2012 Audi A8 Reliability ReportKeepScore 72/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2012 Audi A8
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2014 Audi A8 earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: air suspension system (major severity).
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the engine and engine cooling:engine.
2012 Audi A8: Buy or Avoid?
The 2012 Audi A8 offers a robust and luxurious driving experience, but it is not for the faint of heart when it comes to long-term ownership costs. While the core mechanicals are solid, the complex air suspension and sophisticated electronics represent significant potential financial liabilities that demand a substantial repair budget.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust 4.2L V8 engine (if maintained)
- Excellent build quality and interior materials
- Reliable ZF 8-speed automatic transmission
2012 Audi A8 — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2012 Audi A8. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2012 Audi A8
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
What breaks on the 2012 Audi A8?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Audi A8 — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Audi A8. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2012s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2012 Audi A8
Parts and accessories matched to your 2012 Audi A8
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Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2012 Audi A8? Keep it that way.
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