NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Audi A8 Recalls & Complaints

The 2012 Audi A8 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 11 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Audi A8. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2012 Audi A8 owner complaints

Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Audi A8, describing incidents dated June 29, 2012 to June 1, 2021.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 4 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 3 complaints
  • Air Bags 2 complaints
  • Steering 2 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 2 complaints
  • Electrical System 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11420379 · Filed

    Check Engine ON. Diagnosed as cam shaft timing chain failure

  • ODI #11330266 · Filed

    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

  • ODI #11244939 · Filed

    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…

Read all 11 complaints

Coolant Leak may cause Engine Stall

NHTSA #16V619000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported August 24, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 9,067 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.27% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 80B9 · Owners notified October 18, 2016 · Vehicles built May 15, 2010 – May 14, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Audi A8 model years

Check your 2012 Audi A8 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi A8 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check an Audi VIN