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2012 Audi A7 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Audi A7 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 30owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 17%fail the UK MOT
30 complaints, against an average of 11 for the other 9 Audi A7 model years.
Every Audi A7 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Audi A7?
The components named most often in the 30 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Audi A7 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 30 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2012 Audi A7 been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Sensor: Occupant Classification 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 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 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.
Air Bags: Sensor: Occupant Classification 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Fuel Injection System: Fuel Rail 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.
Is the 2012 Audi A7 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThe mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small
Risk: The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small.
Fix: The oil strainer will be replaced with a revised version with a larger mesh size.
UK DVSAFuel may leak
Risk: Fuel may leak from the injector rails. Drivers may notice a smell of fuel and or evidence of a leak
Fix: On affected vehicles replace injector rails and seals.
UK DVSAReduction in braking performance
Risk: On affected vehicles engine oil may in isolated instances enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie.This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.
Fix: Replace vacuum line on affected vehicles.
EU Safety GateThe vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe auxiliary coolant pump may seize up.This could lead to the pump overheating after the engine has been switched off with the risk that the vehicle could catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe additional coolant pump can block due to foreign particles in the cooling system.This can result in the pump overheating which could lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that, in isolated cases, oil arrives into the brake force amplifier through the vacuum hoses.This can lead to damage of the amplifier membrane and consequently to reduction of brake force, which could lead to an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Audi A7 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Audi A7 owners report?
12 of the 30 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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. Inspection is available upon request. The defect of the vehicle could have cause major bodily injuries to me and my daughter and anyone within a few feet of my vehicle. No warning signs appeared at all prior to this incident happening, this malfunction came without notice. Im very concerned with the manufacturing defect and…
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 coolant control valve for transmission as coolant was leaking into solenoid. Many other reports of this same problem on NHTSA already and mechanic says it is known issue with Audi.
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 was a big and sturdy car. I managed to drive my car into an empty parking space. The owners of the 2 cars that had been hit came out of the office building and we exchanged information. The car that my Audi had hit was not drivable. My Audi was drivable, despite severe damage. It was towed away by…
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 contacted my Audi dealer . they sent truck for pick-up by GUY TOWING LLC, tel.( 737) 333-7334. There were no warning signs before. Also, I had my car at Audi service earlier this year and paid ca. $6000.- for yearly overhaul and several repairs. To my knowledge, so far no inspection by anyone , but by the repair replace…
WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 AUDI A7 ON THE HIGHWAY, RECEIVED NUMEROUS ERROR MESSAGES WITHOUT WARNING ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR BEGAN TO LURCH, STALL, AND DRIVE ERRATICALLY WITH LIMITED DRIVING AND BRAKING CONTROL. SITUATION WAS VERY UNSAFE AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING. AUDI DEALERSHIP STATED THAT A COOLANT MIGRATION DEFECT OCCURRED. THE COOLANT PUMP VALVE FAILED INTERNALLY AND LEAKED COOLANT ONTO THE WIRING HARNESS. THE COOLANT TRAVELED ALONG THE HARNESS AND DAMAGED OR DESTROYED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INCLUDING THE ECM, TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT, AND THE HARNESS / ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS…
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.
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.
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 AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,291.
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 FACTORS AFFECTING AN INTERNAL CONNECTOR OR CONTACT RESISTANCE INCREASE AT BODY-SENSING MAT IN THE SEAT. SHOULD A MALFUNCTION OCCUR, VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WILL BE ALERTED OF A PODS PROBLEM BY ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG MONITORING LIGHT AND BY THE STATUS OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHT. IN THIS SITUATION, A FRONT…
RECEIVED NOTICE SOME TIME AGO ABOUT RECALL AFFECTING PASSENGER AIRBAG. MONTHS HAVE PASSED AND AUDI HERE CLAIMS STILL DO NOT HAVE PARTS FOR RECALL. I ALSO EARLIER FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS DISABLING THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG (WHICH I NOW BELIEVE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEATED SEATS SINCE THEY WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN OTHER MODELS AND DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WAS NOT A SUBJECT FOR RECALL AS WELL.
TAKATA RECALL, MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE APRIL 2018. AUDI OF ANNAPOLIS INFORMED ME THAT I HAVE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER STEERING WHEEL FOR $4000 TO REPLACE A FAULTY AIRBIG, WHY? I HAVE NO HORN AND NO AIR BAG AND I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR. I'VE BEEN RENTING CARS SINCE APRIL. MY CAR IS ALSO OVERHEATING WHEN IT'S IDLE FOR 10 MINUTES, HOWEVER, WHEN I START DRIVING IT COOLS DOWN. I SEE RECALLS FOR OTHER AUDI MODELS, WHY NOT THE 2012 A7?
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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CAME OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2012 Audi A7: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Audi A7 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Audi A7; the most common categories were air bags (7, 23.3%), electrical system (6, 20%), steering (6, 20%). There are 5 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi A7?
Across 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (23.3% of complaints), electrical system (20% of complaints), steering (20% of complaints), vehicle speed control (16.7% of complaints), engine (13.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Audi A7 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Audi A7; the most recent (campaign 18V370000, 2018-06-04) concerns Air Bags: Sensor: Occupant Classification. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Audi A7 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
6 of the 30 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Audi A7 (20%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11269822, October 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Audi A7?
5 of the 30 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Audi A7 (16.7%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 18V370000 (air bags: sensor: occupant classification). The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Takata recall, my airbag light has been on since april 2018. audi of annapolis informed me that i have to purchase another steering wheel for $4000 to replace a faulty airbig, why? i have no horn and no air bag and i'm terrified to drive my car." (NHTSA complaint 11123080, August 2018). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own A7
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.