IllustrationWINDSHIELD WIPERS CEASED TO WORK CREATING DANGEROUS SITUATION. DEALER DENIED EXPRESS WARRANTY CLAIM. WIRING ON WIPERS WAS SO FLIMSY AS TO APPARENTLY ALLOW A MOUSE TO CHEW THROUGH COATING. DEALER CHARGED OVER $640. TO REPLACE A $20 WIRE. SEVERAL E-MAILS AND CALLS TO AUDI OF AMERICA DID NOT BRING ANY ACTION. *TR
2012 Audi A6
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Audi A6 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 35.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all A6 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
425–50K
1150–75K
775–100K
13100–150K
1150K+
45 reports with mileage · 14 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
59 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. UPDATED 10/09/14*LJ THE DEAL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. UPDATED 10/09/14*LJ THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE FAILURE WAS NOT A RESULT OF DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED A RODENT MUST HAVE CHEWED THROUGH THE FUEL LINES. THE CONSUMER DISAGREED. UPDATED 5/18/2015 *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE, SHE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE FUEL UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT A RODENT HAD EATEN TWO INCHES OF THE FUEL HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE, SHE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE FUEL UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT A RODENT HAD EATEN TWO INCHES OF THE FUEL HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
STEERING IS NOTCHY AND UNSTABLE ON-CENTER AND SLIGHTLY OFF-CENTER. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT WHILE ACCELERATING, BRAKING OR AT CONSTANT SPEED. MUST CONSTANTLY CORRECT LEFT AND RIGHT MAKING THE CAR SWERVE UNCONTROLLABLY LEFT AND RIGHT. IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP STRAIGHT. IT IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. TOOK CARE TO DEALERSHIP.…
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STEERING IS NOTCHY AND UNSTABLE ON-CENTER AND SLIGHTLY OFF-CENTER. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT WHILE ACCELERATING, BRAKING OR AT CONSTANT SPEED. MUST CONSTANTLY CORRECT LEFT AND RIGHT MAKING THE CAR SWERVE UNCONTROLLABLY LEFT AND RIGHT. IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP STRAIGHT. IT IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. TOOK CARE TO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING RACK BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I BELIEVE AUDI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HASN'T PROVIDED A SOLUTION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CON…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44.
THE VEHICLE IS HAVING UNINTENDED EPISODES OF ACCELERATION. THEY OCCUR WHILE STOPPED OR AT REDUCED SPEEDS SUCH AS PULLING TO A STOP OR PARKING.
BRAKES BARELY STOP CARE , ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEED. POWER BRAKE FAILURE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE ERRONEOUSLY DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE IN PROXIMITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE ERRONEOUSLY DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH PEDALS WERE TOO CLOSE IN PROXIMITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR SERVICED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,900.
Official recalls
818V370000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification
Jun 4, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
18V229000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System
Apr 11, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
17V781000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Dec 6, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
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.
17V002000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System
Jan 3, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
16V646000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Sep 7, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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.
15V823000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification
Dec 8, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
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.
15V019000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
Jan 20, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
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.
11V580000 · Air Bags:side/window
Dec 6, 2011
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.