Most common 2012 Audi A4 problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A4 complaints by model year
Best A4 years: 2011, 2016, 2012. Years to avoid: 2020, 2008, 1998, 2006, 1999. Compare all years →
What 2012 Audi A4 owners say
Engine & cooling
There have been wide-spread reports & complaints with Audi A4's starting in 2009. Audi settled a class-action lawsuit in 2015 but it only covered vehicles madein 2009-2011. If you look at any Audi owner blog or any car blog you'll find thousands of complaints about excessive oil consumption resulting in owners needing to replace pistons. In my case, I was given an estimate to replace pistons & timing belt for over $8,000 in 2021. There are additional class-action lawsuits pending against Audi BUT on my own I can do nothing and I have contacted Audi multiple times since they are "clearly" well-aware of that this is a wide-spread problem with their cars. HOW IS IT the NHTSA has no information on this problem? How is it that a recall wasn't instituted years ago? What are you doing to protect consumers from Audi's refusal to help owners? …
Owned 1 year and just over 120ish miles TIMING CHAIN Jumped Required Head Rebuild and the Timing Replacement. Soon as those were completed and Car back on the road, OIL CONSUMPTION every 150miles with Carbon Buildup regularly on the rear bumper. Low Oil Pressure light soon to appear following up with Water Pump Housing Cracking, Replaced the water pump and low oil pressure is worse than before this repair. Checked Oil Pan for sludge, OIL PAN FULL of METAL, tear down the top end of motor inspection disclosed that both of the BALANCE SHAFTS and SPROCKET were destroyed teeth missing form gears, assuming that in addition to this that piston rings definitely must be fried so they will be replaced with the balance shafts repair. …
Fuel & propulsion system
I have gone gone to the dealer numerous times visits right after I had the scheduled oil changes done. The oil light / consumption issue happens after I've gotten an oil change, but 7,000 miles before the next one is due. I get afraid thinking that my car is out of oil . I do not have any oil leaks. Oil is leaking around ladder frame. This has been a know issue for a few years that I have been having and Audi will not resolve.
Having acceleration problems. Varies not consistent. When applying pedal to accelerate. The car doesn't respond. RPM drops to zero. Engine still runs but no movement. Releasing pedal and trying again works intermittently. Scary when trying to get car out of danger.
2012 Audi A4 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | AWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Audi A4 a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 A4 rates better than average: 84% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A4 at the same age. It is one of the best A4 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Audi A4?
The engine & cooling — 13 complaints, 68% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Audi A4 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Audi A4. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A4?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2016 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2008, 1998, 2006 and 1999. See the full Audi A4 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Audi A4 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 109,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.