repaired · 2021 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2012 Audi A3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 43 owner complaints about the 2012 Audi A3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-079 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 11, 2022. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Audi A3 has problems
43 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
31Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
6Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
5Exterior lighting2 crash/fire/injury
4Fuel/propulsion system
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Service brakes, hydraulic
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 31 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 Audi A3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
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…
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
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…
no report yet
Fuel system, diesel
Risk. DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other A3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Audi A3 safety ratings
2012 Audi A3 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Audi A3, and the recalls they led to.
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump FailureNo recall
- Diesel Fuel Injector Line LeakageLed to recall 11V-490
In owners' words
What A3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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…
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.
Own a 2012 A3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.