2012 Audi A7 recalls and problems

5 recalls and 30 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Audi A7.

5
recalls
30
owner complaints
2
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Audi A7 recalls

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 18V370000 · reported June 4, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 139,249 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 17V781000 · reported December 6, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 48,693 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 16V646000 · reported September 7, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 28,249 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 15V823000 · reported December 8, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 21,074 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
The 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

NHTSA campaign 15V019000 · reported January 20, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 26,008 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 12, 2022 · Engine and engine cooling

Oil system. A quart of oil has to be added every day. Dealership says its crank case breather. Which the supercharge cause the oil to burn more. Also the antifreeze is burning more because the engine is so hot from the oil burning rapidly. Audi is aware and fails to do anything about this known issue.

Mar 17, 2022 · Steering

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…

Feb 14, 2022 · Air bags

Passenger seat airbag light is on .

Jan 12, 2022 · Power train

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…

Jun 26, 2021 · Vehicle speed control · crash reported

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…

A7 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 0100
2012 53022
2013 51921
2014 21100
2015 3500

Across all years, the 2019 A7 has the most complaints (43). All Audi A7 years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Audi A7 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Audi A7, the most recent reported on June 4, 2018 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi A7?
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (7 complaints), followed by electrical system (6).
How many 2012 Audi A7 complaints mention a crash or fire?
2 of 30 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 12, 2022.