2012 Audi A6 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 15th of 22 A6 years we score.

Owner complaints: 60; 8 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 28.4; 18,334 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.88×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 24; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2011 A6 2013 A6 →

Should You Buy the 2012 Audi A6?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2012 Audi A6 is 70 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 15th of the 22 A6 years we score.

The most reported problem is the cooling system, mostly a leak (8 of 60 complaints). Owners also complain about the wiring, fuses or body control module and the occupant sensor. 24 of the 60 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. Audi also offers nine warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, steering and driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2013 scores 68.

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

Good reliability score of 70
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
9 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Cooling system: a leak8 complaints
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage8 complaints
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working7 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2012 A6 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.93×	−17
Everyday problems	0.75×	−6
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	1.5×	−7
Score		70

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2012 A6. If it were exactly average, its 18,334 cars would draw about 3.6 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.

What Owners Report

We read all 60 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Audi A6, 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 60.

Cooling system: a leak
8 complaints (13%)
A leak, parts breaking or coming apart and a stored fault code. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
8 complaints (13%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
7 complaints (12%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Steering: locking up
5 complaints (8%)
Locking up, pulling or wandering and sticking or stiffness. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Engine sensors or computer: a loss of power
3 complaints (5%)
A loss of power, a stored fault code and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 122,000 miles.
Fuel system: a leak
3 complaints (5%)
A leak and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Transmission computer: a loss of power
3 complaints (5%)
A loss of power, damage and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (3%)
Warning lights.
Control module (unspecified) failure
2 complaints (3%)
A failure.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (3%)
A leak.
Parking brake: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (3%)
The system acting on its own.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (3%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Transmission: a leak
2 complaints (3%)
A leak.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (3%)
A leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.

Reported Once (20)

Show the 20 problems reported once

ABS failure
CVT: harsh or delayed shifts
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
Alternator or charging: stalling
Automatic emergency braking: stopped working
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
Brakes: vibration or shudder
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Dual-clutch transmission: warning lights
Engine failure
Exhaust or catalytic converter: parts breaking or coming apart
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
Fuel injector: a leak
Intake manifold or runner flaps: a leak
Piston rings: a loss of power
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Timing chain or camshaft: unusual noises
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)

How the 2012 Audi A6 Compares With Other Years

The other A6 years of the 7th generation (C7), 2012 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2019	Caution	63	2.8×	59.0	7	Alternator or charging failure
2018	Excellent	85	0.33×	8.5	2	Cooling system: a leak
2017	Excellent	80	0.54×	13.0	4	Steering: loss of steering control
2016	Good	74	0.83×	20.6	4	Cooling system: a leak
2015	Good	78	0.48×	13.9	5	Cooling system: a leak
2014	Good	71	0.78×	23.0	6	Turbocharger failure
2013	Caution	68	1.3×	40.4	8	Turbocharger: stalling
2012 This year	Good	70	0.88×	28.4	8	Cooling system: a leak
2011	Good	78	0.52×	15.2	3	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart

See every A6 year

2012 Audi A6 Recalls

Eight recalls cover the 2012 Audi A6. The most recent was issued in June 2018: “Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly
If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V229000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 11, 2018. By the second quarter of 2020, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Line May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V781000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 6, 2017. By the second quarter of 2019, 84% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V002000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 3, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine Compartment Fuel Hose May Degrade and Leak
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 16V646000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 7, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Seat Occupant Detection System May Fail
In vehicles with heated and cooled seats, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), used to enable the front passenger air bags, may malfunction and prevent the passenger-side air bags from deploying in a crash. An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
NHTSA 15V823000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 8, 2015. By the second quarter of 2017, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 2 more recalls

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 15V019000 Recall 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.
Sideguard Head Curtain Air Bag
In the event of a crash, the head curtain air bag may not deploy and will not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of an injury.
NHTSA 11V580000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 6, 2011.

2012 Audi A6 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has nine warranty extensions for the 2012 Audi A6, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, steering and driver assistance systems. 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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-04
Turbocharger failure
The problem:
The turbo can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed turbo, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain settlement class cars: 2013 to 2016 A4 sedan and allroad, 2013 to 2017 A5 and Q5, and 2012 to 2015 A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not. Each car's term depends on coolant pump work.
Coverage:
At least 14 months from April 12, 2021 or a coolant pump recall. No miles are stated. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2012 A6, from its eight recalls, nine 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.

Passenger's Air Bag May Deploy Improperly NHTSA 18V370000
Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit NHTSA 18V229000
Fuel Line May Leak Fuel NHTSA 17V781000
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire NHTSA 17V002000
Engine Compartment Fuel Hose May Degrade and Leak NHTSA 16V646000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.

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-21-04: turbocharger failure
AWA-24-01: high oil use or fractured pistons
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
With an adult in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag-off light should stay off.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Cooling system
Wiring, fuses or body control module
Occupant sensor
Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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

All A6 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.