2012 Audi A4 Avant
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Audi › A4 Avant › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Audi A4 Avant. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
26 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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.
- Electrical system · Engine
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…
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.
- Engine · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Engine · Unknown or other
Piston rings car IS smoking and oil IS coming out of the muffler the car have last then 100K mileage
- Engine
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.
- Engine · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Steering
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…
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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
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…
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.
- Power train
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.
- Engine
Oil light keep appearing on dashboard even when serviced
- Engine
Timing chain tensioner failed causing chain to slip and immediate engine stoppage.
- Engine
Replacement of timing chain, timing chain tensioner, timing chain guides & lower timing cover with piston repair
- Engine
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.
- Unknown or other
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.…
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.
- Engine
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…
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?
- Air bags
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.
- Engine
Extremely loud "roaring" noise on a cold start after having sat overnight. dealership basically reported as normal "of no consequence". continuous since new.
- Steering
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…
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.
- Wheels
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.…
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!
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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
- Electrical system · Equipment adaptive/mobility
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
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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
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 Avant model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.