2012 Audi A8
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 11 complaints
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 | 50 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 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 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
4 of 11 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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 .
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-29
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Steering
2 of 11 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Without notice, steering ceased to function while car was in motion. This failure occurred in a retail parking lot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-05
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 11 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Air bags
2 of 11 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-25
Also filed under Seats
Visibility/wiper
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2016-10-18Engine and engine cooling16V619000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V619000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 2012 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 2012 Audi A8?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Audi A8 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.