2011 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2011 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 80, ranking 5th worst out of 21 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Most complaints (67%) involve the engine, tied to a coolant valve leak covered by recall 16V619000.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #5 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 17 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2011 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Coolant leaks from a faulty coolant valve onto the engine control module, causing the car to stall or shut off while driving.
- Vehicle loses power at highway speed, sometimes triggering a check engine light and an EPC warning before towing is needed.
- Car stalls in traffic and cannot be restarted, shifted into neutral, or pushed, leaving it stopped for hours.
- Control arm bushings wear out early, causing vibration and erratic handling during braking.
- Camshaft and timing chain failure triggers the check engine light and requires replacement.
- Unexplained coolant loss with no visible leak, later linked to a documented 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 owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 A8 carries an Avoid verdict, ranking 5th worst of 21 model years with a complaint index of 80.
- What is the main problem with the 2011 Audi A8?
- The top problem area is the engine, accounting for 67% of complaints, mostly tied to a coolant valve leak that can migrate into the electrical harness and cause stalling.
- Does the 2011 Audi A8 have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 16V619000) covers a coolant valve that can leak and damage the electrical system; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- At what mileage do 2011 Audi A8 problems start?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 81,500 miles for the 2011 A8, with engine complaints centered around 76,000 miles.
- How does the 2011 Audi A8 compare to other years?
- The 2011 model's complaint index of 80 is higher than the 2005-2010 A8 years but lower than the 2013 (100) and 2015 (95) model years, which rank worse.