2011 Audi A8: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The coolant is leaking out and onto engine. My safety was at Risk due to the car overheating and smoking. This is a on going problem that many AUDI's had a recall for except mines. Yes the vehicle was inspected and the warning that came up was "coolant level low turn off engine"”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2025
“Rust, corrosion that may detach from body or frame components or other structual components that may present a safety hazard.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2019
“The contact owns a 2011 AUDI A8. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the camshaft and timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2019
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“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 audi a8. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to move the vehicle safely to the shoulder of the road. Several attempts were made to restart the engine, but the vehicle did not start. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to audi of fairfield (435 commerce dr, fairfield, ct 06825, (203) 951-6570) where it was diagnosed that the oil plug was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 66,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2018
“Control arm bushings subject to premature failure requiring frequent replacement. This results in extreme vibration and erratic handing during braking. Upper control arms were replace while under warranty but others soon failed once vehicle was out of warranty.”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 audi a8. While driving the vehicle at various speeds, the engine warning indicator and the "do not exceed 4,000 rpms" warning indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the engine coolant was leaking through the coolant valve connection. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2016
“The transmission coolant valve leaked coolant on to the engine control module causing it to malfunction. The card stopped while in motion in the middle of the busy street and I was almost hit buy a semi truck. It started back up, I got it to a parking lot and it stopped again. I have found no less than 50 online complaints about this problem. Most of the complaints state that the manufacturer was "aware" of the problem.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2016
“I was accelerating onto the freeway on ramp when the engine cut off. I managed to pull over to the shoulder but the check engine light and the epc light came on. I had to be towed into the dealer. There was a "coolant valve leak. The coolant migrated through a harness to the ecm and to multiple connectors thoughout the engine harness". The worst part of this situation is the extremely dangerous position I could have been in. What if the car stopped while in the fast lane, or express lanes of the freeway? This is not the first complaint of this nature on this model of audi. Please check into this as I am sure it will cause a fatality someday.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2016
Recalls - 1 campaign
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012. The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant valve and inspect for coolant that has leaked through the electrical connector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
How other years compare
Check your exact A8 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2011 Audi A8 reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2011 Audi A8. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2011 Audi A8 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.