2012 Audi A4 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 4th of 24 A4 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 67
- 2 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 20.6
- 31,561 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.53×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 19
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2012 Audi A4?
Yes. Our reliability score for the 2012 Audi A4 is 82 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 4th of the 24 A4 years we score.
The most reported problem is the dual-clutch transmission, mostly harsh or delayed shifts (8 of 67 complaints). Owners also complain about high oil consumption and the timing chain or camshaft. 19 of the 67 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall. Audi also offers eight warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, steering and transmission. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2011 scores 80 and the 2013 scores 74.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-15-03 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Excellent reliability score of 82
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts8 complaints
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil8 complaints
- Timing chain or camshaft failure7 complaints
How the 2012 A4 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.45× | −6 |
| Everyday problems | 0.71× | −4 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.28× | −4 |
| Recalls | 0.46× | −4 |
| Score | 82 |
What Owners Report
We read all 67 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Audi A4, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 67.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
8 complaints (12%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping and a feature that stopped working. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
8 complaints (12%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
7 complaints (10%)
A failure, stalling and the car not starting. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
6 complaints (9%)
A leak, overheating and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
6 complaints (9%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and reduced power or limp mode. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Piston rings: burning or using oil
5 complaints (7%)
Burning or using oil, a failure that needed a new part and damage. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Engine failure: locking up
3 complaints (4%)
Locking up and damage. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Fuel pump: stalling
3 complaints (4%)
Stalling, a leak and a stored fault code. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder and hesitation.
Engine: unusual noises
2 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (3%)
A leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Steering: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder and sticking or stiffness.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
2 complaints (3%)
Warning lights.
Reported Once (23)
Show the 23 problems reported once
- 12V battery failure
- Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): debris injury
- Alternator or charging failure
- Control module (unspecified): the system acting on its own
- Door latches: works on and off
- Engine oil leak
- Engine sensors or computer: fault code
- Fuel injector: a leak
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- Oil pressure: warning lights
- Balance shafts or sprocket: parts breaking or coming apart
- Cylinder head failure
- Drive position sensor: fault code
- Fire (cause not stated)
- Timing chain valve covers failure
- Vacuum seal: a leak
- Parking brake: warning lights
- Rearview camera: stopped working
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
- Transmission computer: reduced power or limp mode
- Turbocharger: a loss of power
- Windshield wipers: stopped working
How the 2012 Audi A4 Compares With Other Years
The other A4 years of the 4th generation (B8), 2009 to 2016, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Excellent | 85 | 0.39× | 13.7 | 6 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2016 | Excellent | 86 | 0.38× | 11.2 | 3 | Steering: locking up |
| 2015 | Excellent | 80 | 0.35× | 12.8 | 4 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2014 | Good | 78 | 0.63× | 21.8 | 4 | Steering: pulling or wandering |
| 2013 | Good | 74 | 0.89× | 31.6 | 4 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2012 This year | Excellent | 82 | 0.53× | 20.6 | 1 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2011 | Excellent | 80 | 0.62× | 18.8 | 1 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2010 | Good | 71 | 1.2× | 40.2 | 0 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2009 | Good | 74 | 0.68× | 25.1 | 6 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2008 | Good | 77 | 0.49× | 17.8 | 6 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
2012 Audi A4 Recalls
One recall covers the 2012 Audi A4. It was issued in January 2015: “Fuel Injection System Fuel Leak.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.
Fuel Injection System Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 15V019000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 20, 2015. By the second quarter of 2016, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2012 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has eight warranty extensions for the 2012 Audi A4, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, steering and transmission. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-03
Faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- The problem:
- A 2.0 TFSI fuel injector can be faulty. It causes a minor misfire and turns on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the fuel injectors and replaces any faulty injector for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CAEB, CBFA or CCTA. An owner letter also lists CETA. Ask an Audi dealer whether a CETA car qualifies. Damage from a tuned engine computer is not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-07
Carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- The problem:
- Carbon can build up in the engine's secondary air ports. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the problem and, if needed, cleans the carbon out of the secondary air ports for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 3.2 engine and 2009 to 2013 Audis with the 3.0T engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-14-03
2.0 TFSI turbocharger fault with check engine light
- The problem:
- The turbocharger on the 2.0 TFSI engine can malfunction. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the turbocharger and replaces it for free if it is faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, code CAEB. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 7 years or 70,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-15
Timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The timing chain or its tensioner on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed timing chain can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed timing chain or tensioner. Audi pays 25 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2013 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner must show on-time oil changes during their ownership, within 10 percent, or sign a sworn statement if records are lost.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-06
Engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The main engine water pump on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed water pump can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed water pump. Audi pays 5 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2014 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner needs records showing the right coolant was used and checked on schedule, within 10 percent, or a signed declaration. Totaled cars are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-03
Electromechanical steering unit malfunction
- The problem:
- The electromechanical steering unit can malfunction. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a malfunctioning steering unit, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2012 to 2015 A4, Q5, SQ5 and A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 125,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-03
DSG transmission shudder, rough shifts and limp mode
- The problem:
- The DSG transmission can shudder, judder, shift roughly or go into limp mode when it should not.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer replaces the mechatronics unit or the whole transmission, as the dealer decides. Audi pays 20 to 85 percent of the cost, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2010 to 2012 S4 and S5 in the settlement class. The owner must show transmission oil services were done on schedule during their ownership, within 10 percent, or sign a sworn statement if records are lost.
- Coverage:
- 9 years or 90,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. Audi pays only a percentage. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-01
High oil use or fractured pistons
- The problem:
- 2012 to 2014 A4, A5, A6, Q5 and TT can use too much oil. On 2015 to 2017 A3 and 2016 to 2017 TT, a piston can fracture.
- The fix:
- Audi pays 75 percent of an Audi dealer's repair. Engine damage caused by the problem is paid at 25 to 100 percent, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the settlement class. The owner must prove oil maintenance within 10 percent of schedule during their ownership, or sign a sworn statement if records are missing. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Coverage:
- 9 years or 90,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. Cars past 9 years on January 29, 2024 got until April 8, 2024.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2012 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door AWD, 4-door FWD, Avant AWD and S4 4-door AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2012 A4, from its recall, eight Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Fuel Injection System Fuel Leak NHTSA 15V019000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-15-03: faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- AWA-14-03: 2.0 TFSI turbocharger fault with check engine light
- AWA-18-15: timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-21-03: electromechanical steering unit malfunction
- AWA-22-03: DSG transmission shudder, rough shifts and limp mode
- AWA-24-01: high oil use or fractured pistons
On the Test Drive
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Dual-clutch transmission
- High oil consumption
- Timing chain or camshaft
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next