Wrench.Pro

2012 Audi A7 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Audi A7 carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering occupant classification and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Cruise control and auto-braking disabled.” 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.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Audi A7.

Reported to NHTSA

Cruise control and auto-braking disabled

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2020-03

“CAR COMES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL AND AUTO-BRAKING. SYSTEMS RECENTLY WERE DISABLED, AND ARE THROWING ERROR. "0161 - VIDEO CABLE FOR IMAGE PROCESSING " UNABLE TO USE CRUISE CONTROL, AND ASSUME THAT AUTO-BRAKING IS DISABLED UNTIL THIS IS RECTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11319321
“CAR COMES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL AND AUTO-BRAKING. SYSTEMS RECENTLY WERE DISABLED, AND ARE THROWING ERROR. "0161 - VIDEO CABLE FOR IMAGE PROCESSING " UNABLE TO USE CRUISE CONTROL, AND ASSUME THAT AUTO-BRAKING IS DISABLED UNTIL THIS IS RECTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316133

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire sidewall bubbling

TIRES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2014-07

“2012 AUDI A7; 4 SIDEWALL "BUBBLING" BLOWOUTS IN A YEAR. BEING VERY CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE, AND NORMAL CITY DRIVING. TWO BLOWOUTS OCCURED WHEN CAR WAS IN PARK. VEHICLE DEALER MAINTAINS BLOWOUTS ARE DUE TO ROAD HAZARDS AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. *JS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10617260
“OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS 3 OUT OF MY 4 CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTAC TIRES HAVE DEVELOPED "BUBBLES" IN THE SIDE WALL. WHEN THE 1ST (OR EVEN PERHAPS THE 2ND) TIRE DEVELOPED THIS PROBLEM, IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO POT HOLES. IT IS SUMMER NOW AND I HAVE DRIVEN VERY LITTLE BUT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10616972

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant control valve leak into wiring harness

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2022-01

“I have seen at least three other complaints with NHTSA on this same item all with different headings. Check engine light comes on at high speeds while highway driving. Pull Engine code and comes back as P2753 - Valve for transmission fluid cooler circuit open. Had to replace”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11447185
“VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS INFORMED THAT A COOLANT VALVE CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE MODULE AND THEREBY DAMAGING IT. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN A SIMILAR VEHICLE OF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11269822
“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE "COOLANT VALVE LEAKED INTO THE WIRING HARNESS AND SHORTED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. MAY HAVE CAUSE AN UNEXPECTED STALL OF THE VEHICLE."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10983509

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel lock or loss of steering assist

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2022-03

“As I was driving with my 4 year old daughter in the vehicle, while making a left turn my vehicle steering wheel locked or seemed to lock on me with no warning, and then the "DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE" indicator appeared. Thank God I was able to safety steer into a driveway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457112
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A7. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVE HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196227
“OCTOBER 18, 2013. VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOST POWER STEERING AND ACCELERATION WHILE TRAVELING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE ON THE AT 72 MILES PER HOUR JUST IN FRONT OF A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. I WAS FORCED TO CROSS INTO THE RIGHT HAND LANE WITH NO ACCELERATION OR POWER STEERING AND BRING THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10578872

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger occupant detection system airbag fault

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2022-02

“NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 18V370 NO PODS REPAIR KITS AVAILABLE FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS DRIVING AROUND IN VEHICLES WHILE AUDI ISSUED STOP SALE ON CARS IN STOCK AT THEIR FACILITY WITH THE DANGEROUS PART. THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO STRESS/WEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182572
“PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) RECALL. MY VEHICLE'S PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY MALFUNCTIONING AND DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER 100% OF THE TIME DURING ALL OPERATIONS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120783
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967755

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden acceleration without accelerator input

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2021-06

“As I reported on June 3, I drove my car onto my office parking lot, up- hill, in the afternoon, when suddenly my car raced, without my stepping on the accelerator to make it race, crushed into the first car parked there. That car was pushed into the wheel of the neighboring car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11422447
“The gas pedal must have been stuck, as the car raced across parking lot, into the first parked car there. that car was pushed into the next car, fortunately a big, sturdy car. and fortunately into the wheel of that next car. Also, fortunately, no people there at that time. I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419455

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel line leak and engine compartment fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2021-06

“The contact owns a 2012 Audi A7. The contact stated that after driving from a stop sign into a four-way intersection at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fuel had leaked from the engine compartment and was caused”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419613
“TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2012 AUDI A7. THE CONTACT'S SON NOTICED A FUEL AND BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11089034
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A7. AFTER DRIVING, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE. WHILE WAITING IN LINE AT A STORE, A PASSERBY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AS FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11081028

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 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)

7 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.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 A7 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.

Check another vehicle →