MotorDeets

2012 Audi A8: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2012 Audi A8: 1 recall, 11 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
11owner complaints
0mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2012 Audi A8
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #16V619000 · 2016 · 9,067 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine4
Airbags2
Other / unknown2
Fuel & propulsion2
Steering2
Seats1
Speed control / throttle1
Visibility/Wiper1

What owners describe

The 2012 Audi A8 has 11 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 32 A8 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 8). Complaints peaked in 2016 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 79,627 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (15 complaints, 1 recalls), 2013 (49 complaints, 6 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.2 L 8-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive182821Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Audi A8.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2012 Audi A8 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2012 Audi A8 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2012 Audi A8 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2012 Audi A8 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2012 Audi A8 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2012 Audi A8 problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (4), airbags (2), other / unknown (2).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi A8 get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2012 Audi A8 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other A8 years

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