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Vehicle safety record

2012 Audi A3 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2012 Audi A3 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (31) and the electrical system (6). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 2 fires. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in December 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2011 has 42 and the 2013 has 20.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical A3 year, for its age

#133 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints
43
Recalls
4
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2012 Audi A3 problems

Share of all 43 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Audi A3 recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

19V862000226 vehicles affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.

Air bags: inflator module

18V082000162,782 vehicles affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Air bags: inflator module

16V079000151,767 vehicles affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Fuel system

11V490000168,275 vehicles affected

The problem
Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0L tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.
The risk
Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
The fix
Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

What owners say

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43 complaints about the 2012 Audi A3

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Lights

The tail light bulbs melts plastic and can cause fire. My light indicator came on. When I checked the bulb, the internal structure was melted. I ordered exact model from a junk yard. When I received, I noticed it had the same issue and the internal structure was melting from heat of light bulb. Both Left and Right Tail light structures were melting. Potential fire hazard.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11468825
Airbags

air bag came on in dash. even though the air bag was recalled and fixed by dealer

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11446150
Airbags

This car was totally destroyed in 2012 and therefore no longer needs the airbag recall to be accomplished. Please remove this recall notice from the database.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11229869
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 audi a3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Audi carlsbad (5425 paseo del norte, carlsbad, ca 92008, (760) 438-9490) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11193835
AirbagsCrash

I have had a recall on my vehicle and have been trying to get it replaced at audi since 2016, I have sent emails to the general manager and they kept saying "they do not have the airbags in stock". I have tried another auid and gert the same answer.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11156978
Airbags

Takata recall I received recall information for the takata airbag in my vehicle. - I called audi stevens creek 888-462-7410 as instructed to schedule repair - audi said they are not doing the repair as no airbags have been provided by audi america - there is no eta when repair may be done the stevens creek audi dealership refused to schedule my airbag repair. Audi claims airbags are not available for the audi a3 vehicles. Audi's inability to repair the airbag as required by the safety recall should be...

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noted in the file in case anything should happen to me or my wife while driving. Audi will be liable for damages for their inability to provide the airbag repair in a timely manor. Thank you, [[redacted]] vin: [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11150977
Fuel system

Carbon buildup on fuel injectors after 60k, dealership is denying extended warranty coverage. It's common issue with di engines, the manufacturer should be responsible for the maintenance.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11150212
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi a3. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (rusnak pasadena audi, 267 w colorado boulevard, pasadena, ca 91105) confirmed that the part was not available to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11141322
Airbags

Takata recall. Last year I specifically made an appointment with audi tampa (105 e fowler ave, tampa, fl) for this purpose on august 9 2017. The service manager at the time, even though they knew why I was there said they had run out and not to worry that the recall isn't that bad. I am frustrated that a year later I am reminded that this still hasn't been fixed by audi. As an active duty service member I don't have the time nor flexibility to chase audi down. I would expect that audi would be more concerned about this considering this is an error in their design and impacts the quality and safety of their products.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11140499
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi a3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (audi chandler, 7460 w orchid ln, chandler, az 85226, (480) 941-0000) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11112604
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi a3. Upon attempting to register the vehicle with the department of motor vehicles in california, the contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair and was unable to register the vehicle due to an open recall. The contact called an unknown audi dealer in santa ana, ca and was informed that parts were expected to be available in april of 2018. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. *Tt *tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11072496
Electrical systemDriver assistance

1.Car slips on wet snow when applying brakes with brake assist on 2. 30 Amp fuse for right side control module blows off every week after replacing to a black char

Filed Incident Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11055129
Airbags

Takata recall. Waiting over 10 months for recall replacement. Taking too long.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11035333
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi a3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (audi south burlington, 1325 shelburne rd, south burlington, vt 05403 (802) 861-3010, was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and...

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were not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact also mentioned that he inquired about a loaner vehicle but was denied via the dealer and the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11010313
Airbags

Takata recall. Recall dated february 2016. It is now june 2017. This is an unacceptably long time for both audi and takata.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11000767
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi a3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10972338
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi a3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags). 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10958294
Airbags

Takata recall: I was notified about the takata airbag recall by letter over one year ago. I have tried to schedule appointments to have the airbag replaced on two different occasions at two different audi dealerships. Both dealerships stated that they do not have the parts and do not know when the parts will be available. This is an unreasonable amount of time to wait for a repair especially considering that the current airbag in my car is a potential safety risk that when inflated during a crash could shoot...

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metal fragments into vehicle occupants (me!). The lack of response from the manufacturer is unacceptable and irresponsible. I expect an expedient investigation and resolution to this safety hazard.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10957361
Airbags

Tamara recall. I received a letter february of 2016 notifying me that there was a recall on the airbags in my car which could lead to serious injury or death. One year later there is still no solution from audi to repair the problem. I feel like I am driving a time bomb. Is there anything I can do?

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10956342
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi a3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer and the interim recall notification did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10950132
Airbags

Takata recall I feel paranoid,scared and worried to drive anywhere in my car, this is negligence and it has taken almost 2 years and nothing is going on. I cant believe such a company isnt being forced to produce new bags!!! Its absurd.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10949650
Airbags

Takata recall. Am very annoyed and angry at how long this is taking. I feel very unsafe on the road and its not ok, its neglect! I got a letter in april 2016 and still nothing has been done. I contacted consumer affairs and bbb and they cant do much either.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10946513
Electrical systemLights

After starting the car and moving a short distance, the dash display showed multiple warnings regarding the exterior lights. Approximately 12 exterior lights had all gone out at once. After some research on the issue I checked the fuse box in the engine bay and fuse f16 (30a) had melted with residue on the contact but not failed. The contact on the fuse box also had residue and the surrounding plastic was melted as well. The same exact issue occurred on my 2009-2011 vw tiguan and a recall was issued (nhtsa campaign...

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number: 13v569000 and vw recall number: 97z9/2v). The part recalled in the tiguan is the same exact part used in the 2012 audi a3 (part #: 1k0937125d). Aoa should recall the part as was done by vw. There are multiple safety issues that are caused by this failure such as loss of exterior lighting while driving at night and possibility of fire caused by overheating. Attached are photos of the melted fuse and fuse box as well as the vw tiguan recall notice. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10944962
Airbags

Takata recall. My car is not safe to drive. I'm making car payments on it and cannot drive it. The airbags need to be fixed.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10928078
Airbags

Takata recall repair not available in a timely manner. It's been 7 months since we received the notice of recall, but no solution is yet available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10924483

Audi A3: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2016115334AirbagsF
2015180210AirbagsF
201320300AirbagsB
201243412AirbagsD
201142401AirbagsD
201050510Fuel systemD
200947550AirbagsD
200843320AirbagsD
All A3 years

2012 Audi A3 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2012 Audi A3

Does the 2012 Audi A3 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Audi A3: inflator module (December 2019); inflator module (January 2018); inflator module (February 2016); fuel system, diesel (October 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi A3?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (31), electrical system (6), lights (5).

How many complaints has the 2012 Audi A3 had?

43 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 19, 2013 and the latest on June 11, 2022. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2012 Audi A3 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 36 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi A3 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Audi A3 years have the most complaints?

2015 (180), 2006 (123), 2016 (115). See every Audi A3 year compared.

What should I do if my 2012 Audi A3 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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