2012 Audi A7 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Audi A7, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags716.3%
- Electrical614.0%
- Steering614.0%
- Engine511.6%
- Driver assistance511.6%
- Powertrain (other)49.3%
- Fuel system37.0%
- Tires & wheels24.7%
- Other / unspecified24.7%
- Interior & seats12.3%
- Suspension12.3%
- Brakes12.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger seat airbag light is on .
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 PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT RISKS INJURY IN A CRASH BECAUSE A MALFUNCTIONING PODS MAY NOT MAKE THE CORRECT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DECISION FOR THE TYPE OF OCCUPANT SEATED THERE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. AUDI HAS A HISTORY OF COOLANT PUMP DEFECTS AND HAS ACTIVE RECALLS FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR OTHER MODELS. THIS MODEL, THE 2012 A7 SHOULD BE ADDED TO THAT LIST AS IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS WERE SENT TO THE DEALERS.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 issue on this and many Audi's vehicle that have this same issue and could possible be life threating not only for the driver but anyone. I still get anxiety when thinking of this incident and the panic that happen.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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. AUDI HAS A HISTORY OF COOLANT PUMP DEFECTS AND HAS ACTIVE RECALLS FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR OTHER MODELS. THIS MODEL, THE 2012 A7 SHOULD BE ADDED TO THAT LIST AS IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS WERE SENT TO THE DEALERS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 CALIBER COLLISION. Never in my life of driving had I experienced a car racing, without my causing to make it race.
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 that the truck took my car to. Also, the 2 car owners of the cars hit by my car would have reported the incident to my car insurance company.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I BOUGHT A 2012 AUDI A7 PRESTIGE FROM CARVANA ONLINE IN DECEMBER 2019, FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. AT THE END OF JANUARY, I'D AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR, WHICH NEEDED IT TO GO TO THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. AT THE SHOP, I FOUND OUT THAT MY WHEELS WERE STAGGERED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOWERED THAN ITS ORIGINAL SPECIFICATION AND RECOMMENDATION. I CONTACTED CARVANA AND SILVERROCK, AND A CLAIM WAS INITIATED ON 02/09/2020 AT 1:58PM. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A SHOP AND HAVE THEM CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICE. FEW MONTHS LATER, I NEEDED TO DO OIL CHANGE AND PERIODIC SERVICING AT AUDI CONCORD, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE WHEELS OF MY VEHICLE IS A HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE SWITCHED BACK TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION. MIND YOU, WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM CARVANA, THERE WAS NEVER A DISCLOSURE OF THE WHEELS BEEN CHANGED. CARVANA CLAIMS THEY HAVE MECHANICS WHO INSPECT EVERY CAR THEY SELL AND I'M SURE IF THAT IS TRUE, THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS AND JUST DECIDED NOT TO DISCLOSE IT TO ME, SO I COULD GO ON WITH THE VEHICLE PURCHASE. AUDI HAS STATED THAT MY WHEELS COULD FALL OFF, AMONG OTHER RISKS OF DRIVING A STAGGERED WHEEL. MY A7 IS A QUATRO AND EVERYTHING IS A SET OF 4, THAT NEEDS TO MATCH. I'VE A 3-YEAR OLD SON I DRIVE AROUND IN THE BACK SEAT. I'M SURE IF I WASN'T BLACK, THEY WOULD DISCLOSE THE DANGER OF DRIVING AROUND WITH MY FAMILY IN A CAR THE WHEELS COULD FALL OFF AND KILL US ALL. I'VE ALERTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY, AND THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO DO ANYTHING. THEY CLAIM I NEEDED A DIAGNOSIS FROM WHEN I FIRST REPORTED THE ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH I'VE SENT THEM AND UPLOADED A FILE FROM MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT AUDI, AND THE PDF CLEARLY STATES MY CLAIM. THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT STARTED EVEN BEFORE I GOT THE CAR. WHY CAN'T IT BE SIMPLY CORRECTED BACK TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Audi A7. The contact stated that after driving from a stop sign into a four-way intersection at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fuel had leaked from the engine compartment and was caused by a detached fuel line due to a failed fuel line coupling. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number 17V781000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2012 AUDI A7; 4 SIDEWALL "BUBBLING" BLOWOUTS IN A YEAR. BEING VERY CAREFUL TO MAINTAIN CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE, AND NORMAL CITY DRIVING. TWO BLOWOUTS OCCURED WHEN CAR WAS IN PARK. VEHICLE DEALER MAINTAINS BLOWOUTS ARE DUE TO ROAD HAZARDS AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. *JS
OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS 3 OUT OF MY 4 CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTAC TIRES HAVE DEVELOPED "BUBBLES" IN THE SIDE WALL. WHEN THE 1ST (OR EVEN PERHAPS THE 2ND) TIRE DEVELOPED THIS PROBLEM, IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO POT HOLES. IT IS SUMMER NOW AND I HAVE DRIVEN VERY LITTLE BUT THE 3RD TIRE HAS PRESENTED THIS PROBLEM. I KEEP THE TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED. ALL OF MY TIRES ARE ROUTINELY EXAMINED PERSONALLY AND BY THE TIRE COMPANY WHEN REPLACING PREVIOUS TIRES. UPDATED 4/24/2015*JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT A 2012 AUDI A7 PRESTIGE FROM CARVANA ONLINE IN DECEMBER 2019, FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. AT THE END OF JANUARY, I'D AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR, WHICH NEEDED IT TO GO TO THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. AT THE SHOP, I FOUND OUT THAT MY WHEELS WERE STAGGERED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOWERED THAN ITS ORIGINAL SPECIFICATION AND RECOMMENDATION. I CONTACTED CARVANA AND SILVERROCK, AND A CLAIM WAS INITIATED ON 02/09/2020 AT 1:58PM. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A SHOP AND HAVE THEM CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICE. FEW MONTHS LATER, I NEEDED TO DO OIL CHANGE AND PERIODIC SERVICING AT AUDI CONCORD, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE WHEELS OF MY VEHICLE IS A HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE SWITCHED BACK TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION. MIND YOU, WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM CARVANA, THERE WAS NEVER A DISCLOSURE OF THE WHEELS BEEN CHANGED. CARVANA CLAIMS THEY HAVE MECHANICS WHO INSPECT EVERY CAR THEY SELL AND I'M SURE IF THAT IS TRUE, THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS AND JUST DECIDED NOT TO DISCLOSE IT TO ME, SO I COULD GO ON WITH THE VEHICLE PURCHASE. AUDI HAS STATED THAT MY WHEELS COULD FALL OFF, AMONG OTHER RISKS OF DRIVING A STAGGERED WHEEL. MY A7 IS A QUATRO AND EVERYTHING IS A SET OF 4, THAT NEEDS TO MATCH. I'VE A 3-YEAR OLD SON I DRIVE AROUND IN THE BACK SEAT. I'M SURE IF I WASN'T BLACK, THEY WOULD DISCLOSE THE DANGER OF DRIVING AROUND WITH MY FAMILY IN A CAR THE WHEELS COULD FALL OFF AND KILL US ALL. I'VE ALERTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY, AND THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO DO ANYTHING. THEY CLAIM I NEEDED A DIAGNOSIS FROM WHEN I FIRST REPORTED THE ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH I'VE SENT THEM AND UPLOADED A FILE FROM MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT AUDI, AND THE PDF CLEARLY STATES MY CLAIM. THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT STARTED EVEN BEFORE I GOT THE CAR. WHY CAN'T IT BE SIMPLY CORRECTED BACK TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION?
EXCESS ROAD NOISE WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION 40-80MPH. SOUNDS LIKE DRONING HUMMING NOISE INDICATIVE OF EXCESSIVE WHEEL BEARING WEAR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) RECALL. MY VEHICLE'S PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY MALFUNCTIONING AND DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER 100% OF THE TIME DURING ALL OPERATIONS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT REMAINS LIT 100% OF THE TIME, EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT DURING ALL OPERATIONS. I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER, BUT AS OF 12:04 18 AUG 2018, MY VEHICLE VIN ON THE NHTSA AND AUDI WEBSITES ARE NO LONGER IDENTIFYING MY VEHICLE AS A RECALLED VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH IT HAS THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM IDENTIFIED. PLEASE ADVISE, AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY FAMILY THAT COULD RESULT IN INCREASED CHANCE OF INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT A 2012 AUDI A7 PRESTIGE FROM CARVANA ONLINE IN DECEMBER 2019, FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. AT THE END OF JANUARY, I'D AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR, WHICH NEEDED IT TO GO TO THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. AT THE SHOP, I FOUND OUT THAT MY WHEELS WERE STAGGERED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOWERED THAN ITS ORIGINAL SPECIFICATION AND RECOMMENDATION. I CONTACTED CARVANA AND SILVERROCK, AND A CLAIM WAS INITIATED ON 02/09/2020 AT 1:58PM. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE TO A SHOP AND HAVE THEM CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICE. FEW MONTHS LATER, I NEEDED TO DO OIL CHANGE AND PERIODIC SERVICING AT AUDI CONCORD, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE WHEELS OF MY VEHICLE IS A HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE SWITCHED BACK TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION. MIND YOU, WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM CARVANA, THERE WAS NEVER A DISCLOSURE OF THE WHEELS BEEN CHANGED. CARVANA CLAIMS THEY HAVE MECHANICS WHO INSPECT EVERY CAR THEY SELL AND I'M SURE IF THAT IS TRUE, THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS AND JUST DECIDED NOT TO DISCLOSE IT TO ME, SO I COULD GO ON WITH THE VEHICLE PURCHASE. AUDI HAS STATED THAT MY WHEELS COULD FALL OFF, AMONG OTHER RISKS OF DRIVING A STAGGERED WHEEL. MY A7 IS A QUATRO AND EVERYTHING IS A SET OF 4, THAT NEEDS TO MATCH. I'VE A 3-YEAR OLD SON I DRIVE AROUND IN THE BACK SEAT. I'M SURE IF I WASN'T BLACK, THEY WOULD DISCLOSE THE DANGER OF DRIVING AROUND WITH MY FAMILY IN A CAR THE WHEELS COULD FALL OFF AND KILL US ALL. I'VE ALERTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY, AND THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO DO ANYTHING. THEY CLAIM I NEEDED A DIAGNOSIS FROM WHEN I FIRST REPORTED THE ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH I'VE SENT THEM AND UPLOADED A FILE FROM MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT AUDI, AND THE PDF CLEARLY STATES MY CLAIM. THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT STARTED EVEN BEFORE I GOT THE CAR. WHY CAN'T IT BE SIMPLY CORRECTED BACK TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .