2012 Audi A7
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 Audi A7. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2012 Audi A7. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
30 complaints2 involved a crash2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Oil system. A quart of oil has to be added every day. Dealership says its crank case breather. Which the supercharge cause the oil to burn more. Also the antifreeze is burning more because the engine is so hot from the oil burning rapidly. Audi is aware and fails to do anything about this known issue.
- Steering
As I was driving with my 4 year old daughter in the vehicle, while making a left turn my vehicle steering wheel locked or seemed to lock on me with no warning, and then the "DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE" indicator appeared. Thank God I was able to safety steer into a driveway. Inspection is available upon…
As I was driving with my 4 year old daughter in the vehicle, while making a left turn my vehicle steering wheel locked or seemed to lock on me with no warning, and then the "DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE" indicator appeared. Thank God I was able to safety steer into a driveway. Inspection is available upon request. The defect of the vehicle could have cause major bodily injuries to me and my daughter and anyone within a few feet of my vehicle. No warning signs appeared at all prior to this incident happening, this malfunction came without notice. Im very concerned with the manufacturing defect and issue on this and many Audi's vehicle that have this same issue and could possible be life threating not only for the driver but anyone. I still get anxiety when thinking of this incident and the panic that happen.
- Air bags
Passenger seat airbag light is on .
- Power train
I have seen at least three other complaints with NHTSA on this same item all with different headings. Check engine light comes on at high speeds while highway driving. Pull Engine code and comes back as P2753 - Valve for transmission fluid cooler circuit open. Had to replace coolant control…
I have seen at least three other complaints with NHTSA on this same item all with different headings. Check engine light comes on at high speeds while highway driving. Pull Engine code and comes back as P2753 - Valve for transmission fluid cooler circuit open. Had to replace coolant control valve for transmission as coolant was leaking into solenoid. Many other reports of this same problem on NHTSA already and mechanic says it is known issue with Audi.
- Vehicle speed control
As I reported on June 3, I drove my car onto my office parking lot, up- hill, in the afternoon, when suddenly my car raced, without my stepping on the accelerator to make it race, crushed into the first car parked there. That car was pushed into the wheel of the neighboring car, which fortunately…
As I reported on June 3, I drove my car onto my office parking lot, up- hill, in the afternoon, when suddenly my car raced, without my stepping on the accelerator to make it race, crushed into the first car parked there. That car was pushed into the wheel of the neighboring car, which fortunately was a big and sturdy car. I managed to drive my car into an empty parking space. The owners of the 2 cars that had been hit came out of the office building and we exchanged information. The car that my Audi had hit was not drivable. My Audi was drivable, despite severe damage. It was towed away by CALIBER COLLISION. Never in my life of driving had I experienced a car racing, without my causing to make it race.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2012 Audi A7. The contact stated that after driving from a stop sign into a four-way intersection at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fuel had leaked from the engine compartment and was caused by a detached fuel…
The contact owns a 2012 Audi A7. The contact stated that after driving from a stop sign into a four-way intersection at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fuel had leaked from the engine compartment and was caused by a detached fuel line due to a failed fuel line coupling. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number 17V781000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
- Vehicle speed control
The gas pedal must have been stuck, as the car raced across parking lot, into the first parked car there. that car was pushed into the next car, fortunately a big, sturdy car. and fortunately into the wheel of that next car. Also, fortunately, no people there at that time. I contacted my Audi…
The gas pedal must have been stuck, as the car raced across parking lot, into the first parked car there. that car was pushed into the next car, fortunately a big, sturdy car. and fortunately into the wheel of that next car. Also, fortunately, no people there at that time. I contacted my Audi dealer . they sent truck for pick-up by GUY TOWING LLC, tel.( 737) 333-7334. There were no warning signs before. Also, I had my car at Audi service earlier this year and paid ca. $6000.- for yearly overhaul and several repairs. To my knowledge, so far no inspection by anyone , but by the repair replace that the truck took my car to. Also, the 2 car owners of the cars hit by my car would have reported the incident to my car insurance company.
- Power train · Suspension · Wheels
I bought a 2012 audi A7 prestige from carvana online in december 2019, few days before christmas. At the end of january, I'D an issue with my car, which needed it to go to the shop for repairs. At the shop, I found out that my wheels were staggered and that the vehicle was lowered than its original…
I bought a 2012 audi A7 prestige from carvana online in december 2019, few days before christmas. At the end of january, I'D an issue with my car, which needed it to go to the shop for repairs. At the shop, I found out that my wheels were staggered and that the vehicle was lowered than its original specification and recommendation. I contacted carvana and silverrock, and a claim was initiated on 02/09/2020 at 1:58pm. I was told to take my vehicle to a shop and have them contact customer service. few months later, I needed to do oil change and periodic servicing at audi concord, and I was told that the wheels of my vehicle IS a hazard and needs to be switched back to manufacturer's specification. mind you, when I bought my car from carvana, there was never a disclosure of the wheels been changed. Carvana claims they have mechanics who inspect every car they sell and I'm sure if that IS true, they knew about this and just decided not to disclose it to me, so I could go on with the vehicle purchase. audi has stated that my wheels could fall off, among other risks of driving a staggered wheel. My A7 IS a quatro and everything IS a set of 4, that needs to match. I've a 3-year old son I drive around in the back seat. I'm sure if I wasn't black, they would disclose the danger of driving around with my family in a car the wheels could fall off and kill us all. I've alerted the dealership and the warranty company, and they are not trying to do anything. they claim I needed a diagnosis from when I first reported the issue, even though I've sent them and uploaded a file from my service advisor at audi, and the pdf clearly states my claim. This IS not a new problem. This IS something that started even before I got the car. Why can't it be simply corrected back to manufacturer's specification?
- Electrical system · Engine
While driving my 2012 audi A7 on the highway, received numerous error messages without warning on the dashboard. The car began to lurch, stall, and drive erratically with limited driving and braking control. Situation was very unsafe and potentially life threatening. Audi dealership stated that a…
While driving my 2012 audi A7 on the highway, received numerous error messages without warning on the dashboard. The car began to lurch, stall, and drive erratically with limited driving and braking control. Situation was very unsafe and potentially life threatening. Audi dealership stated that a coolant migration defect occurred. The coolant pump valve failed internally and leaked coolant onto the wiring harness. The coolant traveled along the harness and damaged or destroyed multiple electrical components including the ecm, transmission control unit, and the harness / electrical connections. Audi has a history of coolant pump defects and has active recalls for this exact issue for other models. This model, the 2012 A7 should be added to that list as it IS a known issue and technical service bulletins were sent to the dealers.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
Car comes equipped with automatic cruise control and auto-braking. Systems recently were disabled, and are throwing error. "0161 - video cable for image processing " unable to use cruise control, and assume that auto-braking IS disabled until this IS rectified.
- Electrical system
Car comes equipped with automatic cruise control and auto-braking. Systems recently were disabled, and are throwing error. "0161 - video cable for image processing " unable to use cruise control, and assume that auto-braking IS disabled until this IS rectified.
- Power train
Vehicle stalled while driving. Upon inspection by the dealership, I was informed that a coolant valve connected to the transmission control module had failed. This resulted in coolant leaking into the module and thereby damaging it. This IS a known defect in a similar vehicle of the same year.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2012 audi A7. While driving 65 mph, the steering wheel seized and the steering assist warning indicator illuminated. The contact managed to maneuver the steering wheel and drive home. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,291.
- Air bags
Nhtsa recall number 18v370 no pods repair kits available for existing customers driving around in vehicles while audi issued stop sale on cars in stock at their facility with the dangerous part. the passenger occupant detection system (pods) can malfunction due to stress/wear factors…
Nhtsa recall number 18v370 no pods repair kits available for existing customers driving around in vehicles while audi issued stop sale on cars in stock at their facility with the dangerous part. the passenger occupant detection system (pods) can malfunction due to stress/wear factors affecting an internal connector or contact resistance increase at body-sensing mat in the seat. Should a malfunction occur, vehicle occupants will be alerted of a pods problem by illumination of the airbag monitoring light and by the status of the passenger airbag off indicator light. In this situation, a front passenger seat occupant risks injury in a crash because a malfunctioning pods may not make the correct airbag deployment decision for the type of occupant seated there.
- Wheels
Excess road noise when car IS in motion 40-80mph. sounds like droning humming noise indicative of excessive wheel bearing wear
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
My 2012 audi A7 shut off as I was driving down the street. Took it to audi memphis and they stated there was a leak in my trans coolant control value. After doing a little research I found this to be a common problem in audi's. The repair IS about 6,500 dollars.
- Air bags
Received notice some time ago about recall affecting passenger airbag. months have passed and audi here claims still do not have parts for recall. I also earlier filed a complaint about a short in the wiring harness disabling the driver's airbag (which I now believe IS a problem with the heated…
Received notice some time ago about recall affecting passenger airbag. months have passed and audi here claims still do not have parts for recall. I also earlier filed a complaint about a short in the wiring harness disabling the driver's airbag (which I now believe IS a problem with the heated seats since they were excluded from the previous recall for this problem in other models and don't understand why was not a subject for recall as well.
- Air bags · Engine · Steering
Takata recall, my airbag light has been on since april 2018. Audi of annapolis informed me that I have to purchase another steering wheel for $4000 to replace a faulty airbig, why? I have no horn and no air bag and I'm terrified to drive my car. I've been renting cars since april. my car IS also…
Takata recall, my airbag light has been on since april 2018. Audi of annapolis informed me that I have to purchase another steering wheel for $4000 to replace a faulty airbig, why? I have no horn and no air bag and I'm terrified to drive my car. I've been renting cars since april. my car IS also overheating when it's idle for 10 minutes, however, when I start driving it cools down. I see recalls for other audi models, why not the 2012 A7?
- Air bags · Seats
Passenger occupant detection system (pods) recall. my vehicle's passenger occupant detection system IS currently malfunctioning and does not recognize the presence of a passenger 100% of the time during all operations stationary and in motion. the passenger airbag off light remains lit 100% of…
Passenger occupant detection system (pods) recall. my vehicle's passenger occupant detection system IS currently malfunctioning and does not recognize the presence of a passenger 100% of the time during all operations stationary and in motion. the passenger airbag off light remains lit 100% of the time, even when a passenger IS sitting in the seat during all operations. I received a recall letter, but as of 12:04 18 aug 2018, my vehicle vin on the nhtsa and audi websites are no longer identifying my vehicle as a recalled vehicle, although it has the specific problem identified. please advise, as this IS a safety issue for my family that could result in increased chance of injury or loss of life.
- Electrical system · Steering · Unknown or other
While driving my 2012 audi A7 on the highway, received numerous error messages without warning on the dashboard. The car began to lurch, stall, and drive erratically with limited driving and braking control. Situation was very unsafe and potentially life threatening. Audi dealership stated that a…
While driving my 2012 audi A7 on the highway, received numerous error messages without warning on the dashboard. The car began to lurch, stall, and drive erratically with limited driving and braking control. Situation was very unsafe and potentially life threatening. Audi dealership stated that a coolant migration defect occurred. The coolant pump valve failed internally and leaked coolant onto the wiring harness. The coolant traveled along the harness and damaged or destroyed multiple electrical components including the ecm, transmission control unit, and the harness / electrical connections. Audi has a history of coolant pump defects and has active recalls for this exact issue for other models. This model, the 2012 A7 should be added to that list as it IS a known issue and technical service bulletins were sent to the dealers.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact's son owns a 2012 audi A7. The contact's son noticed a fuel and burning odor coming from the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was…
TL* the contact's son owns a 2012 audi A7. The contact's son noticed a fuel and burning odor coming from the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was contacted and came out to inspect the vehicle, but could not determine the cause of the fire. An unknown dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2012 audi A7. After driving, the contact parked the vehicle and noticed an abnormal odor upon exiting the vehicle. While waiting in line at a store, a passerby informed the contact that there was smoke coming from the vehicle as flames erupted from the front of the vehicle to…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 audi A7. After driving, the contact parked the vehicle and noticed an abnormal odor upon exiting the vehicle. While waiting in line at a store, a passerby informed the contact that there was smoke coming from the vehicle as flames erupted from the front of the vehicle to the interior of the vehicle. Several police officers noticed the fire and one of the officers notified the fire department whom extinguished the flames. A police report was not filed. The fire inspector indicated that there was a mechanical error. The failure occurred a week after the vehicle was serviced by gerald jones audi (4022 washington rd, martinez, ga 30907, (706) 760-2462). The vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 17v781000 (fuel system, gasoline), but the contact did not receive a recall notification. The vehicle was towed to a facility. The contact notified the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system
I was told today that the airbag light which would not go out IS because of a problem with the wiring harness (which even the dealership thinks IS a manufacturing problem though I do not know if they told that to audi) to fix this, and assure that my airbag will deploy, they want over 18 thousand…
I was told today that the airbag light which would not go out IS because of a problem with the wiring harness (which even the dealership thinks IS a manufacturing problem though I do not know if they told that to audi) to fix this, and assure that my airbag will deploy, they want over 18 thousand dollars. audi has disclaimed any liability for this issue and my extended warranty won't cover it because its an airbag issue.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2012 audi A7. The contact stated that the steering warning indicator flashed randomly. There was a sudden loss of acceleration and power each time the failure occurred. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, which reset the code. The vehicle was taken to an…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 audi A7. The contact stated that the steering warning indicator flashed randomly. There was a sudden loss of acceleration and power each time the failure occurred. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, which reset the code. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the manufacturer had a recall and recommended that the vehicle be serviced by a dealer. The dealer (audi conshohocken, 610-272-9200) and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer did not provide any recall campaigns. The failure occurred more than three times within weeks. The vehicle was not repaired yet. The approximate failure mileage was 128,941.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
Check engine light came on so I took it to the dealership. Dealership told me that the "coolant valve leaked into the wiring harness and shorted the engine control module. May have cause an unexpected stall of the vehicle."
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.
- 11009365This bulletin provides information when there is visible corrosion at the joint between the roof and roof side member.
- 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.
- 11009344This bulletin provides information on repairs on the air spring strut of the frong axle; additional sealing.
- 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
Every Audi A7 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.