The 2012 Audi A3 has a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 to 15.8 gallons (55–60 liters), depending on the trim. The most common size is 14.5 gallons, used on 4 trims.
A full tank is good for roughly 406–613 highway miles or 305–438 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.
020 gal40 gal
15.8 gal · Smaller than 80% of 2012 models we list.
Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 2012 Audi A3 goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 24 MPG, a full 14.5-gallon tank covers about 348 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
14.5
406
319
3/4
10.9
305
239
1/2
7.3
203
160
1/4
3.6
102
80
1/8
1.8
51
40
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 625 gallons, roughly 43 full tanks.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2012 Audi A3, out of 4 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
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, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.
Risk and remedy
Risk: Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Audi A3?
The 2012 Audi A3 holds between 14.5 and 15.8 gallons, depending on the trim. 14.5 gallons is the usual size; the 15.8-gallon tank comes on the 2.0T Premium quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM).
How many gallons and liters does the 2012 Audi A3 gas tank hold?
The 2012 Audi A3 tank holds 55–60 liters, or 14.5–15.8 gallons in US gallons.
Which 2012 Audi A3 has the biggest gas tank?
The 15.8-gallon tank is on the 2.0T Premium quattro 4dr Wagon AWD. The smallest tank, 14.5 gallons, is on the 2.0T PZEV Premium 4dr Wagon.
Does the 2012 Audi A3 tank change with the powertrain?
Yes. Gas: 14.5–15.8 gal; Diesel: 14.6 gal.
Does AWD change the 2012 Audi A3 gas tank?
Yes. FWD: 14.5–14.6 gal; AWD: 15.8 gal.
How far can a 2012 Audi A3 go on a full tank?
About 406–613 miles on the highway and 305–438 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 2012 Audi A3 go on a quarter tank?
About 102 highway miles or 80 in town from the 14.5-gallon tank, which has roughly 3.6 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 2012 Audi A3 take?
Premium unleaded (required), or Diesel fuel, depending on the engine. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2012 Audi A3?
At the US average of $5.28 a gallon for premium (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 14.5-gallon tank from empty costs $76.56. It ranges from $66.27 in the Gulf Coast to $92.22 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2012 Audi A3?
About 98 pounds for the 15.8-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Has the 2012 Audi A3 had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2012 Audi A3: 11V490000 (fuel system, diesel). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).