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2011 Audi A8 L 4.2

All Audi A8 D4 trims (2011–2018) → All Audi A8 generations →
2011 Audi A8 – front Unverified
Photo: Audi A8 L 60 TDI quattro D4 FL Mythos Black Metallic (4) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the D4 (D4, 2011–2018); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Audi A8 L 60 TDI quattro D4 FL Mythos Black Metallic (4) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: Audi A8 L 60 TDI quattro D4 FL Mythos Black Metallic (6) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: AUDI A8L D4 (Typ 4H) China (24) by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Black Audi A8 L W12 (D4) rr 2012 by Matti Blume ( MB-one ), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: Audi A8 D4 interior by TTTNIS, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2011 Audi A8 L 4.2 is a 4.2-liter V8 with an 8-speed tiptronic automatic and all-wheel drive. It is rated at 21 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Engine
Engine Type4.2L V8
Displacement4.2 L
Drivetrain
Drive Typequattro all-wheel drive
Differential Typequattro all-wheel drive
Transmission
Transmission8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Fuel Economy
City17 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
Dimensions & Weight
Cargo Volume13 ft³

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2011 Audi A8 4 DR AWD).

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Audi A8. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Aug 24, 2016 · 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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V619000

15 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2011 Audi A8

Owner Complaints

15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Audi A8. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine10
Electrical System4
Suspension3
Unknown Or Other3
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 21, 2025 · 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…”
Dec 4, 2023 · Power Train, Electrical System, Engine
“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…”
Jan 12, 2022 · Suspension, Engine
“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…”
Jun 10, 2021 · 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…”
Mar 7, 2020 · Structure
“RUST, CORROSION THAT MAY DETACH FROM BODY OR FRAME COMPONENTS OR OTHER STRUCTUAL COMPONENTS THAT MAY PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD.”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2011 AUDI A8. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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