NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The body-sensing mat in the front passenger seat may wear or stress over time, causing the passenger detection system to stop working properly.
What the fix does
This page covers 10 recalls, 59 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Audi A6.
28 mpg combined
8.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2012 Audi A6 centers on the engine and fuel system. On the engine side, owners report coolant leaks, overheating, and in some cases describe coolant contacting wiring and triggering electrical faults, including repeated transmission warning messages cycling on and off. Power steering failure also comes up, with owners describing sudden loss of assist and in at least one case a steering wheel that felt locked entirely. The fuel system draws a similar complaint count, with owners reporting noticeable fuel odors while driving or after parking, sometimes traced to the engine bay. Airbag-related complaints round out the top three reported systems, though those incidents are described separately. The coolant-leak thread is worth noting because owners connect it to downstream electrical behavior, including instrument warnings appearing and clearing repeatedly without a clear resolution.
59
Total Complaints
By System
The 2012 Audi A6 has 10 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks from fuel system leaks and an electric coolant pump that can overheat, any of which can ignite a fire in the engine compartment.
Several fuel system recalls overlap in consequence: fuel lines and hoses in the engine compartment can weaken or degrade and leak fuel, and a separate issue affects the fuel injection rail, which can also leak. On the cooling side, the electric coolant pump on 2.0L turbocharged models can become blocked and overheat, also raising the risk of fire. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the coolant pump issue, which is why it appears across more than one filing.
Three recalls involve airbags. The passenger seat sensor mat can wear and cause the front passenger airbag to deploy incorrectly or not at all in a crash. On certain vehicles built during a narrow production window, the curtain airbag seam may not be properly stitched, preventing it from deploying and protecting occupants in a side impact. A third recall covers a related passenger airbag deployment concern tied to the same occupant detection system.
At a glance
What can fail
The body-sensing mat in the front passenger seat may wear or stress over time, causing the passenger detection system to stop working properly.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will install a passenger detection system repair kit at no cost to restore proper function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric coolant pump can become blocked by debris, causing overheating, or can short-circuit from moisture inside the pump.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electric coolant pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken over time, potentially causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel line at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel line may weaken and leak due to a manufacturing defect. A fuel leak near an ignition source could cause a fire.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the affected fuel line.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric coolant pump can become blocked by debris in the cooling system, causing the pump to overheat.
What the fix does
Software will be updated to shut off power to the coolant pump if it becomes blocked with debris.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel hose in the engine compartment may degrade over time and develop leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump and fuel hose under the hood at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The under hood fuel hose may degrade and leak. Leaking fuel near an ignition source could cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the under hood fuel hose and the in-tank fuel pump.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In vehicles with heated and cooled seats, the Passenger Occupant Detection System may malfunction and prevent the front passenger air bags from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Audi dealers will install a PODS system repair kit at no cost to restore proper air bag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel injection system's fuel rails and seals may develop a leak, allowing fuel to escape.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rails and seals at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seam on the curtain air bag may not be stitched properly due to a manufacturing defect, potentially affecting deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left and/or right curtain air bag at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
