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2012 Audi A8Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 2012 Audi A8, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 16V-619 the manufacturer reports only 83% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Lowest repair rate 83%Owner complaints110 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage103kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 10, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Audi A8 has problems

11 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine40
Fuel/propulsion system20
Steering20
Air bags20
Visibility/wiper10
Electrical system10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Seats10
Vehicle speed control10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2012 Audi A8 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other A8 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A8 median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2012 Audi A8 safety ratings

2012 Audi A8 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What A8 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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, [PHONE]). TWO YEARS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE…
Complaint 11244939 · Aug 19, 2019 · 103,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A8. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER 25 MINUTES AND TOWED TO AUDI…
Complaint 11222486 · Jun 25, 2019 · 83,998 miles
I'VE RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE BOTH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS AND CAM FOLLOWERS AT COST TO MYSELF EVEN THOUGH AUDI EXTENDED THE WARRANTY DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURES ON SEVERAL AUDIS. APPARENTLY MY VIN WASN'T IN THE LIST. I TRIED CALLING AOA FOR ANY ASSISTANCE BUT WAS TOLD BECAUSE I ONLY OWN…
Complaint 11143725 · Oct 29, 2018 · 109,500 miles

Own a 2012 A8?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.