2012 Audi A8: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 11 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 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Air bag light comes on and stays on even after the initial startup. Vehicle is stationary and has not been moved. Coded error is driver head curtain igniter short circuit to ground. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 audi a8. The contact's vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v619000 (engine and engine cooling). The recall repair was performed by fletcher jones audi (1523 w north ave, chicago, il 60642, (312) 628-4300). Two years after the repair was performed, the vehicle experienced sporadic engine leaks that caused the engine to shut off without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2019
“Power steering pump mechanical malfunction/ no power assist customer states steering wheel is stiff no power assit. Power steering pump malfunction pump assembly failed and power steering pump”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2019
Show 4 more owner reports
“I took my car in for a recall item to be replaced and I was informed that my fuel rail was leaking gas. They didnt say it was urgent so I left the dealership and on my was home I has the strong smell of gas. I then took my car to another audi repair hop for a second opinion and was told that it was spraying fuel and that it was too dangerous to drive. He also said that my car was not old enough to have this type of leak so it may be a defect . He also said it appeared to have been leaking for some time based on the amount of residue he saw near the leak”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2016
“I was told this is a recurring issue, the antifreeze gets into the wiring harness and for me the engine shut down while driving down the highway. To fix the issue they have to take the engine out and replace the wire harness. A very expensive fix, I have it under warranty but was told I was lucky, which I assume means if I did not have the 100000 mile warranty I would be paying out of pocket. But if this is a common issue it should be a recall issue.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2016
“After starting the car it will travel or idle for 3-6 minutes (2-3 miles) then start to sputter and stall. During this time the yellow epc light and engine light are on. After sitting for 3-8 minutes it most often starts but will not idle or travel unless the epc light goes out. This restart may not be successful the first or second time. Running other software, air conditioning, and cruise control has no influence. Preliminary computer check suggests 14 faults. Further examination will be done after may 30, 2016.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2016
“Front seat passenger airbag repeatedly deactivates regardless of 115 pound adult sitting properly in the seat. Same issue happened with the a8 loaner vehicle provided while this car was being serviced. Audi tries to explain it "as designed" suggesting that the airbag would harm the passenger. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2012
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 2012 Audi A8 reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2012 Audi A8. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2012 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.