DecodedCars2012 Audi A4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi FWD, 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi Quattro/Premium/Premium, Avant 4dr Wagon 2.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 211 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 185 in
- Curb weight
- 3,505–3,814 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 211 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2012 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Audi A4 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,505 lb (4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 2% worse than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
- Lightest version 243 lb heavier
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 A4 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Neckarsulm, Germany · Ingolstadt, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 A4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi FWD | 185 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,505 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tfsi Quattro/Premium/Premium | 185 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,616 lb | 55/45 |
| Avant 4dr Wagon 2.0 Tfsi Quattro | 185 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,814 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -2% | $3,300 | 355 |
| A4 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | -2% | $3,300 | 355 |
| A4 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -6% | $3,400 | 370 |
| A4 Avant quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -3% | $3,400 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Audi A4.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Audi A4 (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Audi A5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Volvo S60 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Audi A4.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Audi A4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Audi A4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 28 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 5 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Audi A4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 A4 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 A4 | 30 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2023 A4 | 28 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2022 A4 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2021 A4 | 28 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 13 |
| 2020 A4 | 30 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 158 |
| 2019 A4 | 30 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 13 |
| 2018 A4 | 31 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 54 |
| 2017 A4 | 31 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 87 |
| 2016 A4 | 27 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 26 |
| 2015 A4 | 26 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 43 |
| 2014 A4 | 26 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 70 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →