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2011 Audi A8 problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Audi A8 is engine and cooling, typically around 76,000 miles. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical A8 model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
15
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
9932 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21mpg

The worst 2011 Audi A8 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    10
  • Electrical
    4
  • Suspension
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    10
  • Electrical
    4
  • Suspension
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 1

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported August 24, 2016 · 9,067 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834.

Recall number 16V619000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2011 Audi A8

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Audi A8 993

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 993 bulletins for the 2011 Audi A8

2011 Audi A8 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.2L 8‑cylAWD172721

What 2011 Audi A8 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 21, 2025 · Engine · OH

The coolant is leaking out and onto engine. My safety was at Risk due to the car overheating and smoking. This is a on going problem that many AUDI’s had a recall for except mines. Yes the vehicle was inspected and the warning that came up was “coolant level low turn off engine”

Filed Dec 4, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · IL

ECU starting to malfunction as a coolant leak valve is leaking into it. There is a recall for these models but not for my specific car but I do believe my car is affected because my car has a coolant leak that I personally can’t find and my car was just worked on by Audi Indianapolis and they did not see any coolant leaks either. It was mentioned to me by another Audi A8 owner and it’s making sense to me as the way everything began to fail on my car until I detached the battery and attached it back it worked fine but sometimes the ECU will begin to fail for Adaptive Cruise Control randomly, then it will work again. These are symptoms of coolant leaking and affecting the ECU, and I can’t afford to pay for that to be fixed because it would cost more than what the car is worth but I would like to see if my car was affected by this recall because i genuinely believe this is what is happening

Filed Jan 12, 2022 · Engine, Suspension · NC

Audi a8 has been using large amount of coolant. However, its not running out the car. Yet im steady buying coolant because its saying its low. And when I go to put the coolant in my car it is low. So where is the coolant going? In trying to figure out where my coolant was going or why was it calling for so much I did some audi research on my vehicle and saw that it had a prior recall. I purchased this car over a year ago and the dealership didnt alert me of any recalls. I dont think my recall was fixed. Also theres been a lound noise on my suspension in the front of my vehicle on the right. I see audi had many complaints on this issue. The car with arrows for my suspension stays on. Took to dealership to get it diagnosed. They cut the lights off from the dash but the check engine light is still on. According to the forums ive read these issues on my audi are serious safety issues. There were no warning prior to the failures. I am really afraid to drive my vehicle because I dont knnow what or when if it will stall out on me in traffic or worse.

Filed Jun 10, 2021 · Engine · 67,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2011 AUDI A8. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the camshaft and timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2020 · Body · 96,000 miles · NJ

Rust, corrosion that may detach from body or frame components or other structual components that may present a safety hazard.

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Engine · 93,000 miles · CA

Takata recall coolant failer and motor

Filed Jul 31, 2018 · Engine · 66,000 miles · CT

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. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to audi of fairfield (435 commerce dr, fairfield, ct 06825, (203) 951-6570) where it was diagnosed that the oil plug was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Filed Nov 30, 2017 · 75,000 miles · CA

The navigation system continuously displays a location where I am not located. This has occurred many, many times. It can occur randomly or at startup. This has been an issue for which I have taken the vehicle to my local audi but they have been unable to identify the issue, although they have said other customers have came in complaining about the same issue. This issue is also widely documented on audi forums. On several occasions, while driving, the GPS map lost signal. On other occasions the GPS map would not pick up my location. This happens the most. It has happened on several occasions where I was at locations where I was unfamiliar with and was reliant on my vehicle's GPS. The GPS issues being experienced have created major safety issues because I have been heavily distracted while driving and noticing that the GPS has lost signal. I almost have been involved in accidents as a result and have had to pull over because of it. This is something that audi needs to address.

Filed Nov 30, 2017 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · CA

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. I also noticed a vibration on my steering when when traveling at around 40-50 MPH. I took the car (2011 audi 8l) to my local audi who first said the car was fine and nothing was wrong with it. The issue continued. I took the car back to my local audi dealer and asked to take the mechanic on a ride with me so I could point out what I was hearing and noticing. The audi mechanic then said that he too noticed it and it seems to him like it was the control arms and bushings but had to fully diagnose the vehicle back at the shop, which he did. My local audi then came back and said that my lower left control control arm had to be replaced. I had them replace it, but the problem was not resolved. I took the vehicle back and they said that now my left upper control arm had to be replace, which I did. The problem was solved. A few months later I hear the same noise. I take the vehicle back to my local audi and they said that my right control arms had to be replaced, which I did. The issue was resolved. A few months go by and I hear the same noises and notice that the car is again dipping heavily in the front. I take the vehicle back to my local audi and they say that my control arms on the left side are again bad; they were replaced again. Now, about one year later I am noticing the same noise and vibrations on my steering wheel. This is a huge safety issue. I have noticed on many audi forums that many audi a8 owners are experiencing the same issues.

Filed Oct 26, 2016 · Suspension · 87,000 miles · LA

Control arm bushings subject to premature failure requiring frequent replacement. This results in extreme vibration and erratic handing during braking. Upper control arms were replace while under warranty but others soon failed once vehicle was out of warranty.

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Questions about the 2011 Audi A8

Is the 2011 Audi A8 reliable?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2011 Audi A8, 1.9 times a typical A8 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Audi A8?

Engine and cooling, with 10 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles. Next is electrical (4).

How many recalls does the 2011 Audi A8 have?

1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Audi A8 get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Audi A8 range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.2L 8-cyl, AWD) gets 17 city and 27 highway.

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