2012 Audi A4
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Owner complaints
19 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
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.
- Engine
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
- Engine
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…
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Engine
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.…
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Power train
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Engine
Excessive oil consumption, this car drinks an extra quart of oil per month. No leaks on the driveway or in the garage.
- Engine
Timing chain broke at approximately 104K miles.
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Engine
Several complaints of faulty piston rings causing oil consumption to be 1 quart every 200/300 miles from audi A4 models 2009-2015
- Engine · Service brakes
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…
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.
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
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…
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
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Power train
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009332This bulletin provides information when there are noises and/or vibration in tight turns in vehicles with quattro drive.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007315This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007305This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007264This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007234This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007224This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007216This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11005935This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations or audio interference in the sound system.
- 11005911This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
- 11005884This bulletin provides service information pertaining to noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft.
- 11005878This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005877This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005865This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibration from the front of the vehicle while in dynamic mode.
- 11005861This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11005848This bulletin provides Audi technicians with information to prepare for contact to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 11003026This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11003024This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11003019This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002981This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
- 11002957This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11002955This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11002950This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002912This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
Every Audi A4 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.