2012 Audi A8 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 4th of 12 A8 years we score.

Owner complaints: 11
Per 10,000 cars: 24.2; 4,541 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.66×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 3; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 1
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2011 A8 2013 A8 →

Should You Buy the 2012 Audi A8?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2012 Audi A8 is 77 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 4th of the 12 A8 years we score.

The most reported problem is the cooling system, mostly a leak (2 of 11 complaints). Owners also complain about the engine and the steering. 3 of the 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 1 recall. Audi also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2011 scores 74 and the 2013 scores 58.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-24-04 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 77
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Audi warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

Cooling system: a leak2 complaints
Engine: stalling2 complaints
Steering: loss of steering control2 complaints

How the 2012 A8 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.57×	−12
Everyday problems	0.87×	−7
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.46×	−4
Score		77

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2012 A8. If it were exactly average, its 4,541 cars would draw about 0.9 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.

What Owners Report

We read all 11 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Audi A8, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 11.

Cooling system: a leak
2 complaints (18%)
A leak and a failure.
Engine: stalling
2 complaints (18%)
Stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Steering: loss of steering control
2 complaints (18%)
Loss of steering control and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.

Reported Once (11)

Show the 11 problems reported once

Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Fuel pump: works on and off
Fuel leak
High-pressure fuel pump failure
Screen and audio: stopped working
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
Cam follower failure
Side or curtain airbags: fault code
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
Timing chain or camshaft failure
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage

How the 2012 Audi A8 Compares With Other Years

The other A8 years of the 3rd generation (D4), 2011 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2019	Caution	67	1.5×	29.0	3	Alternator or charging: failure or loss of drive
2018	Not scored	–	–	0.0	2	–
2017	Good	77	0.62×	16.6	3	–
2016	Good	72	0.92×	39.5	4	Suspension (part not stated): sticking or stiffness
2015	Caution	64	1.8×	51.6	5	Turbocharger: stalling
2014	Caution	66	1.4×	41.2	5	Turbocharger: stalling
2013	Avoid	58	2.7×	84.1	6	Turbocharger: stalling
2012 This year	Good	77	0.66×	24.2	1	Cooling system: a leak
2011	Good	74	0.83×	29.5	1	Cooling system: a leak
2010	Not scored	–	–	15.4	1	–

See every A8 year

2012 Audi A8 Recalls

One recall covers the 2012 Audi A8. It was issued in August 2016: “Coolant Leak May Cause Engine Stall.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.

Coolant Leak May Cause Engine Stall
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V619000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 24, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 83% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2012 Audi A8 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has one warranty extension for the 2012 Audi A8, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2012 A8, from its recall, an Audi warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Coolant Leak May Cause Engine Stall NHTSA 16V619000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Cooling system
Engine
Steering
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A8 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.