2012 Audi A3 Problems
Compared with other Audi A3 years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Audi A3 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 2 of its 43 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported part: Air bags (31 complaints, median 60,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 43filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 66,557miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Audi A3 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 43 consumer complaints for the 2012 Audi A3. The part named most often is air bags, with 31 complaints (72% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and exterior lighting (5). 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,557 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 882 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 57 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 146 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 8 Audi A3 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags31 72%
- Electrical system6 14%
- Exterior lighting5 12%
- Fuel system4 9.3%
- Brakes1 2.3%
Example complaints
Air bags: “I have had a recall on my vehicle and have been trying to get it replaced at Audi since 2016, I have sent emails to the general manager and they kept saying they do not have the airbags in stock . I have tried another auid and gert the same answer.”
NHTSA complaint #11156978, filed 2018-12, 90,000 milesElectrical system: “While driving my lights would randomly go out both during day and night. Dash warning would be bulb out needing replacing but nothing was ever wrong with the bulbs or turn signals. Issue was intermittent and warning would go away on it's own or after car restarted. Later when dash warning came on and stayed on I took it into service which later was diagnosed to be a melted fuse box panel on f16 & f17. Both fuse slots were melted along with f16 fuse (15amp) and burn marks along the housing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10790335, filed 2015-11, 50,209 milesExterior lighting: “After starting the car and moving a short distance, the dash display showed multiple warnings regarding the exterior lights. Approximately 12 exterior lights had all gone out at once. After some research on the issue I checked the fuse box in the engine bay and fuse f16 (30a) had melted with residue on the contact but not failed. The contact on the fuse box also had residue and the surrounding plastic was melted as well. The same exact issue occurred on my 2009-2011 vw tiguan and a recall was issued (NHTSA campaign number: 13v569000 and vw recall number: 97z9/2v). …”
NHTSA complaint #10944962, filed 2017-01, 72,000 milesFuel system: “Loss of power at speed in traffic due to a high pressure fuel pump failure, just avoiding a serious accident. I was told it was caused by either incorrect/contaminated fuel or incorrect oil by the dealer service department. I have used only diesel fuel from national stations, have never used bio diesel and have used the correct Audi approved oil. This is apparently a wide spread engineering issue that has now dictated the complete fuel system replacement on this vehicle (and numerous others) at a sizable cost with no guarantee that it will not occur again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10694181, filed 2015-03, 71,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
17% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 52,400 and 71,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Audi A3 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 21 | 30 | 24 | $3,400 |
| A3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| A3 quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| A3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 29 | 37 | 32 | $3,000 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V862000Dec 4, 2019Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi A3 2011–2013, Volkswagen Golf 2011–2014, Passat 2012–2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag…
- 18V082000Jan 30, 2018Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi A3 2006–2013, Q5 2009–2012, A4 Cabriolet 2007–2009 +4 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's…
- 16V079000Feb 10, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Audi A3 2005–2013, A4 Cabriolet 2006–2009, Volkswagen Passat 2006
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure…
- 11V490000Oct 3, 2011Fuel system, dieselCovers: Audi A3 2010–2012, Volkswagen Jetta 2009–2012, Golf 2010–2012
Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012…
Recall details for the 2012 Audi A3 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE11023Diesel Fuel Injector Line LeakageClosed · Aug 2, 2011
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 882 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038130Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
- 11038027Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- 11038042Sep 22, 2026Steering. This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11038025Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036917Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11036911Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
- 11036909Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
- 11036934Aug 11, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
- 11036921Aug 11, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
Other model years of the Audi A3
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 7 | 57,083 | 2 | — | 32 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 9 | 26,000 | 6 | — | 32 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 16 | 7,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | — | Falling |
| 2019 | 10 | 13,223 | 3 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 33 | 23,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 44 | 48,500 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 19 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 83 | 62,300 | 3 | 5 | 27 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 93 | 63,500 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 20 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 43 | 66,557 | 4 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 43 | 50,100 | 4 | — | 24 | 73 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 50 | 48,500 | 5 | — | 24 | 99 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 47 | 72,500 | 5 | — | 24 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 43 | 25,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 82 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 52 | 62,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 123 | 72,000 | 4 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 6 | 2,650 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Audi A3 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Audi A3 have?
NHTSA recorded 43 consumer complaints for the 2012 Audi A3 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Audi A3 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 31 complaints (72% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 2012 Audi A3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi A3 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Audi A3 (A3, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Audi A3 reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,557 miles and the middle half falls between 52,400 and 71,000 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.