VehicleVerdict

2011 Audi A8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2011 Audi A8 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

23

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other A8 years?

A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted67 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 12 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 13 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 8 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 31 complaints2005: 11 complaints2006: 10 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 10 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 67 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 46 complaints2016: 17 complaints2017: 12 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 22 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Audi A8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1043%
Electrical System417%
Other313%
Suspension313%
Body & Structure14%
Transmission14%
Fuel System14%

Does the 2011 Audi A8 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V619000EngineAugust 24, 2016 · 9,067 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2011 AUDI A8. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the camshaft and timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 10, 2019

“THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT VALVE LEAKED COOLANT ON TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. THE CARD STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY STREET AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BUY A SEMI TRUCK. IT STARTED BACK UP, I GOT IT TO A PARKING LOT AND IT STOPPED AGAIN. I HAVE FOUND NO LESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 28, 2016

“THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT VALVE LEAKED COOLANT ON TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. THE CARD STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY STREET AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BUY A SEMI TRUCK. IT STARTED BACK UP, I GOT IT TO A PARKING LOT AND IT STOPPED AGAIN. I HAVE FOUND NO LESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 28, 2016

“CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS SUBJECT TO PREMATURE FAILURE REQUIRING FREQUENT REPLACEMENT. THIS RESULTS IN EXTREME VIBRATION AND ERRATIC HANDING DURING BRAKING. UPPER CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY BUT OTHERS SOON FAILED ONCE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 21, 2016

“THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT VALVE LEAKED COOLANT ON TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. THE CARD STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY STREET AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BUY A SEMI TRUCK. IT STARTED BACK UP, I GOT IT TO A PARKING LOT AND IT STOPPED AGAIN. I HAVE FOUND NO LESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 28, 2016

2011 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2011 Audi A8 reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 A8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2011 Audi A8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A8 years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2004. The cleanest record among A8 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.