2012 Audi A4 problems
The Audi A4 is a line of luxury compact executive cars produced since 1994 by the German car manufacturer Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The A4 has been built in five generations and is based on the Volkswagen Group B platform. The first generation A4 succeeded the Audi 80. The automaker's internal numbering treats the A4 as a continuation of the Audi 80 lineage, with the initial A4 designated as the B5-series, followed by the B6, B7, B8, and the B9.
The B8 and B9 versions of the A4 are built on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform shared with several models and brands across the Volkswagen Group. The Audi A4 automobile layout consists of a front-engine design, with transaxle-type transmissions mounted at the rear of the engine. The cars are front-wheel drive, or on some models, "quattro" all-wheel drive. The A4 is available as a sedan and station wagon. Historically, the second (B6) and third generations (B7) of the A4 also included a convertible version. For the fourth generation (B8) and onwards, the convertible, along with a new coupé and 5-door liftback variant, was spun-off by Audi into a new nameplate called the Audi A5.
B5 (Typ 8D; 1994)
The first generation Audi A4 (known internally as the Typ 8D) debuted in October 1994, with production starting November 1994 and European sales commencing in January 1995 for the 1995 model year. North American sales later began in September 1995 for the 1996 model year. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 (PL45) platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat (B5, Typ 3B). It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive. Many variations of the A4 were also available with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system. The A4 was initially introduced as a four-door saloon/sedan; the Avant (estate/wagon) was introduced in November 1995 and went on sale in February 1996.
Development began in 1988, with the first design sketches being created later that year. By 1991, an exterior design by Imre Hasanic was chosen and frozen for November 1994 production by 1992. The interior design was later finalized in 1992, with pilot production commencing in the first half of 1994. Development concluded in the third quarter of 1994, preceding November 1994 start of production.
A wide range of engines were available in European markets, between 1.6 and 2.8 litres for petrol engines; and a 1.9-litre diesel engine available with Volkswagen Group's VE technology, capable of achieving a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) or 110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp). The 2.6 and 2.8-litre V6 engines which had been carried over from the old 80/90 proved popular, although in North America, the 2.8-litre engine was the only V6 that was available there until 1997. A 2.4-liter version was developed especially for the Thai market, where import duty jumped from 60 to 100 percent on cars of over 2,400 cc displacement.
The Audi A4 was the first model in the Volkswagen Group to feature the new 1.8-litre 20v engine with five valves per cylinder, based on the unit Audi Sport had developed for their Supertouring race car. A turbocharged 1.8T version produced 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) and 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) torque. Moreover, a quattro GmbH special edition of the B5 1.8T was later available in Germany and Europe, for which the engine's power output was raised to 180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp) and 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft). Five-valve technology was also added to a reengineered V6 family of engines in 1997, starting with the 2.8-litre V6 30v, which now produced 193 PS (142 kW; 190 bhp), followed by a 2.4-litre V6 which was a downsize from the previous 2.6 litre, 150 hp (112 kW) engine, but with a power increase to 165 PS (121 kW; 163 bhp).
Audi also debuted their new tiptronic automatic transmission on the B5 platform, based on the unit Porsche developed for their 964-generation 911. The transmission is a conventional automatic gearbox with a torque converter offering the driver a fully-automatic operation or manual selection of the gear ratios.
The B5 marked Audi's continued move into the midsize luxury car segment, having started this trajectory notably with later model years of the preceding Audi 80/90 B4. Despite initial mechanical problems, overall build and assembly quality were lauded both by the automotive press and within Audi and Volkswagen, and at the time, parent company Volkswagen declared the B5 the company-wide build quality benchmark for all its other models.
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Common 2012 Audi A4 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2012 Audi A4, several common problems have been reported:
- Timing Chain Failure:
- Owners have experienced sudden engine stalls or loss of power while driving due to premature degradation of the timing chains, necessitating replacements.
- Excessive Oil Consumption:
- Some owners have faced issues with excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups even after short distances, leading to low oil warning lights while driving.
- Alternator Failure:
- An alternator issue in a 2012 Audi A4 resulted in complete electrical failure, even after replacing the alternator and battery, leading to unresolved electrical system problems.
- Transmission Failure:
- There has been at least one reported case of transmission failure in the 2012 A4, where the transmission warning sign prompted a replacement that soon developed a similar issue.
- Steering Problems:
- Owners have reported power steering failures, with excessive vibrations in the steering wheel while driving and difficulties in turning, persisting even after multiple repair attempts.
- Fire from Headlight Compartment:
- One incident reported a fire originating from the headlight compartment shortly after parking, leading to the vehicle being declared a total loss after unsuccessful attempts to extinguish the fire.
These issues highlight significant concerns with the 2012 Audi A4, ranging from engine-related problems like timing chain failures and excessive oil consumption to critical electrical and safety issues such as alternator failure, transmission problems, and even fire hazards. Owners have faced challenges with these issues, indicating potential reliability and safety issues with this particular model year of the Audi A4.
Is Audi A4 2012 a reliable car?
This car is very reliable, the interior is very nice as it is the outside. Performance wise, it pulls you back when you step on the gas. Also, very economic since I have the 2.0L engine.
How long will a 2012 Audi A4 last before major problems?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.
Does Audi A4 have engine problems?
The Audi A4 gets an average RepairPal rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 but suffers from higher repair costs. The Audi A4 is known to develop issues like carbon buildup in the intake system, failed fuel pumps, excessive oil consumption, premature wear on suspension parts, and engine failure.
Is the Audi A4 a good reliable car?
The 2024 Audi A4 has a predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Is Audi A4 2012 a reliable car?
This car is very reliable, the interior is very nice as it is the outside. Performance wise, it pulls you back when you step on the gas. Also, very economic since I have the 2.0L engine.
What is the most common problem with the Audi A4?
Audi A4 8 Common Problems
- Airbag Troubles. According to Car Problem Zoo, a website that compiles owner feedback, the most frequently reported issue with the A4 is related to its airbags. ...
- High Oil Consumption. ...
- Leaking Coolant. ...
- Transmission Woes. ...
- Flickering Headlights. ...
- Ignition Coil Issues.
How long will a 2012 Audi A4 last before major problems?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.
What generation Audi A4 is most reliable?
Most Reliable Audi A4 Years: Fourth Generation (Sold: 2009-2016)
2012 Audi A4 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Audi A4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Audi A4
The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Audi A4. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Audi A4 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-10
- VIN: WAUBFAFL6CN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER A FAILED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS FREAKED OUT. 60,000MI ON THE DASH, AND MY CAR IS A BRICK. AFTER A MONTH ON THE LIFT THE MOST WELL CERTIFIED MECHANICS IN MY AREA, INCLUDING SOME OF AUDI'S OWN, ARE AT A COMPLETE LOSS. THE ONLY THING WE'VE COME UP WITH IS THAT THE COMPUTERS TURN ON EVERY 30 SECONDS WHILE MY CAR IS OFF.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- VIN: WAUBFAFL2CA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: CAR HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. AND STARTING UP THE CAR HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE RANDOMLY JUSTIFIED. SOME TIMES IT STARTS UP RIGHT AWAY, SOME TIMES IT JUST TAKES A FEW CRANKS. DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S WARM OR COLD ENGINE. I PULLED ECU CODE AND IT SAYS U0100 WHICH IS LOSS OF COMMUNICATION TO ECM. WELL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN BE DRIVING JUST FINE ON THE ROAD BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST DECIDES TO QUIT CAUSE A HAVOC ON A BUSY TRAFFIC IN HOUSTON.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-17
- VIN: WAUBFAFL8CN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: THIS CAR HAS A MASSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. A WEEK AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE THE LOW OIL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER APPROXIMATE 150 MILES OF DRIVING. I STARTED HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY OF 2017 SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON . I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER THEY RAN THE REQUIRED TESTS THAT FAILED, WAS TOLD THAT AUDI PUT THE WRONG ENGINE IN THE CAR AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $8K FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THIS IS NOT MY PROBLEM, IT IS AUDI'S BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT THEY SETTLED IN A LAWSUIT YEARS PRIOR. IT IS NERVE-WRACKING TO DRIVE BECAUSE, I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH OIL IS IN THE CAR.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: WAUKFAFL7CA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: PISTON RINGS CAR IS SMOKING AND OIL IS COMING OUT OF THE MUFFLER THE CAR HAVE LAST THEN 100K MILEAGE
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-03
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2012 AUDI A4 QUATTRO USES (BURNS) AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL, CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD MOTOR OIL. MUST ADD A QUART OF OIL ON A MONTHLY BASIS AND DRIVING LESS THAN 1,000 PER MONTH.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-02
- VIN: WAUFFAFL8CN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND AUDI WANTS TO CHARGE ME $12,000 TO REPAIR THE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO THEIR BEING DAMAGE TO MY PISTON RINGS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR. DURING THE TIME THAT THE FIRST OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT THAT HAD BEEN FILED AND SETTLED AGAINST AUDI DO TO THE MANUFACTURER MALFUNCTION WHICH CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. BY THE TIME I BECAME THE OWNER THE SUITE HAD ALREADY SETTLED. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-28
- VIN: WAUBFFL7CN0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2012 AUDI A4 HAS HAD ONGOING OIL CONSUMPTION ISUUES. AUDI DEALER PERFORMED CONSUMPTION TEST DONE AROUND 74K (3QTS PER 1000MILES - BASICALLY HAVE HAD TO ADD 1 QT EVERY 300 MILES. WAS TOLD NO RECOURSE - WAS OUTSIDE OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OF 2009-2011 OF SIMILAR ISSUES. NOW AT 133K MILE, ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING - EPC LIGHT CAME ON - CAR WAS SERVICED LESS THAN 25K MILES AND HAD ALL 4 FUEL INJECTORS, 4 SPARK PLUGS AND 2 IGNITION COILS REPLACED AND DE-CARB PROCEDURE DONE. I'M AT A LOSS THAT AUDI REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAULTY ENGINE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-22
- VIN: WAU4FBFL3CA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WE WERE JUST INFORMED OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT INVOLVING TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER FAILURE. THIS FAILURE COULD CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STOP POSSIBLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND HARM TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. THE LAWSUIT COULD RESULT IN AN EXTENDED PRO-RATED WARRANTY BUT NO RECALL OR REPAIRS MADE TO ANY VEHICLE PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. AUDI IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO THE DEALER NETWORK BUT WILL NOT OFFER ANY REPAIRS OUTSIDE OF THE CURRENT WARRANTY. WE BELIEVE ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED PRIOR TO A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIFE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-02
- VIN: WAUWFAFL4CA
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: SINCE PURCHASING MY CPO AUDI WITH EXTENDED MAINTENANCE PACKAGE & I HAVE IMMACULATE REPAIR RECORDS. IT'S GLARINGLY CLEAR NOW THAT THE DEALERSHIP AVOIDED DIAGNOSISING MY REPEATED COMPLAINTS ABOUT STEERING VIBRATION FEEDBACK. COUNTLESS DOLLARS SPENT ON ALIGNMENTS & RIM, TIRES CHANGES.MY STEERING HAS COMPLETELY DECAYED TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND NO AUDI SUPPORT ON RECALLING THIS ISSUE. FEELS LIKE A CROSSWIND PUSHING CAR ON HIGHWAYS, NOTCHING IS SO BAD THAT IT REQUIRES MUSCLE ENDURANCE TO TURN IT WHILE DOING K TURNS NOW. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY & FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT OF MANUFACTURING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED A LONG TIME AGO. NO FIX AVAILABLE THAT IS A GUARANTEED SUCCESS. TRULY DISGUSTED. 90,000 MILES OUTRIGHT FRAUD! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-11
- VIN: WAUBFAFL8CN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: UPON HAVING 3 CONSECUTIVE OIL CHANGES, MY CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN TO BURN OIL (NO LEAKS) AFTER THE FIRST OIL CHANGE UPON DRIVING LESS THAN 900 MILES. THEN THE SECOND OIL CHANGE DID THE SAME THING UPON DRIVING UNDER 300 MILES. IT ACTUALLY RAN OUT OF OIL TOTALLY. I ADDED OIL AS INSTRUCTED BY THE CAR, AND IT BURN THE OIL WITHING 250 MILES OF DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR HAD THE WRONG ENGINE PUT IN THE VEHICLE. THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE AT MY COST, WITH POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT TO ME. NOT ACCEPTABLE, SINCE THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT. OIL CONTINUES TO BURN AT A VERY HIGH RATE AND POTENTIAL CAUSE ADDITIONAL ENGINE PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-19
- VIN: WAUBFAFL7CN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL I'VE NOTICED ON MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS I SEE THAT THE AUDI A4 HAS A PROBLEM OF JERKING AFTER IT IS ISOLATING IN TRAFFIC. MY CAR JERKS AFTER SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC, AND THEN ONCE I PRESS TO ACCELERATE THE CAR JERKS. COULD YOU PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM ON THE AUDI A4? I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TWICE AND THEY SAY THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-21
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: OIL LIGHT KEEP APPEARING ON DASHBOARD EVEN WHEN SERVICED
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-16
- VIN: WAUBFAFLXCN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING CHAIN TO SLIP AND IMMEDIATE ENGINE STOPPAGE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-19
- VIN: WAUFFAFL8CA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER, TIMING CHAIN GUIDES & LOWER TIMING COVER WITH PISTON REPAIR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-31
- VIN: WAUWFAFL8CA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE AND ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST ALMOST ALL POWER AND DECELERATED TO A 15 MPH PACE ON MAJOR STREET WITH 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-24
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WAUFFAFL0CA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL: MY 2012 AUDI A4 WAS TOTALLED IN JULY 2014. AFTER TURNING LEFT IN FRONT OF ANOTHER CAR GOING 60 MPH, I WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT MYSELF AND TOOK MY HANDS OFF THE WHEEL, FEEL OFF THE PEDALS, CLOSED MY EYES AND WAITED FOR THE OTHER VEHICLE TO STRIKE ME. I WAS WEARING SUNGLASSES AT THE TIME. EVERY AIR BAG INSIDE MY VEHICLE WAS DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE DRIVER REAR HEADREST BAG, USUALLY INDICATING A DEATH. I AM CERTAIN THE AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT SAVED MY LIFE. I AM STILL PULLING OUT PARTICLES OF DEBRIS FROM MY FACE AND LEFT FINGER, BUT AM THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE. I AM ALSO CERTAIN THAT TAKING MY HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL, FEET OFF THE PEDALS, CLOSING MY EYES AND ROLLING SLOWLY INTO THE COLLISION ALSO SAVED ME. IF POSSIBLE MAYBE DIAL DOWN ON THE EXPLOSIVES, IF ANY COMPLAINT, BUT I WAS A BEE TO WALK AWAY FROM A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. IT DID FEEL AS THOUGH A BOMB WENT OFF, AND NEITHER CAR HAD AN ENGINE, HOOD, FENDERS, ETC. LEFT BUT BOTH OF US WALKED AWAY. JULY 24, 2014. MULHOLLAND HWY AND LAS VIGENES AT 12:00 NOON, MALIBU, CA. SO MANY AGENCIES WERE ON THE SCENE SOMEONE MUST HAVE FILMED IT. THANK YOU TAKATA INFLATORS FOR SAVING MY LIFE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-17
- VIN: WAUFFAFLXCA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I TURNED CAR OFF, WENT INTO A STORE CAME BACK, STARTED CAR AND IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE, AS IF TOTALLY FALLING APART. TURNED IT OFF, TRIED AGAIN AND WOULD NOT START AT ALL. DEALER SAID ENGINE WAS SHOT, SEIZED UP HAS TO BE REPLACED. THEY HAVE BEEN MAINTAINING IT SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. OIL CHANGES ALL UP TO DATE. 30,000 MILE OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. DEALER HAS NO UNDERSTAND OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING? NO IDEA. HAS ANYONE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO THEIR AUDI A4 2012?
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-08
- VIN: WAUDF78E68A
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V382000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-01
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: EXTREMELY LOUD "ROARING" NOISE ON A COLD START AFTER HAVING SAT OVERNIGHT. DEALERSHIP BASICALLY REPORTED AS NORMAL "OF NO CONSEQUENCE". CONTINUOUS SINCE NEW.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-26
- VIN: WAUFFAFL1CN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES/VIBRATES. THE VIBRATION IS VERY NOTICEABLE AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED. IT MAY OCCUR AT HIGHER SPEEDS BUT IT CANNOT BE DETECTED SINCE ROADS ARE NOT SMOOTH. THE CURRENT UPDATED HOSE -- NOT SURE WHICH ONE -- WAS OEM ON CAR BUT AT 28583 MILES THE "SERVOTRONIC VALVE/CONVERTER" WAS REPLACED AND PROBLEM CORRECTED FOR A TIME. ORIGINAL PROBLEM HAS RETURNED AND CONTINUES DURING AND AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD -- I.E., PROBLEM HAS BEEN PRESENT STARTING WITH THE PURCHASE IN 2011 AND IS STILL PRESENT AT 12/26/2015. AUDI AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER CONFIRMED WITH AUDI THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE CAR AND IS PRESENT IN OTHER 2012 AUDI CARS. SAFETY OF DRIVERS IS BEING COMPROMISED.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-11
- VIN: WAUFFAFL3CA
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TIRES WILL NOT HOLD AIR PRESSURE. DECEMBER 2014 DRIVING ALONE TIRE BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON COLD EVENING (10 DEGREES F), HWY 19 SOUTH BOUND. TPMS LIGHT CAME ON SECONDS BEFORE TIRE BLOW OUT. CALLED AUDI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. RECORD AVAILABLE. REPLACED WITH SAME PERELLI P6 - 245X40RX18. SAME ISSUE. TIRES DO NOT HOLD PRESSURE. OCTOBER 11, 2015 HAD RIMS CLEANED AND TIRE/RIM SEALER APPLIED TO HOLD TIRE PRESSURE. SAME ISSUE. TIRES DO NOT HOLD PRESSURE. MY SPOUCE IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING CAR THAT TIRES BLOW OUT AND DO NOT HOLD PRESSURE. THESE TIRES SHOULD BE INSPECTED AND RECALLED. HAPPY TO HELP GETS THESE TIRES OFF THE ROAD. THEY ARE DANGEROUS!
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-30
- VIN: WAUAFAFL8CN
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY 2012 AUDI A4 AFTER A FEW WEEKS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED I WAS TOLD ( SYSTEM WAS TO LEAN IN BANK 1) I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW O2 SYSTEM, LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF AND I WAS TOLD NEXT THAT THEIR WAS A LEAK IN A VACUUM SEAL AND LASTLY MY COOLANT LEVEL WAS DEPLETING AT A RAPID SPEED AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEIR WAS A LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-05
- VIN: WAUFFAFL4CA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: ONLY FIVE MINUTES AFTER STARTING CAR IN MORNING, ENGINE RAPIDLY LOST POWER AND QUIT COMPLETELY WHILE IN 60 MPH TRAFFIC ON HEAVILY TRAVELED INTERSTATE 526 IN CHARLESTON, SC. COASTED CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC LANES TO SIDE, A VERY DANGEROUS LOCATION ON ELEVATED ROADWAY. HAD CAR TOWED TO AUDI DEALER, WHO SAID THEY TESTED AND FOUND FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. THEY REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND ENGINE SEEMS TO RUN NORMALLY NOW. IN FOUR DECADES OF DRIVING I'VE NEVER HAD A FUEL PUMP FAIL. THIS ONE PUT MY WIFE AND ME IN JEOPARDY DUE TO THE SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER IN MIDDLE OF FAST, HEAVY TRAFFIC. WE WERE LUCKY TO GET OUT WITHOUT BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRUCKS & TRAFFIC. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: 2012 AUDI A4 AVANT WITH 55,000 MILES AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH, MECHANISM AND SENSOR ARE INTERMITTENTLY FAILING. CENTRAL LOCKING THINKS DOOR IS OPEN, DOME LIGHTS AND DOOR AJAR CHIME CONSTANTLY TURNING OFF AND ON. FIXED AT AUDI DEALERSHIP. AUDI USA DEEMED THE ISSUE "WEAR AND TEAR". *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-03
- VIN: WAUAFAFL8CN
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SUNROOF EXPLODED AROUND 4:AM WHILE DRIVING @ 40 MPH. NO IMPACT TO VEHICLE TO CAUSE EXPLOSION.THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 45 DEGREES AND THE INSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS SET @ 75 DEGREES. LEFT A HOLE 5" X 10" AND GLASS WAS FALLING INSIDE CAR. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WHICH SCARED ME BUT I TOOK CONTROL OF THE CAR AS THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD AT THAT TIME. *TR
Negative 2012 Audi A4 car reviews
Positive 2012 Audi A4 car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2011 Audi 4 with the Premium package. It's been a great ride so far with 12K miles on it. After test driving the BMW 3 series (even the Diesel) and the Mercedes Benz C class, we decided to go with the Audi 4 and we're really happy with our decision. The only thing I miss is the fun to drive that I had with my GTI, but overall it's been a great experience. I'm also happy to say that we haven't had to go to the dealer for any repairs, which is always a plus. Thanks for listening!
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I recently purchased an Audi A4 premium AWD certified vehicle and I couldn't be happier! It's the only upscale vehicle still available with a manual transmission, which was a must-have for me. The car handles beautifully and is an absolute joy to drive. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun and reliable ride. Before this car, I had a basic model that unfortunately got totaled. However, I'm grateful that the car saved my life. Although I was initially disappointed with the basic model, my new certified pre-owned car has all the features I was looking for and more. It's a premium plus model, which means it comes with all the bells and whistles. I especially love the back-up camera and split backseats. Living in a hilly area, I need an AWD car that can handle the snow, and this car does not disappoint!
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A sedan and sports car in one. Although it was beyond warranty and developed an oil consumption issue at 85,000 miles, Audi took ownership of the fault and rebuilt the engine at no cost to me. They also provided a beautiful car as a loaner. The car handles like a sports car and has plenty of power. It's a great car to own!
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Audi performs really well! I would recommend taking your car to the dealership for regular service since they know your car best. Just be aware that some cars may have issues with excessive oil usage.
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I'm so glad I took a chance on a German vehicle! Despite my initial reservations about reliability, I've put 4k miles on the car so far with no issues. I'm very happy with all aspects of the car - it handles well, gets good mileage (right at 25 overall), and is incredibly comfortable. Even with the sport package, I was concerned that the ride might be punishing, but it's just firm and still very comfortable. The dealer experience has been excellent, and I've had no issues with excessive oil burning like some others have had. I'm hopeful that this positive trend will continue!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Audi A4 problems:
Why should I not get a 2012 audi a4? : r/Audi
Aug 7, 2021 ... Engine + recall + oil leak/burn Look into A 4 2012 known problems. Upvote
2012 A4 Quattro Premium Reliability - AudiWorld Forums
Nov 8, 2019 ... The biggest issue with those CAEB motors is oil consumption. Audi really got the new rings (trying to save a few micropennies by improving gas ...
Common problems with 2012 High Mileage A4 : r/Audi
Feb 27, 2019 ... But you still need to replace the timing chain every 90-100 k miles, transmission fluid every 40,000 miles and you'll have to replace the fuel ...
2012 Audi A4 Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Audi A4? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Audi A4.
Common B8 problems - AudiWorld Forums
May 19, 2012 ... Common B8 problems · 1. Excessive oil consumption · 2. buffeting noise when sunroof open · 3. Vibrating steering wheel during low-speed turns
Other years of Audi A4
Are you having problems with your 2012 Audi A4?
Loy Bashirian 2024-11-19
The 2009-2012 2.0 engines have a known issue with piston rings that can cause excessive oil consumption. I personally experienced this problem, having to add 1 quart of oil every 600 miles!
Norris Lang 2024-11-13
My first Audi has left me impressed. The car is a joy to drive, with responsive engine and outstanding gas mileage. In my opinion, it is one of the best-looking cars in its segment, both inside and out. While I have put a lot of miles on the car, I have noticed some rattles and a piece of plastic came loose on the side of the dash by the driver's side door. Although I was disappointed to learn that integrity issues are only covered up to 12,000 miles, I remain confident in the quality of my Audi. I look forward to continuing my relationship with this brand.
Scot Leuschke 2024-08-11
I recently purchased a 2012 A4 in November and was surprised to find out that it does not support Bluetooth Audio streaming, especially considering its price of $40,880. In contrast, even budget cars like the Ford Fiesta offer this feature. Additionally, the rear headrests are quite large and obstruct 20% of the rear windshield. While the Bluetooth voice command requires a separate phonebook that requires user entry, I appreciate the convenience it provides. However, I do feel that the steering lacks good road feel and feels artificial and loose. Despite driving gently with less than 2000 rpm and only on the highway, my gas mileage has been lower than expected at 24 MPG, while the spec said 29 MPG. In comparison, my Accord gets 30 MPG when the spec says 29. Lastly, the instantaneous MPG on the trip computer sometimes displays 200 MPG, which seems unrealistic. Overall, I hope these issues can be addressed in future models.
Vince Barrows 2024-05-22
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my old car. Although it was a blast to drive, I found that the yearly repairs, expensive gas, and oil consumption added up to at least $1,000. Unfortunately, when I sold it, it wasn't worth much. Have you had a similar experience with a car before?
Maxine Spinka 2024-05-15
Hey there! If you're considering buying a 2012 Audi Avant Wagon, I just wanted to give you a heads up that it tends to consume a quart of oil every 300 miles. In my experience, it hasn't been the best vehicle. Just thought you should know!