2012 Audi A7 Problems
- Complaints
- 30filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 87,146miles, 20 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns 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
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl AWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Audi A7 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2012 Audi A7. The part named most often is air bags, with 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and steering (6). 20 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 87,146 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,303 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the occupant classification and 6 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 355 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Air bags7 23%
- Electrical system6 20%
- Steering6 20%
- Engine4 13%
- Fuel system3 10%
- Other or unknown3 10%
- Tires2 6.7%
Also reported: Wheels (2), Brakes (1), Engine cooling (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I was told today that the airbag light which would not go out is because of a problem with the wiring harness (which even the dealership thinks is a manufacturing problem though I do not know if they told that to Audi) to fix this, and assure that my airbag will deploy, they want over 18 thousand dollars. Audi has disclaimed any liability for this issue and my extended warranty won't cover it because its an airbag issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11030207, filed 2017-09, 35,000 milesElectrical system: “Check engine light came on so I took it to the dealership. Dealership told me that the coolant valve leaked into the wiring harness and shorted the engine control module. May have cause an unexpected stall of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10983509, filed 2017-05, 95,000 milesSteering: “Takata recall, my airbag light has been on since april 2018. Audi of annapolis informed me that I have to purchase another steering wheel for $4000 to replace a faulty airbig, why? I have no horn and no air bag and I'm terrified to drive my car. I've been renting cars since april. My car is also overheating when it's idle for 10 minutes, however, when I start driving it cools down. I see recalls for other Audi models, why not the 2012 A7?”
NHTSA complaint #11123080, filed 2018-08, 170,000 milesVehicle speed control: “My 2012 Audi A7 shut off as I was driving down the street. Took it to Audi memphis and they stated there was a leak in my trans coolant control value. After doing a little research I found this to be a common problem in Audi's. The repair is about 6,500 dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #11163949, filed 2018-12, 102,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 20 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,000 and 102,000 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.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Audi A7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A7 quattro AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,750 |
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
- 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Audi A7 2012–2018, A6 2012–2018, S6 2013–2018 +2 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front…
- 17V781000Dec 6, 2017Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Audi A7 2012–2014, A6 2012–2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.
- 16V646000Sep 7, 2016Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Audi A7 2012–2013, A6 2012–2013
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.
- 15V823000Dec 8, 2015Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Audi A7 2012–2013, A6 2012–2013
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 vehicles manufactured March 28, 2011, to March 25, 2013, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles manufactured January 25, 2011, to March 19, 2013. In vehicles with heated…
- 15V019000Jan 20, 2015Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel railCovers: Audi A7 2012–2013, S4 2011–2012, Q7 2011–2012 +3 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
Recall details for the 2012 Audi A7 → · Check a 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. 1,303 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.
- 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.
- 11036914Aug 11, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
Other model years of the Audi A7
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | 1,000 | 11 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 43 | 4,000 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 2016 | 15 | 20,000 | 3 | — | 24 | — | Rising |
| 2015 | 5 | 39,500 | 3 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 11 | 40,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 19 | 60,701 | 5 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 30 | 87,146 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Audi A7 have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2012 Audi A7 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Audi A7 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 2012 Audi A7 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi A7 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Audi A7 (A7 quattro, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Audi A7 reported?
Among the 20 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 87,146 miles and the middle half falls between 44,000 and 102,000 miles; 30% 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. 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.