2012 Audi A4 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 68%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Audi A4, 68% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,500 miles.
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.
“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 miles“There have been wide-spread reports & complaints with Audi A4's starting in 2009. Audi settled a class-action lawsuit in 2015 but it only covered vehicles madein 2009-2011. If you look at any Audi owner blog or any car blog you'll find thousands of complaints about excessive oil consumption resulting in owners needing to replace pistons. In my case, I was given an estimate to replace pistons & timing belt for over $8,000 in 2021. …”
NHTSA complaint #11510295, filed 2023-03“1) Turbo, not because I'm looking to replace it 2) the car could stall when merging into highway or passing on the left lane 3) Yes 4) No 5) Yes, Check Engine Light came on afterward Check engine light came on after I tried to merge into a lane, while I was stepping on the gas peddle hard there was no acceleration. While the car did not stall, but it was not moving fast enough to provide the distance I need to be safe from the car behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #11531710, filed 2023-07“I have continued to notice increasing oil consumption on my 2012 AUDI A4. I have mentioned this to my dealership, however they kept dismissing it as an old car. I noticed that there have been numerous reports of this with AUDI vehicles. I requested for 2 part oil consumption test, which failed. Nonetheless, they keep suggesting that there is nothing to be done. Please advise, if this meets concern similar to other consumers with this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11472474, filed 2022-07“My vehicle was included in a class action settlement in volkswagen timing chain product liability litigation, civil action no. 16-2765 (jll)(jad). I purchased my vehicle several months ago and was unaware of this settlement at the time of purchase. At my first service appointment, I was informed that the timing chain and timing chain valve covers were in critical need of repair, and was given a roughly $2,000 repair estimate for the job. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311924, filed 2020-02Related service bulletins
- 11035797Jul 9, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11034728Jun 10, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
- 11029367Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
- 11028398Jan 14, 2026This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
- 11016532Mar 12, 2025This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11012476Dec 5, 2024This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
- 11009928Oct 8, 2024This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009327Sep 24, 2024This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 10250533Feb 16, 2024This Document informs dealers on the new oil consumption & piston fracture warranty extension for 2012 A4, A5, A6, Q5 & TT / 2013 A4, A5, A6, Q5 & TT / 2014 A4, A5, A6, Q5 & TT /…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% |
| 2022 | 2 | 33% |
| 2021 | 1 | 9% |
| 2019 | 2 | 20% |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% |
| 2017 | 22 | 39% |
| 2016 | 7 | 64% |
| 2015 | 10 | 53% |
| 2014 | 13 | 41% |
| 2013 | 6 | 25% |
| 2012 | 13 | 68% |
| 2011 | 7 | 64% |
| 2010 | 37 | 58% |
| 2009 | 44 | 37% |
| 2008 | 13 | 7% |
| 2007 | 17 | 9% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Audi A4
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
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