2012 Audi A6 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 13%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Audi A6, 13% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 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 just had check engine light which aperantly is a bad mechatronic device. Thank god nothing bad happened during driving, however when I talked to Audi corporate and was told it was not acommon problem and they dont want to fix it. The car is 60k and always was taken care in dealership shops, on time. Used only 30 miles a day and always kept indorr both at my work and at home. When reading online about this problem I learnt that this is a common problem, and Audi apparently not trying to cover or solve it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11244691, filed 2019-08, 63,000 miles“O-ring failure in 2012 A6 3.0 caused the transmission to internally leak fluid causing the electonic system to go bad. All of the following lights came on when issue started. Check engine light gearbox mil trac control mil epc light airbag mil hi-speed cooling fan mil tire pressure warning light the transmission would not shift, major lack of power to engine. Parking brake would also activate by itself.”
NHTSA complaint #10721255, filed 2015-05, 62,000 miles“Shifts rough from start through first set of gears. From a standstill, under normal traffic conditions, no matter what setting the car is in, the transmission hunts for the correct gear and roughly shifts from 1-2 or 2-3. This issue was supposed to be settled by the CVT class action but Audi is refusing to repair/replace. I have complained about this issue since 05-06/2014 and for 9 times since until cpo warranty and extended warranty lapsed, now they feel the problem when before they could not and determine the transmission needs replacement for $12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11319084, filed 2020-03, 20,031 miles“O-ring failure in 2012 A6 3.0 caused the transmission to internally leak fluid causing the electonic system to go bad. All of the following lights came on when issue started. Check engine light, gearbox, mil trac control, mil epc, light airbag mil hi-speed cooling fan mil tire pressure warning light the transmission would not shift, major lack of power to engine. Parking brake would also activate by itself. Instrument panel light up like a x-mas, when I pulled over the car shut off and would not turn back on.”
NHTSA complaint #10810939, filed 2015-12, 58,000 miles“This needs to be heavily looked into. I see countless reports online and on NHTSA about coolant leaking onto components/wiring. Whatever it is, is definitely frying the electrical system. My info screen will state: Transmission Malfunction: You can continue driving and it'll go away a minute later, them beep again with the same message- then beep again- then go away- then come back again. etc etc etc. I recently a year or so ago got some coolant leak that was dripping on transmission wires below. I've seen this complaint too many times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11466406, filed 2022-05Related service bulletins
- 11035798Jul 2, 2026This bulletin provides infomraiotn when there is a gearbox malfunction message in the instrument clostuer; DTC P0706; vehicles with 0AW gearbox.
- 11034639Jun 23, 2026This bulleitn procides informaiton when tehre is a transmission warning mssage in the instrument cluster; P074100 is stored in the TCM.
- 11034701Jun 22, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is a strong jolt after engine automatically starts in start-stop mode; vehicles with 0BK & 0BL Gearbox.
- 11007305Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007224Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11005878Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005877Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005861Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2021 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 15 | 13% |
| 2018 | 1 | 9% |
| 2016 | 5 | 10% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 4% |
| 2012 | 8 | 13% |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 10 | 15% |
| 2002 | 10 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 12% |
| 2000 | 8 | 5% |
| 1999 | 12 | 6% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
| 1995 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 Audi A6
15 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Audi A6
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