2012 Audi A3 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,884miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 2012 Audi A3, 9% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,884 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“While driving at 40 MPH on evening on april 16, 2015, the engine noise was noticeably more pronounced. One mile further, a flashing glow plug light illuminated followed by a dramatic loss of power (limited to 25 MPH). Drove remaining short distance home at a low speed due to engine failure. After towing vehicle to Audi dealership the next morning, technician reported that the high pressure fuel pump had disintegrated and sent metal shavings throughout the entire fuel system requiring complete replacement of all fuel system components.”
NHTSA complaint #10711857, filed 2015-04, 68,884 miles“Traveling at speed on the interstate when the glow plug light warning indicator started flashing on the dash. Car instantly became inoperable. Luckily was approaching an exit and attempted to exit the interstate. The car died on the ramp and would not restart. Called a tow truck to haul the car to Audi of lexington. Service examined the vehicle the next morning. To my witness, the fuel filter canister and the top side of the high pressure fuel pump appeared to be full of metal. The service required is a complete fuel system replacement from the injectors all the way to the tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10608827, filed 2014-07, 52,400 miles“Carbon buildup on fuel injectors after 60k, dealership is denying extended warranty coverage. It's common issue with di engines, the manufacturer should be responsible for the maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #11150212, filed 2018-11Related recalls
- 11V490000Oct 3, 2011Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012…Covers: Audi A3 2010–2012, Volkswagen Jetta 2009–2012, Golf 2010–2012
Related service bulletins
- 11020367Jun 26, 2025This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the exhaust tail pipes.
- 11007297Aug 8, 2024This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007216Aug 8, 2024This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 10231590Feb 6, 2023This bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 40% |
| 2018 | 5 | 15% |
| 2017 | 15 | 34% |
| 2016 | 20 | 24% |
| 2015 | 22 | 24% |
| 2013 | 3 | 15% |
| 2012 | 4 | 9% |
| 2011 | 10 | 23% |
| 2010 | 19 | 38% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 8% |
| 2004 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2012 Audi A3
31 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Audi A3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology