The vehicle dossier US · 2012

2012 Audi
A6Problems & recalls

59 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 15 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 59 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine15 reports
Air bags14 reports
Electrical system13 reports
Fuel system11 reports
Other components10 reports
Transmission & drivetrain8 reports
Steering6 reports
Brakes3 reports
Visibility2 reports
Body & structure2 reports
See original component labels
AIR BAGS14
ENGINE13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
POWER TRAIN8
STEERING6
SERVICE BRAKES3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY1
EQUIPMENT1
SEATS1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 14 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jul 28, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

66,000 miles is the median among 45 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 48,000–100,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

8 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jun 4, 2018 Safety recallAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATIONCampaign 18V370000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 74D5

Read campaign 18V370000 at NHTSA
Apr 11, 2018 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEMCampaign 18V229000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 19N3/19N4

Read campaign 18V229000 at NHTSA
Dec 6, 2017 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 17V781000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 20AR

Read campaign 17V781000 at NHTSA
Jan 3, 2017 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEMCampaign 17V002000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 19M1

Read campaign 17V002000 at NHTSA
Sep 7, 2016 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 16V646000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 24BZ

Read campaign 16V646000 at NHTSA
Dec 8, 2015 Safety recallAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATIONCampaign 15V823000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 74D1

Read campaign 15V823000 at NHTSA
Jan 20, 2015 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAILCampaign 15V019000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: Audi: 24AP/VW: 24BK

Read campaign 15V019000 at NHTSA
Dec 6, 2011 Safety recallAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOWCampaign 11V580000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 11V580000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

1,501 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 26, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2074436_3This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.NHTSA ID 11036917

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036917 at NHTSA
Aug 21, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2069904_3This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.NHTSA ID 11036911

This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036911 at NHTSA
Aug 21, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2069078_4This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).NHTSA ID 11036909

This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036909 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2079732_2This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.NHTSA ID 11036934

This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036934 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2075120_3This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.NHTSA ID 11036921

This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036921 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_20741717_15This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.NHTSA ID 11036915

This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.

Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036915 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2072304_4This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.NHTSA ID 11036914

This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036914 at NHTSA
Jul 27, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2082846_1This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.NHTSA ID 11035854

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035854 at NHTSA
Jul 9, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2073282_1This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.NHTSA ID 11035809

This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035809 at NHTSA
Jul 9, 2026 OtherSM 01-2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.NHTSA ID 11035797

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035797 at NHTSA
Jul 2, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2034863_5This bulletin provides infomraiotn when there is a gearbox malfunction message in the instrument clostuer; DTC P0706; vehicles with 0AW gearbox.NHTSA ID 11035798

This bulletin provides infomraiotn when there is a gearbox malfunction message in the instrument clostuer; DTC P0706; vehicles with 0AW gearbox.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035798 at NHTSA
Jun 23, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2059335_7This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.NHTSA ID 11034643

This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034643 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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