2012 Audi A6 problems
The 2012 Audi A6 was sold with 3 engines and 2 gearboxes that we have documented: the Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6, the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, the ZF 8HP gearbox and the 2.0 TDI. The Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6, the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 and the ZF 8HP gearbox have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 6 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as brake servo damaged by oil entering from the vacuum lines (2012 campaign).
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2012 Audi A6 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 22 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.5From 5.2 to 7.9 depending on the engine
- Gearbox6.7Manual: no faults · Multitronic: 3.6 · ZF 8HP: 6.4
- Suspension8.23 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.01 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering9.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.3 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system9.31 fault
- Headlights and lights8.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control9.61 fault
- Bodywork and interior7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2011 Audi A6
- Score: 6.6 → 6.2
- Starts to be affected by: brake servo damaged by oil entering from the vacuum lines (2012 campaign) (rest of the car)
Multitronic gearbox in the 2012 Audi A6
Names: multitronic
- With caution
Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014)
· 0AW
It notably improves on the 01J's reliability, above all in the control unit, but none of the sources consulted says it completely eliminates chain wear or jerking when pulling away; apply the same checks as for the 01J before buying.[2]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionWear of the variator chain and conesYes: the variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links between two pairs of cones that wears with mileage, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the gearbox's reputation to "numerous total failures"; Schaeffler/LuK sells a kit to repair the chain.
- High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeYes: the multitronic control unit, especially in the 01J code (up to 2007), is one of its best-documented weak points. Overheating with oil seeping into the control unit causes fault warnings and limp mode and, if ignored, can end up damaging the gearbox itself.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchJerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)Yes: with no torque converter, the multitronic pulls away using an electronic multi-plate clutch that can jerk or vibrate, especially when cold, if its plates are worn or the oil no longer has the right properties. It is one of the most cited fault symptoms of this gearbox.
3.0 TDI V6 engine in the 2012 Audi A6
Names: 3.0 TDI quattro · BiTDI competition
- With caution
3.0 TDI EA896 generation 2, Euro 5 (CLAA, CLAB, CJMA, CDUC, CRCA, CKVC, CDUD; 2010-2015)
204–300 hp · CLAA, CLAB, CJMA, CDUC, CRCA, CKVC, CDUD
The EGR is much improved over generation 1 according to Audi, but the warnings about the chain, water pump and the KBA emissions software remain; check by VIN that the campaign has been done.[5][6][7][8]
- With caution
3.0 TDI EA896 twin-turbo (CGQB, CVUA, CVUB; 2011-2018)
313–326 hp · CGQB, CVUA, CVUB
Owner reports repeat injection faults on the 313 hp (3 of 13 on the Q5 and 4 of 14 on the A6 C7), although there are few cases and no official statistics.[4][9]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlControl unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)Germany's KBA ordered a software update for the Euro 5 and 6 3.0 TDI V6 engines from Audi, VW and Porsche: a warm-up strategy that reduced NOx only on the test bench and, on the 200 kW A6 and A7, limited AdBlue dosing. The update is free.Repair: €0
Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 engine in the 2012 Audi A6
Names: 3.0 TFSI 300 CV · 3.0 TFSI 310 CV · 3.0 TFSI 333 CV
- With caution
3.0 TFSI 300/310 hp supercharged (CGWB, CGWD, CGXB, CTUA; 2010-2014)
300–310 hp · CGWB, CGWD, CGXB, CTUA
This is the production window covered by the 2015 fuel rail campaign (built between April 2011 and April 2012) and the one a workshop singles out for chain and tensioner wear (2011-2014); check that the campaign has been carried out.[14][15][16]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearA German workshop describes chain stretch and marginal tensioners in the first supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines (2011-2014), with noise on cold starts and codes P0016-P0018; other guides consider it rare in this V6. There are no reliable statistics.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelFuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)Audi recalled cars with the 3.0 TFSI over possible leaks from the fuel rails: one campaign in 2015 (built between April 2011 and April 2012) and another in 2019 (low-pressure rails, built between 2014 and 2016). You notice it by a smell of petrol; the fix is to replace the rails.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingLeak at the thermostat housing and water pumpTechnical guides cite coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing and from the water pump of the supercharged 3.0 TFSI, and Audi also replaced the thermostat in a 2015 campaign. You notice it by falling coolant and, if ignored, by overheating.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)Like any direct-injection engine, the 3.0 TFSI accumulates carbon on the intake valves, because the fuel does not wash them; guides put it at around 95,000 km and it causes rough idle and loss of power. The 333 hp versions from 2014 add indirect injection.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)The PCV valve in the 3.0 TFSI's crankcase ventilation can fail with age and mileage: parts supplier and workshop guides cite rough idle, vacuum leaks and higher oil consumption. It is a minor fault, with no campaign or published statistics.
ZF 8HP gearbox in the 2012 Audi A6
Names: A6 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic · A6 3.0 TDI 272 quattro tiptronic
- With caution
1st generation (2008-2013)
· 8HP45, 8HP55, 8HP65, 8HP70, 8HP90
Cars with this first generation are now around 13-18 years old in 2026; on the BMW 5 Series (F10) there are documented cases of failed mechatronics and of being unable to engage reverse after 120,000-130,000 km, so it is worth checking the gearbox's service history before buying.[18]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsMechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse)Yes, although in a minority of cases: there are documented ZF 8HP mechatronic failures on BMW after 120,000-130,000 km, costing €1,400 to €3,500, and also control unit or electronic selector faults on Audi and Land Rover.Repair: €1,400–€3,500
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and hesitation when changing gear, sometimes needing reprogrammingYes: on BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo there are accounts of jerking, hesitation or harsh shifts with the ZF 8HP. It is usually due to ageing oil or the calibration of the mechatronics, and the dealer often fixes it -not always first time- by reprogramming the gearbox control unit.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks from the gearbox gaskets or sumpYes: on the BMW 1 Series and the Jaguar F-Pace there are accounts of oil leaks from the ZF 8HP gearbox gaskets, in one case already at 40,000 km. If it is not repaired soon, the loss of pressure can speed up internal wear and lead to the jerking or mechatronic failure of the related faults.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
2.0 TDI engine in the 2012 Audi A6
- Buy
2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012)
110–240 hp · CRBC, CUNA, CUPA, CRLB, CRMB, DFEA, DFEB, DFFA, DFGA, DDAA, DFCA, CUAA
Caradisiac picks it as the best diesel in the third-generation Audi A3. Its most cited fault is coolant loss from water pump leaks, easy to keep an eye on before buying.[20]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
The Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI: all its faults and what to checkFaults outside the engine in the 2012 Audi A6
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBrake servo damaged by oil entering from the vacuum lines (2012 campaign)Safety Gate/RAPEX circulated in September 2014 (alert 37/2014) a recall of the Audi A6 Avant and Allroad (C7) built between March and December 2012: in isolated cases, oil can enter the brake servo through the vacuum hoses, damage the diaphragm and reduce braking force.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionPremature wheel bearing wearAccording to testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, there are cases of wheel bearings replaced between 85,000 and 193,000 km on the A6 C7. You notice it as a hum that grows with speed.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareSuspensionRear air suspension leaks and compressor failureAccording to testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, some A6 C7 cars with air suspension lose air in the rear bellows or need a new compressor, with cases from around 80,000 km. It is a fault cited by few owners.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareSuspensionBall joints, steering track rod ends and brake lines flagged in TÜV inspectionsGebrauchtwagenberater.de notes that, although the A6 C7 scores well in the TÜV report, inspectors sometimes flag the brake lines and, on high-mileage cars, the suspension ball joints and the steering track rod ends.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemFaults with electric windows, door locks and electric mirrorsAccording to testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, window regulator and door lock motors are a recurring fault on the A6 C7, along with mirrors that do not fold or demist. It does not affect driving.
- Low severityFrequency: RareClimate controlAir conditioning compressor and condenser failureAccording to testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, there are A6 C7 cars with a failed air conditioning compressor or condenser problems, and the air stops cooling. There are few cases.
Buying a 2012 Audi A6?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Audi A6 reliable?
The 2012 Audi A6 was sold with 3 engines and 2 gearboxes that we have documented: the Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6, the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, the ZF 8HP gearbox and the 2.0 TDI. The Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6, the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 and the ZF 8HP gearbox have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 6 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as brake servo damaged by oil entering from the vacuum lines (2012 campaign).
Is the 2012 Audi A6 better than the 2011?
Our score goes from 6.6 in 2011 to 6.2 in 2012. Starts to be affected by: brake servo damaged by oil entering from the vacuum lines (2012 campaign) (rest of the car).
What is the best year for the Audi A6?
According to our score, the best is 2018 (7.0/10). The year with the worst score is 2012 (6.2/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2012 Audi A6 have?
The most important ones documented for 2012 cars are: wear of the variator chain and cones (Multitronic gearbox, critical severity), brake servo damaged by oil entering from the vacuum lines (2012 campaign) (brakes, critical severity), control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode (Multitronic gearbox, high severity), failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity) and timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity).
Own a 2012 Audi A6? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Audi A6Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018) (106 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
- VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Llamada a revisión de 127.000 Audi diésel por emisionescoches.com · Motoring press · published 27 January 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q5 2008-2017 (322 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
- Audi A6 berlina 3.0 TFSI 333 CV quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2014-2017)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Audi A6 berlina 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2012-2014)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2011-2012)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Audi A6 C7 4G 2011-2018 Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Undichtigkeit im Einspritzsystem: Audi-Rückruf läuft bereitsÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (R/2015/031 y R/2019/099)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
- Audi A6 C7: typische Probleme und Diagnose mit ODISKfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich (blog de taller) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité BMW Série 5 (2010-2016), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Fiabilité de l'Audi A3 (3e génération) : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 19 December 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French