS. EVEN THOUGH MY VIN MIGHT NOT PULL IT UP IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN THERE COULD BE POSSIBLE LEGAL ACTIONS IF THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY PROPERLY.

Reported
May 2016
Incident date
May 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10863026 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2016 · ODI 10840419Details +

WHILE DRIVING ON A SUNDAY, THE CAR REPORTED TRANSMISSION ISSUES BUT IT STATED WE COULD CONTINUE DRIVING. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THERE WERE MULTIPLE SYSTEMS FAILURE WARNINGS. THIS OCCURRED AT 54,000 MILES AND 49 MONTHS SINCE PURCHASE. THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER BUT WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER A LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME, THE SERVICE MANAGER REPORTED THAT "COOLANT LEAK IN VALVE N82, COOLANT MIGRATED INTO HARNESS AND CONTAMINATED TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT, CAUSING NO COMM IN PWRTRAIN CAN; TSB2033806/7." THIS REPAIR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF MAJOR COMPONENTS AND EXTENSIVE LABOR COSTS. THE TOTAL COST WAS $9606 AND THE DEALER/AUDI VOLUNTARILY PAID $5391 OF THE COSTS

Reported
Mar 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10840419 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2015 · ODI 10810939Details +

O-RING FAILURE IN 2012 A6 3.0 CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO INTERNALLY LEAK FLUID CAUSING THE ELECTONIC SYSTEM TO GO BAD. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS CAME ON WHEN ISSUE STARTED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, GEARBOX, MIL TRAC CONTROL, MIL EPC, LIGHT AIRBAG MIL HI-SPEED COOLING FAN MIL TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT, MAJOR LACK OF POWER TO ENGINE. PARKING BRAKE WOULD ALSO ACTIVATE BY ITSELF. INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT UP LIKE A X-MAS, WHEN I PULLED OVER THE CAR SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON.

Reported
Dec 2015
Incident date
Jul 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10810939 at NHTSA →
StructureJul 2015 · ODI 10734105Details +

6 CARS WERE DAMAGED BECAUSE HITTING POTHOLE ON VAN WYCK EXP NORTH BOUND CLOSE TO EXIT 13, 4 CARS TIRES BURST AND MY CAR'S LOWER MID SECTION GOT HIT RESULTING OF BREAKING TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND HOSES. POLICE WAS CALLED AND POTHOLE WAS FIXED RIGHT AWAY AFTER THIS INCIDENT.

Reported
Jul 2015
Incident date
Jun 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10734105 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2015 · ODI 10721255Details +

O-RING FAILURE IN 2012 A6 3.0 CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO INTERNALLY LEAK FLUID CAUSING THE ELECTONIC SYSTEM TO GO BAD. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS CAME ON WHEN ISSUE STARTED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GEARBOX MIL TRAC CONTROL MIL EPC LIGHT AIRBAG MIL HI-SPEED COOLING FAN MIL TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT, MAJOR LACK OF POWER TO ENGINE. PARKING BRAKE WOULD ALSO ACTIVATE BY ITSELF.

Reported
May 2015
Incident date
May 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10721255 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls(8)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Engine And Engine CoolingNov 2018 · 18V229000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.

Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air BagsApr 2018 · 18V370000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel SystemJun 2017 · 17V781000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-888-237-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AR.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Engine And Engine CoolingMar 2017 · 17V002000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.

Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel SystemJul 2016 · 16V646000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BZ.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air BagsAug 2015 · 15V823000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 vehicles manufactured March 28, 2011, to March 25, 2013, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles manufactured January 25, 2011, to March 19, 2013. In vehicles with heated and cooled seats, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), used to enable the front passenger air bags, may malfunction and prevent the passenger-side air bags from deploying in a crash.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D1.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air BagsJun 2011 · 11V580000Details +

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2012 AUDI A6 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 8, 2011, THROUGH MAY 26, 2011. DUE TO A PROBLEM IN THE STITCHING PROCESS OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAG, THE SEAM OF THE AIR BAG MAY NOT BE STITCHED PROPERLY.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE HEAD CURTAIN AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN INJURY.

Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT CURTAIN AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel System · 15V019000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

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 A6 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

2012 Audi A6 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
A62.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive253328

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.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

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 A6: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Audi A6?

Owners filed 59 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Audi A6. 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 A6?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (17% of complaints) and electrical system (15%).

How many recalls does the 2012 Audi A6 have?

8 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 Audi A6, covering components such as engine and engine cooling. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi A6 get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Audi A6 at 28 mpg combined.