2012 Audi A8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2012 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other A8 years?

A8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Audi A8 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	4	24%	▼ down
Fuel System	3	18%	▲ up
Airbags	2	12%	▼ down
Other	2	12%	▼ down
Steering	2	12%	new
Seats	1	6%	— flat
Speed Control	1	6%	▼ down
Electrical System	1	6%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	1	6%	— flat

Does the 2012 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.

“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 filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 22, 2019

“I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A RECALL ITEM TO BE REPLACED AND I WAS INFORMED THAT MY FUEL RAIL WAS LEAKING GAS. THEY DIDNT SAY IT WAS URGENT SO I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND ON MY WAS HOME I HAS THE STRONG SMELL OF GAS. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER AUDI REPAIR HOP FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 29, 2016

“I WAS TOLD THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE, THE ANTIFREEZE GETS INTO THE WIRING HARNESS AND FOR ME THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. TO FIX THE ISSUE THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE ENGINE OUT AND REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS. A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX, I HAVE IT UNDER WARRANTY BUT WAS TOLD I WAS LUCKY,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 18, 2016

“POWER STEERING PUMP MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION/ NO POWER ASSIST CUSTOMER STATES STEERING WHEEL IS STIFF NO POWER ASSIT. POWER STEERING PUMP MALFUNCTION PUMP ASSEMBLY FAILED AND POWER STEERING PUMP”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 5, 2019

“FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AIRBAG REPEATEDLY DEACTIVATES REGARDLESS OF 115 POUND ADULT SITTING PROPERLY IN THE SEAT. SAME ISSUE HAPPENED WITH THE A8 LOANER VEHICLE PROVIDED WHILE THIS CAR WAS BEING SERVICED. AUDI TRIES TO EXPLAIN IT "AS DESIGNED" SUGGESTING THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD HARM THE PASSENGER. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 29, 2012

2012 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2012 Audi A8 reliable?

The record is thin — 17 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 2012 A8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints), airbags (2 complaints).

Does the 2012 Audi A8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2012 compare to other A8 years?

What are the most common 2012 Audi A8 problems?

Does the 2012 Audi A8 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2012 Audi A8 — common questions

Is the 2012 Audi A8 reliable?

What are the most common 2012 A8 problems?

Does the 2012 Audi A8 have recalls?

Which Audi A8 years should you avoid?

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