Windshield wipers ceased to work creating dangerous situation. Dealer denied express warranty claim. Wiring on wipers was so flimsy as to apparently allow a mouse to chew through coating. Dealer charged over $640. To replace a $20 wire. Several e-mails and calls to Audi of america did not bring any action. *tr
2012 Audi A6 electrical problems
moderate 9 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 9 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Audi A6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 9 model years of Audi A6 in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Audi a6. While driving 5 MPH, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the alternator failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000.
Had electrical trouble with your 2012 Audi A6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 Audi A6?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 54,000 and 117,000 miles, with the median around 75,410. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 117,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Audi/A6.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.