Owners sent NHTSA 45 complaints about this Audi A4[1]. The engine group is named more often than any other[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups in the stories we read, biggest first.
- Engine. 30 complaints[2]. Owners describe loud noises on cold starts, a car that lost power while driving, a check engine light that kept returning, and one engine that stopped and had to be replaced. Some stories mention a timing part that failed and caused damage.
- Electrical System. 5 complaints[5]. Owners describe a door sensor that kept sending false signals, a car that shut down on its own, and warning lights and computers acting up after a battery and alternator swap. One story describes a fire under the hood.
- Fuel/Propulsion System. 5 complaints[6]. Owners describe oil that disappeared between changes, a fuel smell from a leak, and a car that would not respond when they pressed the pedal.
- Unknown Or Other. 4 complaints[7]. These did not fit a standard component group.
- Power Train. 4 complaints[8]. Owners describe the car jerking when pulling away from a stop or at low speed, plus a water pump that failed more than once.
- Steering. 3 complaints[9].
- Brakes. 2 complaints[10].
- Visibility. 1 complaint[11].
These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and one complaint can name more than one part.
Recalls
NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 2012 A4[12].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| A4, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive[3] | 22 / 30 / 25 | $3,300 |
| A4 quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive[13] | 21 / 29 / 24 | $3,400 |
| A4 quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive[14] | 21 / 31 / 25 | $3,300 |
| A4 Avant quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive[15] | 21 / 29 / 24 | $3,400 |
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
How 2012 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 89 | 4 |
| 1997 | 98 | 6 |
| 1998 | 258 | 4 |
| 1999 | 190 | 4 |
| 2000 | 96 | 2 |
| 2001 | 131 | 1 |
| 2002 | 181 | 1 |
| 2003 | 210 | 3 |
| 2004 | 189 | 2 |
| 2005 | 219 | 3 |
| 2006 | 298 | 4 |
| 2007 | 219 | 5 |
| 2008 | 191 | 6 |
| 2009 | 144 | 6 |
| 2010 | 64 | 0 |
| 2011 | 43 | 0 |
| 2012 | 45 | 0 |
| 2013 | 111 | 4 |
| 2014 | 78 | 4 |
| 2015 | 44 | 4 |
| 2016 | 26 | 3 |
| 2017 | 87 | 6 |
| 2018 | 54 | 4 |
| 2019 | 13 | 1 |
| 2020 | 158 | 3 |
| 2021 | 13 | 4 |
| 2022 | 7 | 3 |
| 2023 | 11 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 0 |
NHTSA's counts for the A4 show 45 complaints and 0 recalls for 2012[12]. Among the 30 model years listed, 9 have fewer complaints than 2012 and 20 have more[12]. The fewest complaints are for 2025 (1) and the most are for 2006 (298)[12]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2012 A4?
The owner reports for this Audi A4 show a clear pattern, with engine complaints standing out[2]. Owners also describe some electrical and fuel system trouble, though in smaller numbers[5][6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a guide and not a score. Check a car's service history and have it inspected before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi A4?
- Engine complaints are the largest group[2]. Electrical and fuel system complaints follow with 5 each[5][6].
- Does the 2012 Audi A4 have recalls?
- See the Recalls section on this page for the recall list. The by-year fact shows the recall count for this model year[12].
- How much does the 2012 Audi A4 cost to fuel?
- The fuel economy section on this page shows the EPA figures for this car. We keep those numbers there so they stay tied to the source.
- Is the 2012 Audi A4 reliable?
- The complaint record shows 45 owner reports with engine problems named most often[1][2]. Read the problems section and the verdict above, and compare with the by-year section for other model years.
- What is the best year for the Audi A4?
- Use the by-year comparison on this page. It lists complaints and recalls for each year side by side, and this year is covered there[12].
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Audi A4
Compare all model years of the Audi A4
Other Audi models from 2012
Similar cars from 2012: compact cars
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Audi A4 (1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 30 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for A4, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Audi A4 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for A4 quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for A4 quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for A4 Avant quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Audi A4 with electric motor: rated 211 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Audi A4 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 211 hp. www.epa.gov