2012 AUDI A6 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2012 AUDI A6 has 1 complaint and 8 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report premature rust and corrosion on the engine subframe, which may affect the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle during operation.
The eight recalls for this model affect several critical systems including air bag deployment, fuel delivery, and engine cooling.
- Engine subframe rust. One complaint cites extensive rust and cracking on the engine cradle, raising concerns about compromised stability and safety of the engine mounting.
The recall issues address defects in safety and powertrain components, with remedies ranging from part replacement to software updates.
- Curtain air bags recall (11V580000). 317 vehicles affected due to improper stitching of curtain air bags. In a crash, these air bags may not deploy, increasing injury risk. Dealers will replace airbags free; no "do not drive" advisory issued.
- Fuel rail leak recall (15V019000). 26,008 vehicles may have fuel injection system leaks, raising fire risk. Fuel rails and seals will be replaced free of charge. No driving restrictions applied.
- Passenger air bag sensor malfunction (15V823000). 21,074 vehicles with heated/cooled seats have defects causing possible non-deployment of front passenger air bags during crashes. Dealers will install repair kits free of charge, no driving prohibitions.
- Electric coolant pump defect (18V229000). 342,867 vehicles with 2.0L Turbo FSI engines risk pump blockage or short circuit, possibly causing fires. Dealers will replace pumps free; no "do not drive" advisory.
- Passenger occupant detection system failure (18V370000). 139,249 vehicles equipped with basic seats may have PODS malfunctions preventing proper air bag deployment. Dealers will install repair kits at no charge; no driving restrictions.
- Fuel hose degradation recall (16V646000). 28,249 vehicles may have fuel hoses that degrade and leak, increasing fire risk. Dealers will replace affected hoses and pumps free, with no advisory to avoid driving.
- Fuel line compression point defect (17V781000). 48,693 vehicles could develop weakened fuel lines causing leaks and fire risk. Dealers will replace fuel lines free of charge; no "do not drive" warnings issued.
- Coolant pump software update recall (17V002000). 342,867 vehicles at risk of coolant pump overheating due to blockage. Power supply to the pump will be updated via software free of charge; owners are not advised to restrict vehicle use.
Owners who face repeated repairs related to these issues or unresolved recall completions may have rights under state lemon laws. Consulting a consumer protection attorney could provide options for unresolved safety or reliability concerns.
2012 AUDI A6 Summary
2012
Model Year
1
Total Complaints
8
Total Recalls
949324
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2012 AUDI A6
139249 vehicles affected
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.
2012 AUDI A6
342867 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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.
Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
2012 AUDI A6
342867 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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.
Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
2012 AUDI A6
48693 vehicles affected
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.
2012 AUDI A6
28249 vehicles affected
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.
2012 AUDI A6
21074 vehicles affected
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.
2012 AUDI A6
26008 vehicles affected
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.
2012 AUDI A6
317 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE HEAD CURTAIN AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN INJURY.
Complaints
2012 AUDI A6
ID: 2114200STRUCTURE:BODY
Dear Highway Safety Authority Officer I am writing to formally request an investigation into a potential safety concern involving structural rust on the engine subframe (engine cradle) of the Audi A6, particularly in models from 2012 There have been growing concerns among owners and independent mechanics regarding excessive and premature rust and corrosion affecting the structural integrity of the engine mounting frame. In some cases, this corrosion could potentially compromise the stability of the engine or the safety of the vehicle during operation. Given the importance of this component to both drivability and crash safety, this issue merits further inspection. I am bringing this to your attention in hopes that your office will investigate whether this represents a broader manufacturing or design defect, and if a recall or safety advisory might be warranted. For your reference, the vehicle in question is: Make/Model: Audi A6 Model Year: 2012 VIN : [XXX] Description of issue: Extensive rust to the frame and some cracks I am happy to provide additional documentation or photographs to assist in the review process. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Ensuring the structural safety of vehicles on the road is of utmost importance, and I appreciate your diligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)