2012 Audi S4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 64%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Audi S4, 64% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 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.
“While driving in traffic, my car dropped into lower gears and stopped moving, and two error codes popped up gearbox malfunction and TPMS malfunction . Looking this up online and discussing with my mechanic, this is something happening in a lot of the cars that are this make & model and have the same transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11096667, filed 2018-05, 67,000 miles“Takata recall I was driving my car when I got the 'gearbox malfunction on my dash and a check engine light. It then said that reverse was not available. The car went limp and when shifting into 2nd gear from 1st gear would rev to very high rpms and then finally shift. I would not go above 40 MPH and was slow to move from a stop. I took it to the Audi dealership and they told me it was the mechatronic unit. I was informed that it cost $5,400.00 dollars for them to replace the unit. …”
NHTSA complaint #11058266, filed 2018-01, 86,000 miles“While driving approaching a stoplight, I received a gearbox malfunction. Ok to continue driving with limited functionality error. The car then barely accelerated and I could not go more than 20mph (I was on a busy road speed limit 35mph but everyone goes about 50). I was able to finally get it to drive well enough to get it to the dealer. Dealer said it needs a new circuit board which is not covered by only the power train warranty, as it is considered an electronic component.”
NHTSA complaint #11046617, filed 2017-11, 76,000 miles“The gearbox malfunction screen on the dash showed up out of nowhere then followed by a parking brake malfunction then the car goes into neutral and just sits there revving the engine. I try to put it in neutral then drive but the lever gets stuck and I cant move to drive. This first happen in the highway and I couldn't do anything about it and I know this car has high mileage but looking at it this transmission has problems all the way to the 2016 models. This is something that needs to be looked at because this is a potential hazard at highway speeds”
NHTSA complaint #11172981, filed 2019-01, 107,592 miles“A gearbox malfunction (with codes p179e and p179f) may cause the car enter one of the limp mode states, which can cut engine power from the transmission. A message on the dash may say gearbox malfunction with a message if the car is driveable or must be brought to the repair shop. In some cases, this loss of power can make things difficult to pull over safely, as the stall can happen in an intersection, or in stop and go traffic on the freeway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10978959, filed 2017-04, 78,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10212683Apr 1, 2913Speed S-tronic, leaks from transmission
- 11034703Jun 23, 2026This bulleitn provides information when there are running problems/restricted functions, 0B5 gearbox.
- 11034706Jun 22, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is restricted function with DTC P141D (8940), 0B5 gearbox.
- 11012486Dec 2, 2024This TSB provides information when event memory entries cannot be deleted (Mode$0A error) on gearboxes: DL501, DL382/DL382E and DQ500.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 14% |
| 2014 | 3 | 18% |
| 2013 | 9 | 27% |
| 2012 | 14 | 64% |
| 2011 | 22 | 85% |
| 2010 | 42 | 70% |
| 2007 | 2 | 15% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 17% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2012 Audi S4
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Audi S4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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