2011 Audi A8 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
73/100
#5 most-complained of 16 A8 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2011 Audi A8 has a Complaint Index of 73 and ranks 5th worst among 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, tied to a coolant valve recall, with median failure mileage around 76,000-81,500.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 17 city / 27 hwy
Top 2011 Audi A8 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine10 (67%)
- Electrical System4 (27%)
- Other3 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (20%)
- Fuel System1 (7%)
- Structure & Body1 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (7%)
What owners report
- Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds, sometimes accompanied by a check engine or 'do not exceed 4,000 rpms' warning.
- Coolant valve leaks allow coolant to migrate through the wiring harness to the engine control module, causing electrical malfunction and stalling.
- Vehicle stalls in traffic and will not restart or shift into neutral, leaving the car stranded in the roadway for extended periods.
- Control arm bushings wear prematurely, causing vibration and erratic handling during braking.
- Camshaft and timing chain failure triggers the check engine light and requires replacement.
- Unexplained coolant loss without visible leaks, later linked to the coolant valve issue.
2011 Audi A8 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V619000Aug 24, 2016Engine9,067 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
2011 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Audi A8 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2011 A8 has a Complaint Index of 73 and ranks 5th worst out of 16 model years, giving it a Caution verdict relative to other A8 years. Engine problems, mostly tied to a coolant valve issue, are the top complaint area.
- What is the main problem with the 2011 Audi A8?
- Engine complaints make up 67% of reports, largely from a coolant valve that can leak and damage the engine control module. NHTSA has one recall (16V619000) covering this issue.
- Does the 2011 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall, campaign 16V619000, covers a coolant valve that may leak and allow coolant to contact electrical components in the engine.
- How does the 2011 Audi A8 compare to other A8 years?
- The 2011 A8 (Complaint Index 73, Caution) is worse than 2010 (33), 2012 (53), 2016 (60), 2017 (67), and 2021 (40, Good), but better than 2013 (100, Avoid), 2015 (93, Avoid), 2019 (87, Avoid), and 2014 (80, Avoid).
- At what mileage do 2011 Audi A8 problems typically occur?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 81,500 for the 2011 A8 overall, with engine issues showing a median of 76,000 miles.