Model year
2012 Audi A3
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 43 complaints for the 2012 Audi A3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are AIR BAGS (31), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 24–32 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,000–$3,400, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2006 123 complaints
- 2007 52 complaints
- 2008 43 complaints
- 2009 47 complaints
- 2010 50 complaints
- 2011 43 complaints
- 2012 43 complaints
- 2013 20 complaints
- 2015 93 complaints
- 2016 83 complaints
- 2017 44 complaints
- 2018 33 complaints
- 2019 10 complaints
- 2020 16 complaints
- 2022 9 complaints
- 2023 7 complaints
- 2024 2 complaints
- 2025 5 complaints
- 2026 2 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
19V862000 · Dec 4, 2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due…
18V082000 · Jan 30, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag,…
16V079000 · Feb 10, 2016
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the…
11V490000 · Oct 3, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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 FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES,…
Complaints
43 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 1, fire flag on 2, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11003 | High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure · FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | Feb 7, 2011 | Mar 27, 2015 |
| PE11023 | Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage · FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | Aug 2, 2011 | Dec 2, 2011 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
| 4 DR FWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel · Diesel | 29 | 37 | 32 | — | — | $3,000 |
| A3 · 2L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 21 | 30 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
| A3 · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 22 | 28 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
| A3 quattro · 2L · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Audi A3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.