DecodedCars2012 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 4.2 Fsi Quattro/Premium, L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Fsi Quattro/Premium, L 4dr Sedan Lwb W12 6.3 Fsi Quattro
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl, 6.3L 12-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 201.6–207.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,409–4,773 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 21 MPG combined, 12% below the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Audi A8 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (4.2L 8-cyl and 6.3L 12-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,409 lb (4dr Sedan 4.2 Fsi Quattro/Premium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 12% worse than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 6.3L 12-cyl
- Lightest version 198 lb heavier
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 A8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 4.2 Fsi Quattro/Premium | 201.6 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 117.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,409 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb 4.2 Fsi Quattro/Premium | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,451 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan Lwb W12 6.3 Fsi Quattro | 207.1 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 122.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,773 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 (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -12% | $3,900 | 423 |
| A8 L | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | +11% | $3,900 | 423 |
| A8 L | 6.3L 12-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Audi A8.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Audi A8 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 BMW 7 Series | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
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 2012 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,998 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 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 →