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2012 Audi A6 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Audi A6 carries 8 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering cooling system and occupant classification. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel Leaks from Injector Supports and Fuel Lines.” Audi follows the VW Group Longlife service rhythm: oil and minor service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using oil that meets VW 502 00 / 504 00 (or 508 00 for newer 0W-20 engines) — generic synthetic does not qualify. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes need fluid service every 40,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims. Fully electric models (e-tron, e-tron GT) skip oil service entirely but keep brake-fluid, cabin-filter, and coolant-circuit intervals.

8 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Campaign #18V229000 · Nov 4, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #18V370000 · Apr 6, 2018

Issue: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Campaign #17V002000 · Mar 1, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #17V781000 · Jun 12, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #16V646000 · Jul 9, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

Campaign #15V019000 · Jan 20, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #15V823000 · Aug 12, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #11V580000 · Jun 12, 2011

Issue: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Audi A6.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel Leaks from Injector Supports and Fuel Lines

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2023-12

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545382
“The contact owns a 2012 Audi A6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel line connector”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449706
“I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE & NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION SHORTLY DOWN THE ROAD (~1 MILE) I INSPECTED MY ENGINE FOR THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL & FOUND FUEL LEAKING DOWN THE FRONT OF MY ENGINE FROM UNDER THE SUPERCHARGER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11348634

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant Intrusion into Electrical Control Modules

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2022-05

“COOLANT MIGRATION INTO THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE CREATING UNSAFE CONDITION. DEALER STATED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH A COOLANT VALVE FAILING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316250
“COLLANT VALVE LEAKED THROUGH WIRING HARNESS, ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. THIS LED TO A SHORTING OF THE MODULE AND CAUSED A LOSS OF ALL POWER AND MOBILITY. THIS EVENT OCCURRED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991359
“THE ISSUE WITH THIS DEFECTIVE PART IS THE VALVE MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING COOLANT TO PENETRATE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND FROM THERE INTO THE WIRING HARNESS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT IS A CATASTROPHIC MALFUNCTION OF THOSE COMPONENTS AND A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11206823

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power Steering Loss and Steering Lockup

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2013-03 → 2024-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566847
“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY STEERING SYSTEM FAULTED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. RACK COMPLETELY FAILED. VERY VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. CAR ONLY HAS 124K MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11320629
“2012 AUDI A6 MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY WOULD NOT START. THE IGNITION DID NOT TURN ON. IT SAID "DO NOT DRIVE - STEERING DEFECTIVE" STEERING COULD NOT BE TURNED, GEARS COULD NOT BE SHIFTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11053965

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) Sensor Defect

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2019-02

“AIR BAG FAULT LIGHT IS ON WITH FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS IN THE SEAT AND WHEN NOT IN THE SEAT WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION. AUDI SERVICE STATES, "VERIFIED AIRBAG LIGHT ON, RAN GFF, FOUND PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR HAS AN INTERMITTENT OPEN CIRCUIT FAULT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11060999
“THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS NOT TURNED ON WHEN A PASSENGER SITS IN THE SEAT. THIS MEANS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT BE DEPLOYED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11034075
“PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM SWITCH WENT BAD, DISABLING THE AIRBAG. $2,000+ QUOTED FOR REPAIR. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL, THIS MODEL YEAR FOR THAT EXACT PART MALFUNCTIONING BUT AUDI SAYS MY VIN IS EXCLUDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10881267

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine Stalling and Sudden Loss of Power

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2022-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11072674
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER WAITING MINUTES, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10888936
“TL* 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10661561

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Delayed Parts Availability for Engine and Air Bag Recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, AIR BAGS, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2018-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V370000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATIONS IN JUNE AND JULY OF 2018”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11149920
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTICE PERTAINING TO THE AIR BAGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11103028
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A6. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V004000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100598

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Longlife Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 508 00 spec oil. S and RS models driven hard: many owners shorten to 5,000-7,500 miles. Wrong-spec oil is the leading cause of TFSI timing-chain tensioner and PCV problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate every 10,000 miles with the oil service. quattro models: keep all four tires within 4/32" of each other — mismatched wear stresses the center differential.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and wear sensors every 10,000 miles. Audi uses electronic pad-wear sensors on most models — replace the sensor with the pads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — Audi's published schedule is time-based because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

S tronic Dual-Clutch Fluid

Every 40,000 mi

S tronic (DSG) gearboxes on A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, TT, and many A5/Q5 models: replace fluid and filter every 40,000 miles with the VW Group-spec fluid for your gearbox code. Skipping this service is the most common cause of mechatronic failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$470–$640

Shop

~$330–$450

DIY

Pro only

VW/Audi DSG service needs a fluid-fill procedure at a specific temperature — shop equipment territory.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

quattro Coupling Fluid (Transverse Models)

Every 40,000 mi

A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, and TT use a Haldex-style rear coupling: replace its fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (some model years specify sooner — check your manual). Longitudinal quattro (A5-A8, Q5, Q8) has no coupling service; see differential fluid instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Spark Plugs

Every 40,000 mi

TFSI turbo engines: new plugs every 40,000 miles. RS models with the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder: consider 30,000 miles under track or hard street use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace every 40,000 miles; inspect at 20,000 on turbocharged engines — a clogged filter shows up as sluggish boost response first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Timing Chain (EA888 — Inspect Tensioner)

On condition / lifetime

2.0 TFSI (EA888) engines before roughly 2013 had timing-chain tensioner failures — have the tensioner revision checked by 80,000 miles on earlier cars. Later engines carry the updated design with no scheduled service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Differential Fluid (Longitudinal quattro)

Every 60,000 mi

Q5, Q8, and A5-A8 quattro: independent Audi specialists recommend front/rear differential fluid service around 60,000 miles even where Audi lists it as lifetime fill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Audi specifies an activated-carbon filter on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G12evo / G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Audi coolant is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW/Audi specialists recommend a refresh around 5 years or 100,000 miles to protect the water pump and thermostat housing — and only with the correct pink/lilac VW Group coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

1 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Audi A6 reflects Audi's published service intervals and the Audi Service Interval Display system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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