2011 Audi A8
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Audi A8. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2011 Audi A8. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
15 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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”
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
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…
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
- Engine · Suspension
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…
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.
- Engine
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.
- Structure › Body
Rust, corrosion that may detach from body or frame components or other structual components that may present a safety hazard.
- Engine
Takata recall coolant failer and motor
- Engine
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Suspension
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…
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.
- Suspension
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.
- Electrical system · Engine
While driving on a city street my car suddenly stopped (4 lane street -- 2 going, to coming). There was very heavy traffic and I could not move the car as it would not come back on, nor could I shift the car into neutral to push it out of the way. As a result, the car remained in the middle of the…
While driving on a city street my car suddenly stopped (4 lane street -- 2 going, to coming). There was very heavy traffic and I could not move the car as it would not come back on, nor could I shift the car into neutral to push it out of the way. As a result, the car remained in the middle of the road, in heavy traffic, for about 2 hours until the tow truck arrived. The car was towed to the local dealer where it the dealter took 4 days to diagnose it with having coolant leaked into the engine wire harness and into the pcm where it shorted the pins. As a result the car was completely inoperable. This caused a very unsafe condition as the behind me suddenly had to break and just missed hitting my car. The car just shut down and would not restart or engage the neutral gear in order for me to get out of the middle of the road. This seems to be a common thing and something that should require audi to address via a recall in order to replace the affected part(s) before something like this happens or require audi to make appropriate repairs to those affected by this common and dangerous fault. This IS a serious safety issue! Dealer wants $11000 to repair it! What should I do?? loss of work and pay as car IS stranded at audi dealer! Agony! Embarrassment!
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 audi A8. While driving the vehicle at various speeds, the engine warning indicator and the "do not exceed 4,000 rpms" warning indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the engine coolant was leaking through the coolant valve connection. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
While driving on a city street my car suddenly stopped (4 lane street -- 2 going, to coming). there was very heavy traffic and I could not move the car as it would not come back on, nor could I shift the car into neutral to push it out of the way. as a result, the car remained in the middle of…
While driving on a city street my car suddenly stopped (4 lane street -- 2 going, to coming). there was very heavy traffic and I could not move the car as it would not come back on, nor could I shift the car into neutral to push it out of the way. as a result, the car remained in the middle of the road, in heavy traffic, for about three hours until the tow truck arrived. the car was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed as having coolant leaked into the engine wire harness and into the pcm where it shorted the pins. as a result the car was completely inoperable. this caused a very unsafe condition as there were no warning signs, the car just shut down and would not restart or engage the neutral gear in order for me to get out of the middle of the road. this seems to be a common thing and something that should require audi to address via a recall in order to replace the affected part(s) before something like this happens or require audi to make appropriate repairs to those affected by this common and dangerous fault. below IS a link I found in which other individuals complain about the very issue. http://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-s8-d4-platform-discussion-190/coolant-leak-through-wiring-harness-2862459/
- Engine
I was accelerating onto the freeway on ramp when the engine cut off. I managed to pull over to the shoulder but the check engine light and the epc light came on. I had to be towed into the dealer. there was a "coolant valve leak. the coolant migrated through a harness to the ecm and to multiple…
I was accelerating onto the freeway on ramp when the engine cut off. I managed to pull over to the shoulder but the check engine light and the epc light came on. I had to be towed into the dealer. there was a "coolant valve leak. the coolant migrated through a harness to the ecm and to multiple connectors thoughout the engine harness". the worst part of this situation IS the extremely dangerous position I could have been in. what if the car stopped while in the fast lane, or express lanes of the freeway? this IS not the first complaint of this nature on this model of audi. please check into this as I am sure it will cause a fatality someday.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The transmission coolant valve leaked coolant on to the engine control module causing it to malfunction. The card stopped while in motion in the middle of the busy street and I was almost hit buy a semi truck. It started back up, I got it to a parking lot and it stopped again. I have found no less…
The transmission coolant valve leaked coolant on to the engine control module causing it to malfunction. The card stopped while in motion in the middle of the busy street and I was almost hit buy a semi truck. It started back up, I got it to a parking lot and it stopped again. I have found no less than 50 online complaints about this problem. Most of the complaints state that the manufacturer was "aware" of the problem.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009999This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009937This bulletin provides additional information pertaining to continued noises/vibrations in tight bends - Q7 and A8 vehicle models.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009344This bulletin provides information on repairs on the air spring strut of the frong axle; additional sealing.
- 11009332This bulletin provides information when there are noises and/or vibration in tight turns in vehicles with quattro drive.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007315This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007311This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibrations in tight bends; Q7 and A8 models.
- 11007305This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007264This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007234This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007230This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibrations in tight bends; Q7 and A8 models.
- 11007224This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007216This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11005935This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations or audio interference in the sound system.
- 11005911This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
- 11005884This bulletin provides service information pertaining to noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft.
- 11005865This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibration from the front of the vehicle while in dynamic mode.
- 11005861This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11005848This bulletin provides Audi technicians with information to prepare for contact to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 11003026This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11003024This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11003019This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002981This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
- 11002957This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
Every Audi A8 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.