2011 Audi A8
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 49 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 31 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 15 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
ECU starting to malfunction as a coolant leak valve is leaking into it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231204
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A8. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT START.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180731
4 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
ECU starting to malfunction as a coolant leak valve is leaking into it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231204
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160229
3 of 15 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS HEARING A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF MY CAR EVERY TIME I BRAKED AND CAME TO A STOP. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CAR LEANED FORWARD HEAVILY WHEN I BRAKED AND KNEW THIS WAS NOT NORMAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171130
1 of 15 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
ECU starting to malfunction as a coolant leak valve is leaking into it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231204
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012.
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.
Campaign 16V619000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V619000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2011 Audi A8 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Audi A8?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Audi A8 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.