2012 Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and now in its fourth generation, the A8 has been offered with both front- or permanent all-wheel drive—and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. The first two generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB platform. After the original model's 1994 release, Audi released the second generation in late 2002, the third in late 2009, and the fourth and current iteration in 2017. Noted as the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have used this construction method co-developed with Alcoa and marketed as the Audi Space Frame.
A mechanically upgraded, high-performance version of the A8 debuted in 1996 as the Audi S8. Produced exclusively at Audi's Neckarsulm plant, the S8 is fitted standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. The S8 was only offered with a short-wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant for the fourth generation.
D2 (Typ 4D; 1994–2002)
Development
In 1982, Ferdinand Piëch signed an agreement with Aluminum Company of America. The objective was to design and develop a car that would be substantially lighter than any other vehicles in its class (to compensate for the fact that standard all-wheel drive was around 100 kg (220 lb) heavier than competitors' rear-wheel drive). In the late 1980s, it was decided that the target vehicle would be a successor to the V8 (Typ 4C) flagship introduced in 1988. By 1990, a final design by Chris Bird and Dirk van Braeckel was chosen and frozen for series production in mid-1991. In September 1993, the Audi Space Frame (ASF) Concept was unveiled at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) as a D2 Typ 4D prototype in polished aluminum. Pilot production began in December 1993 and development ended in early 1994, at a total cost of $700 million (£418.1 million).
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Common 2012 Audi A8 problems
The 2012 Audi A8 Quattro has been reported to have a few common issues, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Start-Stop Defects: The start-stop system in modern vehicles, including the Audi A8, is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by shutting off the engine when the car is stationary and restarting it. Defects in this system can cause issues like the engine failing to restart, abrupt stops, or delayed engine response.
- Oil-Starved Turbochargers: Turbocharged engines, like those found in some Audi A8 models, rely on a steady oil supply to keep the turbocharger’s moving parts lubricated and cool. Oil starvation can occur due to leaks, clogs in the oil supply lines, or insufficient maintenance, leading to turbocharger failure.
- Transmission Troubles: Some Audi A8 owners have reported issues with the transmission, including rough shifting, slipping, and delayed engagement. These issues can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out or damaged transmission components, low transmission fluid levels, or problems with the vehicle's electronic control unit .
- Electrical Issues: The Audi A8 has also been reported to have electrical issues, such as malfunctioning sensors, intermittent electrical failures, and problems with the vehicle's electronic control unit. These issues can affect various vehicle systems, including the engine, transmission, brakes, and safety features .
- Oil Leaks: Some Audi A8 owners have reported oil leaks, which can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out or damaged seals, gaskets, or oil lines. Oil leaks can lead to various issues, including reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential engine damage if left unaddressed .
While these issues can be concerning, it's important to note that not all Audi A8s will experience these problems. Proper maintenance and care can help prevent many of these issues and extend the life of the vehicle. Additionally, some issues may be covered under warranty or be eligible for repair or replacement under Audi's customer service programs.
How long does a 2012 Audi A8 last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
Is the Audi A8 a reliable car?
According to whatcar.com, the Audi A8 has a decent reputation for reliability. Some years are terrible, but most come out about average. According to audicomplaints.com, the Audi A8 ranks 7th out of 19 Audi models. It's far from the worst, but it's not even close to the best.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
What are the common issues with Audi A8 d3?
Audi A8 Common Problems and Solutions
- Water in Footwell. Problem: ...
- Timing Chain Rattle. Problem: ...
- Electronic handbrake problems. Problem: ...
- Air temperature sensor failure. Problem: ...
- MMI (Multi Media Interface) problems. Problem: ...
- Door micro switch failure. Problem: ...
- Loss of Power Steering. Problem: ...
- Bumpy Driving. Problem:
How long does a 2012 Audi A8 last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
Is the Audi A8 a reliable car?
According to whatcar.com, the Audi A8 has a decent reputation for reliability. Some years are terrible, but most come out about average. According to audicomplaints.com, the Audi A8 ranks 7th out of 19 Audi models. It's far from the worst, but it's not even close to the best.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
Does 2012 Audi A8 have air suspension?
2012 A8 Photos
"Light, accurate steering makes it easy to place." "With its rearward-biased all-wheel drive, automatic air suspension and crisp steering response, the A8 handles like a smaller, lighter sport sedan.
2012 Audi A8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Steering problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Audi A8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Audi A8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Audi A8.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- VIN: WAURVAFD0CN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Check Engine ON. Diagnosed as cam shaft timing chain failure
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-09
- VIN: WAURVAFDXCN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON EVEN AFTER THE INITIAL STARTUP. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND HAS NOT BEEN MOVED. CODED ERROR IS DRIVER HEAD CURTAIN IGNITER SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-22
- VIN: WAURVAFD6CN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A8. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V619000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY FLETCHER JONES AUDI (1523 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60642, (312) 628-4300). TWO YEARS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SPORADIC ENGINE LEAKS THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-05
- VIN: WAURVAFD0CN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION/ NO POWER ASSIST CUSTOMER STATES STEERING WHEEL IS STIFF NO POWER ASSIT. POWER STEERING PUMP MALFUNCTION PUMP ASSEMBLY FAILED AND POWER STEERING PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-27
- VIN: WAUAVAFD9CN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: 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, (855) 574-8043). 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. *JS
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-29
- VIN: WAURVAFD4CN
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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. I ONLY HAVE 113,950 MILES AND HAVE BEEN GETTING REGULAR SERVICE. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS OVER THE YEARS AND NEVER HAD THIS MANY PROBLEMS. BETWEEN THE PROBLEMS I'M HAVING AND THE COMMENTS MADE BY AUDI OF AMERICA THIS MAY BE MY FIRST AND LAST AUDI.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-30
- VIN: WAURVAFD2CN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WITHOUT NOTICE, STEERING CEASED TO FUNCTION WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED IN A RETAIL PARKING LOT.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-29
- VIN: WAURAFD2CN0
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A RECALL ITEM TO BE REPLACED AND I WAS INFORMED THAT MY FUEL RAIL WAS LEAKING GAS. THEY DIDNT SAY IT WAS URGENT SO I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND ON MY WAS HOME I HAS THE STRONG SMELL OF GAS. I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER AUDI REPAIR HOP FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS SPRAYING FUEL AND THAT IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. HE ALSO SAID THAT MY CAR WAS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF LEAK SO IT MAY BE A DEFECT . HE ALSO SAID IT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN LEAKING FOR SOME TIME BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF RESIDUE HE SAW NEAR THE LEAK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-18
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS TOLD THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE, THE ANTIFREEZE GETS INTO THE WIRING HARNESS AND FOR ME THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. TO FIX THE ISSUE THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE ENGINE OUT AND REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS. A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX, I HAVE IT UNDER WARRANTY BUT WAS TOLD I WAS LUCKY, WHICH I ASSUME MEANS IF I DID NOT HAVE THE 100000 MILE WARRANTY I WOULD BE PAYING OUT OF POCKET. BUT IF THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-11
- VIN: WAURVAFD1CN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AFTER STARTING THE CAR IT WILL TRAVEL OR IDLE FOR 3-6 MINUTES (2-3 MILES) THEN START TO SPUTTER AND STALL. DURING THIS TIME THE YELLOW EPC LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT ARE ON. AFTER SITTING FOR 3-8 MINUTES IT MOST OFTEN STARTS BUT WILL NOT IDLE OR TRAVEL UNLESS THE EPC LIGHT GOES OUT. THIS RESTART MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL THE FIRST OR SECOND TIME. RUNNING OTHER SOFTWARE, AIR CONDITIONING, AND CRUISE CONTROL HAS NO INFLUENCE. PRELIMINARY COMPUTER CHECK SUGGESTS 14 FAULTS. FURTHER EXAMINATION WILL BE DONE AFTER MAY 30, 2016.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-29
- VIN: WAURVAFD1CN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: 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. AUDI TRIES TO EXPLAIN IT "AS DESIGNED" SUGGESTING THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD HARM THE PASSENGER. *TR
2012 Audi A8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2012 Audi A8.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2012 Audi A8 car reviews
Positive 2012 Audi A8 car reviews
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Congratulations on your new 2011 A8L! It's great to hear that you were able to test it out in some challenging weather conditions and that it handled so well. It sounds like you did your research before purchasing and made a wise choice with the Audi. While the instruments may be a bit complicated, it's great that you're able to appreciate all the car can do once you get used to them. The Bang and Olufsen sound system is definitely a great feature to have. Enjoy your new ride!
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It can be quite costly to repair.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Audi A8 problems:
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Nov 4, 2022 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Other years of Audi A8
Are you having problems with your 2012 Audi A8?
Orlo Reichert 2024-07-19
I have owned a 2011 A8 and 2012 A6, and I have found that the basic cars work very well. However, I have had some issues with the technical service department and the national sales team at Audi. Unfortunately, my A8 had an electrical/mechanical issue with the relay that controls the power brake system. I was disappointed to learn that Audi's technical support instructed the local Audi mechanic to wrap insulation around the relay so that I would not hear it closing and opening. They also relocated the relay to another spot in the car so that I would not hear it. I felt that these approaches did not address the core issue of the problem, and instead, it appeared that Audi was trying to mask the issue and hope that I would go away. This is a serious problem with this car, and I did not expect Audi to try to cover it up. I also asked the local sales manager to see what Audi would do for a trade value on my car towards a newer one. Unfortunately, he informed me that Audi would not help out in this matter besides not fixing the issue. Needless to say, I am disappointed with the way Audi has handled this matter, especially for a company that is trying to make inroads in the high-end market.