DecodedCars2012 Audi S4
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 3.0 Tfsi Quttro/Premium
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 185 in
- Curb weight
- 3,847 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 18% below the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Audi S4 is a compact car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine 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 3,847 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 18% worse than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
- Lightest version 474 lb heavier
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 S4 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 3.0 Tfsi Quttro/Premium | 185 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,847 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -18% | $3,900 | 423 |
| S4 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -18% | $3,900 | 423 |
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 S4.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Audi S4 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V019000 · 26,008 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Not every 2012 Audi S4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Audi S4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 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.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 71,000 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 S4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 S4 | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 S4 | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 S4 | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 S4 | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 S4 | 23 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2020 S4 | 23 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
| 2019 S4 | 24 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2018 S4 | 24 | 186.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2016 S4 | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 S4 | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 S4 | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2013 S4 | 21 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →