2012 Audi S4
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Audi S4 has 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 34. The most common issue is transmission problems (52% of all complaints), specifically: 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. after bringing the car into audi 4 times with these issues they finall. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
27
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
0.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 6)
TRANSMISSION
14 complaints- • 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. AFTER BRINGING THE CAR INTO AUDI 4 TIMES WITH THESE ISSUES THEY FINALL
- • VERY ABRUPTLY SHIFTS UP OR DOWN LAUNCHING THE CAR FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING
- • DSG TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT POORLY. SHIFTS WOULD "SLIP" BETWEEN GEARS AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD DOWN SHIFT VERY HARD. THIS OCCURED MOSTLY IN URBAN DRIVING, STOP AND GO.
“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. AFTER BRINGING THE CAR INTO AUDI 4 TIMES WITH THESE ISSUES THEY FINALL”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Audi S4
Based on 24 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 67K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
FUEL SYSTEM
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Audi S4
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Audi S4
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Audi S4 Service Intervals
Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2012 S4, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 27 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: 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. AFTER BRINGING THE CAR INTO AUDI 4 TIMES WITH THESE ISSUES THEY FINALL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: 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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 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 . I FOUND THAT AS A PROBLEM TO THE SAFETY OF ME AND THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME CAR MODEL.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: VERY ABRUPTLY SHIFTS UP OR DOWN LAUNCHING THE CAR FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Audi S4 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 34
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Audi S4