A8 (D4)
Data covers 5 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
4.0-V8-Gas
4.0L 8-cyl / 420 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 333 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
4.2-V8-Gas
4.2L 8-cyl / 372 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
Audi A8 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Diesel
3.0L 6-cyl / 240 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Audi A8, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2011-2018 Audi A8
On a used 2011-2018 Audi A8, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (107), the fuel system (17) and the brakes (13). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 107 owner complaints on the 2011-2018 Audi A8 about the engine, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2011-2018 Audi A8 about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2011-2018 Audi A8 about the brakes.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2011-2018 Audi A8 about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2011-2018 Audi A8 about the electrical system.
Recalls (7)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.
Show 2 older recalls
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2011-2018 Audi A8 complaints?
Owners have filed 171 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011-2018 Audi A8. The systems they name most often are the engine, the fuel system and the brakes.
Is the 2011-2018 Audi A8 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 171 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011-2018 Audi A8. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2018 Audi A8 have?
NHTSA has 171 owner complaints on file for the 2011-2018 Audi A8 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2011-2018 Audi A8?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2011-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Audi A8?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the fuel system and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the A8 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2011-2018 Audi A8. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 171 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.