CSR

Audi · NHTSA safety record

2012 Audi A6

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

59

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2012 Audi A6 have filed 59 safety complaints with NHTSA between May 2012 and July 2025. The most complained-about system is the air bags, named in 14 of them (24%). The typical failure was reported at 66,000 miles, the median across the 45 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 8 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (8)

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

18V370000 · June 4, 2018

The defect
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 passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
The risk
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.
The remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 139,249 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

18V229000 · April 11, 2018

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
The risk
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 342,867 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

17V781000 · December 6, 2017

The defect
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-888-237-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AR.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 48,693 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

17V002000 · January 3, 2017

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
The risk
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 342,867 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

16V646000 · September 7, 2016

The defect
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BZ.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 28,249 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

15V823000 · December 8, 2015

The defect
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 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.
The risk
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
The remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D1.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 21,074 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

15V019000 · January 20, 2015

The defect
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 26,008 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

11V580000 · December 6, 2011

The defect
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2012 AUDI A6 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 8, 2011, THROUGH MAY 26, 2011. DUE TO A PROBLEM IN THE STITCHING PROCESS OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAG, THE SEAM OF THE AIR BAG MAY NOT BE STITCHED PROPERLY.
The risk
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.
The remedy
VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT CURTAIN AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · up to 317 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 59.

AIR BAGS 14 24%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13 22%
ENGINE 13 22%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9 15%
POWER TRAIN 8 14%
STEERING 6 10%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 3 5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3 5%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 5%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2 3%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 2 3%
STRUCTURE 2 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2018 at 14.

2012 2018 2025
2012 to 2025

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ENGINE

towed · 114,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (AUDI OF HUNTINGTON, 363 E JERICHO TURNPIKE, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V619000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE RECALL WAS FOR A DIFFERENT MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

NHTSA complaint 11072674. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

towed

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND START THE VEHICLE. THE "STEERING FAULT" MESSAGE APPEARED AND THE EPS WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE FAILURE SEIZED THE STEERING WHEEL; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI MEADOWLANDS (425 ROUTE 3 EAST, SECAUCUS, NJ 07094, (201) 982-7056). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V781000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED 53 TSBS FOR THE STEERING, BUT NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO ADDRESS THE FAILURE AND THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint 11079792. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

towed · 102,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Audi A6. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, he smelled an abnormal fuel odor. The contact stated that the fuel odor became stronger while driving 65 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled into a parking lot and opened the hood. The contact stated that he noticed that the fuel odor was coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the check engine warning light illuminated. The mechanic determined that the check engine warning light had illuminated due to low pressure on the fuel rail, and the contact was informed that the supercharger needed to be removed for a more thorough

NHTSA complaint 11545382, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Dear Highway Safety Authority Officer I am writing to formally request an investigation into a potential safety concern involving structural rust on the engine subframe (engine cradle) of the Audi A6, particularly in models from 2012 There have been growing concerns among owners and independent mechanics regarding excessive and premature rust and corrosion affecting the structural integrity of the engine mounting frame. In some cases, this corrosion could potentially compromise the stability of the engine or the safety of the vehicle during operation. Given the importance of this component to both drivability and crash safety, this issue merits further inspection. I am bringing this to your

NHTSA complaint 11676688, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
Vehicle suffered sudden and total loss of power steering. Had just driven the car 5-10 minutes prior, came out to leave and had a message stating do not drive vehicle, steering defective. At that point the steering wheel felt locked in place and the vehicle was effectively a brick. This issue just happened yesterday and has not been to the dealership yet for diagnosis but I am a former automotive service manager (German specialist) and have connected my car to the VCDS system in order to retrieve the system failure codes. Error code was for the power assist motor. I then did some quick research online and saw dozens of other complaints from owners with the same issue. Thankfully most fail

NHTSA complaint 11566847, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Good morning, For the past couple of weeks, I've been getting the run around on whether the issue I'm having with my vehicle is an active recall. I recently took my vehicle to Eurocode Tuning (Torrance, CA), and the mechanic instructed me to take my vehicle to the dealer because the issue I am currently experiencing (fuel leak in the injection system) is listed as a recall. I contacted the Audi dealership in Long Beach CA via phone at (562)610-4000, the service representative stated that he found no active recall on my vehicle. Once again contacted Eurocode Tuning and they stated to have them run a diagnostic on the vehicle and they will see its the fuel leak in the injection system. And

NHTSA complaint 11562753, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car almost overheated on the high on thanksgiving night thank god my brother was behind me driving and took me to go get antifreeze my coolant was leaking and i think my water pump messed up almost a accident cause i was in the middle lane and my vehicle was slowing down on the highway at night

NHTSA complaint 11498311. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This needs to be heavily looked into. I see countless reports online and on NHTSA about "coolant" leaking onto components/wiring. Whatever it is, is definitely frying the electrical system. My info screen will state: "Transmission Malfunction: You can continue driving" and it'll go away a minute later, them beep again with the same message- then beep again- then go away- then come back again. etc etc etc. I recently a year or so ago got some coolant leak that was dripping on transmission wires below. I've seen this complaint too many times. Audi needs to investigate this issue and if this is a countless issue we need to be issued a proper TSB / recall. Here's some links to best help direct

NHTSA complaint 11466406, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Audi A6

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2021 15 11
2020 24 9
2019 114 7
2018 11 2
2017 20 3
2016 51 3
2015 22 4
2014 41 4
2013 52 6
2011 21 3
2010 17 3

Other 2012 Audi models

Every Audi on this site — 147 vehicles, 216 recall campaigns and 0 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

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