2012 Audi A4 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 147,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Audi A4, 11% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 147,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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 miles“The contact owned a 2012 audio A4. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH, she saw smoke emerging from the front of the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, notice flames in the head light compartment upon opening the hood. The contact stated they attempted to extinguish the flames with water but that failed and the fire department was contacted to extinguish the flames. The contact was unaware if a police or fire department report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a junk yard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11406141, filed 2021-04, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034643Jun 23, 2026This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
- 11034634Jun 23, 2026This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
- 11031051Mar 20, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
- 11030985Mar 17, 2026This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- 11030984Mar 2, 2026This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- 11029370Feb 17, 2026This TSB provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
- 11028446Jan 22, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are noises from the headliner.
- 11028448Jan 21, 2026This bulletin provides information regarding contact checks for event memories, intermittent.
- 11028397Jan 5, 2026This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or does not activate.
- 11027321Dec 9, 2025This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% |
| 2021 | 3 | 27% |
| 2020 | 91 | 71% |
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 17 | 38% |
| 2017 | 6 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% |
| 2015 | 3 | 16% |
| 2014 | 3 | 9% |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 21 | 7% |
| 2005 | 24 | 11% |
| 2004 | 15 | 8% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 76 | 42% |
| 2001 | 35 | 27% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 11 | 6% |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 33 | 34% |
| 1996 | 26 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2012 Audi A4
13 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Audi A4
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology