2012 Audi A6: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Audi A6 has 59 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag motorized mmi screen failure: recurrent: the screen mechanism can break, and the screen may not retract or extend properly.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

59
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Audi A6 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2012 a good year for the A6?

Across the 25 A6 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 231 (1999). With 59 complaints, the 2012 A6 sits about the same asthe model's median of 59.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
14
electrical system
13
engine
13
fuel/propulsion system
9
power train
8

Recalls affecting the 2012 A6

engine and engine cooling:cooling system

Campaign 18V229000

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 vehicl

air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Campaign 18V370000

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 t

engine and engine cooling:cooling system

Campaign 17V002000

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 wi

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 17V781000

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.

What owners report on the 2012-2018 A6

Owners of the 2012-2018 A6 are generally positive, praising the 3.0T supercharged engine as one of Audi's most reliable and the ZF 8-speed transmission as stout and well-programmed. The car is described as comfortable, solid, and a great value for its deprecia

  • Motorized MMI screen failure: Recurrent: The screen mechanism can break, and the screen may not retract or extend properly.
  • Water pump leaks: Very frequent: A common failure on the 3.0T, often addressed as preventive maintenance.
  • PCV valve failure: Recurrent: Known to fail on the 3.0T, especially on earlier CGXB engines.
  • Motor mount failure: Recurrent: Engine mounts can leak and fail, causing vibration at idle.
  • Control arm/suspension wear: Recurrent: Control arms and suspension components are common wear items at higher mileage.

Owner insights for the 2012-2018 A6. Read the full 2012-2018 owner report.

Typical used price

Used A6 listings typically run $15,991–$61,219 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other A6 model years

Compare every A6 year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.

Compare the A6 against its rivals