This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Audi A7 steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Audi A7 have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 A7 (this page) | 6 |
| 2013 A7 | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 6 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Audi A7, 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
Steering accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information if there is noise when steering the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains repair information for when there is a creaking/squeaking from the steering column when steering slowly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Takata recall, my airbag light has been on since april 2018. Audi of annapolis informed me that I have to purchase another steering wheel for $4000 to replace a faulty airbig, why? I have no horn and no air bag and I'm terrified to drive my car. I've been renting cars since april. My car is also overheating when it's idle for 10 minutes, however, when I start driving it cools down. I see recalls…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Audi a7. The contact stated that the steering warning indicator flashed randomly. There was a sudden loss of acceleration and power each time the failure occurred. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, which reset the code. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the manufacturer had a recall and recommended that the vehicle be…
While driving my 2012 Audi a7 on the highway, received numerous error messages without warning on the dashboard. The car began to lurch, stall, and drive erratically with limited driving and braking control. Situation was very unsafe and potentially life threatening. Audi dealership stated that a coolant migration defect occurred. The coolant pump valve failed internally and leaked coolant onto…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Audi a7. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the steering assist warning indicator illuminated. The contact managed to maneuver the steering wheel and drive home. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…
October 18, 2013. Vehicle abruptly lost power steering and acceleration while traveling in the left hand lane on the at 72 miles per hour just in front of a construction zone. I was forced to cross into the right hand lane with no acceleration or power steering and bring the vehicle to a halt approximately 150 yards before the construction zone began as the right lane was closing. I was…
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Audi A7?
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 steering problem on the 2012 Audi A7?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 104,354 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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/A7.
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.