Is the 2012 Audi A3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Audi A3 is rated "typical".

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

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Audi A3 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Audi A3

● Typical for this model

2012 Audi A3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:03.531Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 43
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2012: 43 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	1
2003	2
2004	6
2005	0
2006	123
2007	52
2008	43
2009	47
2010	50
2011	43
2012	43
2013	20
2015	92
2016	83
2017	44
2018	33
2019	10
2020	16
2022	9
2023	7
2024	2
2025	5
2026	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

72% · 31 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-08

Electrical system

14% · 6 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

While driving my lights would randomly go out both during day and night. Dash warning would be bulb out needing replacing but nothing was ever wrong with the bulbs or turn signals.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-13

The F16 fuse which is recalled on the vw side melted, causing the smell of burnt plastic and exterior lights going out while driving on the interstate at night.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-10

Also filed under Exterior lighting

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-17

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)

Exterior lighting

12% · 5 reports

FIRE

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 4 reports

Service brakes

2% · 1 report

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2011-02-07Engineering analysisClosed 2015-03-27 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
I
2011-08-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-12-02 Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
R

2011-11-15Fuel system, diesel11V490000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-10Air bags16V079000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-23Air bags18V082000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-12-20Air bags19V862000 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.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 31 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V490000 · Fuel system, diesel
Recall 16V079000 · Air bags
Recall 18V082000 · Air bags
Recall 19V862000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

201833

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Audi A3 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Audi A3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi A3?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Audi A3 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.