Most common 2012 Audi A8 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A8 complaints by model year
Best A8 years: 2018, 2022, 2009. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014, 2004. Compare all years →
2012 Audi A8 recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
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.
What 2012 Audi A8 owners say
Engine & cooling
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 one(apparently brand loyalty means buying 2 at a time) and I bought it from an independent dealer there was nothing they could do. I get all my work done at the local Audi dealer. Since then I have also had to replace my windshield due to the seals failing and leaving me with a water fall in my car(I seen several people affected in forums). Not to mention the short in my mmi screen and tail light(some of the leds are out and the extended warranty I had refused to cover) that needs to be fixed but has to be put on hold due to my thermostat failing. …
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 nashville (located at 1576 mallory ln, brentwood, tn 37027, [phone]). The technician could not duplicate the failure, but informed the contact that a loose connection was found on the fuel pump control module. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled a second time. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 83,998.
Fuel & propulsion system
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 one(apparently brand loyalty means buying 2 at a time) and I bought it from an independent dealer there was nothing they could do. I get all my work done at the local Audi dealer. Since then I have also had to replace my windshield due to the seals failing and leaving me with a water fall in my car(I seen several people affected in forums). Not to mention the short in my mmi screen and tail light(some of the leds are out and the extended warranty I had refused to cover) that needs to be fixed but has to be put on hold due to my thermostat failing. …
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 nashville (located at 1576 mallory ln, brentwood, tn 37027, [phone]). The technician could not duplicate the failure, but informed the contact that a loose connection was found on the fuel pump control module. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled a second time. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 83,998.
2012 Audi A8 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 6.3L 12-cyl | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 14 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Audi A8 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 A8 rates average: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the A8 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Audi A8?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (3) and air bags (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Audi A8 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Audi A8, the most recent from August 24, 2016 (engine). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A8?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2022 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014 and 2004. See the full Audi A8 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Audi A8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 84,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.