2012 Audi A8 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
53/100
#8 most-complained of 16 A8 years
The 2012 Audi A8 has a Complaint Index of 53 and ranks 8th of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 45% of complaints, with one recall for a leaking coolant valve.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 28 hwy
Top 2012 Audi A8 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (45%)
- Fuel System3 (27%)
- Airbags2 (18%)
- Other2 (18%)
- Steering2 (18%)
- Electrical System1 (9%)
- Structure & Body1 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (9%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power and stalls with the EPC and engine lights on, sometimes idling for several minutes before sputtering out.
- Fuel rail leaks gas, producing a strong fuel smell and prompting warnings that the car is unsafe to drive.
- High pressure fuel pumps and cam followers fail prematurely, requiring replacement outside of the extended warranty program.
- Steering suddenly stops functioning while the car is in motion, including a case where the steering wheel went stiff with no power assist.
- Front passenger airbag deactivates even with an adult properly seated, and the driver head curtain airbag igniter throws a short-circuit code with the warning light staying on.
2012 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.
2012 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 28 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.
2012 compared with other A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Audi A8 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2012 A8 has a Complaint Index of 53 and ranks 8th out of 16 model years, giving it a Caution verdict relative to other A8 years. Engine issues make up 45% of its complaints.
- What is the top problem area for the 2012 Audi A8?
- Engine is the top problem area, accounting for 5 of 11 complaints (45%), with a median mileage at failure of 93,499 miles.
- Does the 2012 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 16V619000) covers a coolant valve that may leak and affects 2010-2013 A8 models built between May 15, 2010 and May 14, 2012.
- How does the 2012 A8 compare to other A8 years?
- Its Complaint Index of 53 is lower than 2013 (100), 2015 (93), and 2014 (80), all rated Avoid, but higher than 2021 (40), which is rated Good.