2012 Audi S4
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 22 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 16 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 2000 | 143 |
| 2001 | 87 |
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 29 |
| 2005 | 43 |
| 2006 | 30 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2011 | 26 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
14 of 22 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
Very abruptly shifts up or down launching the car forward without warning
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-16
I own a 2012 Audi S4 with a 7 speed dsg transmission and notice hard shifting in 1-2 and 2-1 and also into reverse and drive. I have read about this being a mechtronics unit or whole replacement of the transmission can be needed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-19
Fuel/propulsion system
5 of 22 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Coolant pump blew out causing the engine to overheat.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-06
My coolant pump went out and overheated the car. The coolant leaked out. My car only has 60K miles on it. Audi recently recalled coolant pumps for this very reason on the A4, A5, A6 but havent made the recall for the s class.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-09
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Audi S4. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a fuel leak. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the technician was unable to diagnose the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-05
Electrical system
3 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a complaint Audi S4 and other Audi cars have the same issue as I'm having you can be driving on the main road or on the highway and all of a sudden the car loses power and excelleration .
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-09
Service brakes
2 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 22 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2015-03-17Fuel system, gasoline15V019000 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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Audi S4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V019000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Audi S4 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi S4?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Audi S4 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.