DecodedCars2010 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, L 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 199.2–204.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,288–4,398 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 19% below the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Audi A8 is a midsize car offered with a 4.2L 8-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 19% worse than the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2010
- Engine dropped: 6.0L 12-cyl
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 A8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 199.2 in | 74.8 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 63.8 / 63 in | 4,288 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan AWD | 204.3 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 120.9 in | 63 / 62.6 in | 4,398 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -19% | $4,550 | 494 |
| A8 L | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -3% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Audi A8 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Audi A8 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 BMW 5 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2010 Audi A6 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Porsche Panamera | 19 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Aug 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V619000 · 9,067 vehicles
- Problem
- 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
- A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2010 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2010 Audi A8 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2010 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Audi A8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A8 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 6 |
| 2020 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 A8 | 22 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2018 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2016 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →