2012 Audi A4 Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Audi A4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2012 Audi A4. The part named most often is engine, with 13 complaints (68% of the total), followed by fuel system (3) and brakes (2). 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 109,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 591 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 17 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 25 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Engine13 68%
- Fuel system3 16%
- Brakes2 11%
- Electrical system2 11%
- Steering1 5.3%
Example complaints
Engine: “I have gone gone to the dealer numerous times visits right after I had the scheduled oil changes done. The oil light / consumption issue happens after I've gotten an oil change, but 7,000 miles before the next one is due. I get afraid thinking that my car is out of oil . I do not have any oil leaks. Oil is leaking around ladder frame. This has been a know issue for a few years that I have been having and Audi will not resolve.”
NHTSA complaint #11378089, filed 2020-12, 144,000 milesFuel system: “Having acceleration problems. Varies not consistent. When applying pedal to accelerate. The car doesn't respond. Rpm drops to zero. Engine still runs but no movement. Releasing pedal and trying again works intermittently. Scary when trying to get car out of danger.”
NHTSA complaint #11414193, filed 2021-04, 86,000 milesBrakes: “The contact owns a 2012 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine and low oil pressure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine coils and spark plugs to be replaced. While driving after the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle experienced the same symptoms as before with the addition of loss of power steering and power brakes. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn and difficult for the brake pedal to be depressed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385745, filed 2020-12, 138,000 milesElectrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Audi A4. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 90,512 and at the time of the registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 175,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11712256, filed 2026-01, 175,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 94,000 and 138,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Audi A4. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 · sedan AWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| A4 · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Audi A4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,300 |
| A4 quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 25 | $3,300 |
| A4 quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Audi A4 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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. 591 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.
- 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.
- 11036915Aug 11, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
Other model years of the Audi A4
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 30,000 | 0 | — | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 6 | 32,400 | 3 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 11 | 2,674 | 4 | 5 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 128 | 26,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 84 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 10 | 50,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 45 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 56 | 28,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 11 | 45,000 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 19 | 44,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2014 | 32 | 80,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 24 | 101,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 19 | 109,000 | 0 | 4 | 25 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 11 | 105,500 | 0 | 4 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 64 | 83,750 | 0 | — | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 120 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 175 | 62,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 196 | 74,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 295 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 219 | 58,400 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 189 | 59,560 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 210 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 181 | 30,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 131 | 61,028 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 96 | 62,900 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 190 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 258 | 80,650 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 98 | 92,457 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 89 | 66,821 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Audi A4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Audi A4 have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2012 Audi A4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Audi A4 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 13 complaints (68% of the total), followed by fuel system with 3.
Has the 2012 Audi A4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Audi A4 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Audi A4 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi A4 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Audi A4 (A4, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Audi A4 reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 109,000 miles and the middle half falls between 94,000 and 138,000 miles; 0% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.