VehicleVerdict

2012 Audi A7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 12.0 times the median A7 year — the 2012 model ranks #2 of 16 A7 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), airbags (7), and steering (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

48

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other A7 years?

A7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted72 complaints2007: 2 complaints2009: 1 complaints2012: 48 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 16 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 72 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
A7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Audi A7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System817%
Airbags715%
Steering613%
Speed Control510%
Engine510%
Transmission48%
Tires & Wheels48%
Other36%
Fuel System36%
Suspension12%
Brakes12%
Seats12%

Does the 2012 Audi A7 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V370000AirbagsJune 4, 2018 · 139,249 units

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.

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.

17V781000Fuel SystemDecember 6, 2017 · 48,693 units

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.

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.

16V646000Fuel SystemSeptember 7, 2016 · 28,249 units

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.

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.

15V823000AirbagsDecember 8, 2015 · 21,074 units

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.

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.

15V019000Fuel SystemJanuary 20, 2015 · 26,008 units

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS TOLD TODAY THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WHICH WOULD NOT GO OUT IS BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS (WHICH EVEN THE DEALERSHIP THINKS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY TOLD THAT TO AUDI) TO FIX THIS, AND ASSURE THAT MY AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY, THEY WANT OVER 18 THOUSAND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 25, 2017

“I WAS TOLD TODAY THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WHICH WOULD NOT GO OUT IS BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS (WHICH EVEN THE DEALERSHIP THINKS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY TOLD THAT TO AUDI) TO FIX THIS, AND ASSURE THAT MY AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY, THEY WANT OVER 18 THOUSAND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 25, 2017

“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 DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 8, 2019

“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, which fortunately…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 1, 2021 · crash

“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 FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 23, 2018 · fire

2012 Audi A7 — common questions

Is the 2012 Audi A7 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2012 model at #2 of 16 A7 years. It is one of the A7 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 A7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), airbags (7 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 2012 Audi A7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Audi A7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A7 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A7 years to avoid are 2019, 2012, 2013. The cleanest record among A7 years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.