2012 Audi A6 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 A6 years
The 2012 Audi A6 ranks 4th worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 80, 59 complaints, and 8 recalls. NHTSA data shows Engine (27%) and Airbags (24%) as the top problem areas, giving it an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other A6 years.
- Complaints
- 59
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 30.5 hwy
Top 2012 Audi A6 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine16 (27%)
- Airbags14 (24%)
- Electrical System13 (22%)
- Fuel System11 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (14%)
- Brakes6 (10%)
- Steering6 (10%)
- Other3 (5%)
- Structure & Body3 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report unintended acceleration episodes while stopped or slowing to a stop.
- Some describe the check engine light coming on along with a dealer recommendation to replace transmission oil after a suspected transmission issue.
- Steering has been described as notchy and unstable near center, requiring constant correction even after the steering rack was replaced.
- Fuel system complaints include fuel odors and leaks traced to a chewed or degraded fuel hose under the hood.
- Electrical failures include an alternator failure causing stalling at low speed and windshield wipers stopping due to wiring damage.
- One owner reported an O-ring failure in the transmission that caused fluid leakage and triggered multiple warning lights, including a loss of shifting.
2012 Audi A6 recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
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.
- NHTSA 18V229000Apr 11, 2018Engine342,867 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system
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.
- NHTSA 17V781000Dec 6, 2017Fuel System48,693 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
2012 Audi A6 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other A6 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Audi A6 reliable?
- Compared to other A6 model years, the 2012 ranks poorly, sitting 4th worst out of 16 years tracked with a complaint index of 80 and 59 NHTSA complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi A6?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Engine issues lead at 27% of complaints, followed by Airbags at 24% and Electrical System problems at 22%.
- Does the 2012 Audi A6 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2012 Audi A6, covering airbags, engine coolant pump wiring, and multiple fuel system/fuel hose leak issues.
- At what mileage do 2012 Audi A6 problems tend to show up?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported problems is 66,000 miles, though Engine complaints show a median of 76,000 miles and Steering complaints a median of 124,000 miles.
- How does the 2012 A6 compare to other years?
- The 2012 A6's complaint index of 80 is worse than 2010 (33), 2011 (47), and 2017 (27), but better than 2013 (93) and 2019 (100), which rank as the worst years.