2011 Audi A8 problems
The 2011 Audi A8 was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the 3.0 TDI V6 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2011 cars, such as leaks in the air suspension and failure of the compressor or height sensors.
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2011 Audi A8 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 10 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.0From 5.2 to 6.9 depending on the engine
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension8.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights8.8Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment9.61 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2010 Audi A8
- Score: 7.2 → 7.0
- Starts to be affected by: control unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue) (3.0 TDI V6) and fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns) (Audi 3.0 TFSI V6)
3.0 TDI V6 engine in the 2011 Audi A8
Names: 3.0 TDI quattro · 3.0 TDI ultra
- With caution
3.0 TDI EA896 generation 2, Euro 5 (CLAA, CLAB, CJMA, CDUC, CRCA, CKVC, CDUD; 2010-2015)
204–300 hp · CLAA, CLAB, CJMA, CDUC, CRCA, CKVC, CDUD
The EGR is much improved over generation 1 according to Audi, but the warnings about the chain, water pump and the KBA emissions software remain; check by VIN that the campaign has been done.[2][3][4][5]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlControl unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)Germany's KBA ordered a software update for the Euro 5 and 6 3.0 TDI V6 engines from Audi, VW and Porsche: a warm-up strategy that reduced NOx only on the test bench and, on the 200 kW A6 and A7, limited AdBlue dosing. The update is free.Repair: €0
Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 engine in the 2011 Audi A8
Names: A8 3.0 TFSI quattro
- With caution
3.0 TFSI 290 hp supercharged (CAJA, CGWA; 2008-2013)
290 hp · CAJA, CGWA
The guides do not report serious faults specific to this version, but at 12-18 years old it is worth checking the thermostat and water pump history and listening to the chain on a cold start, which are the points cited for this V6.[8][9][10]
- With caution
3.0 TFSI 333 hp supercharged, direct injection (CAKA, CJTB, CTWA, CTUB; 2008-2015)
333 hp · CAKA, CJTB, CTWA, CTUB
Direct injection only, so carbon build-up is to be expected, and several of these units fall under the fuel rail campaigns; ask for invoices for the campaigns and for intake cleaning.[7][10][11]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelFuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)Audi recalled cars with the 3.0 TFSI over possible leaks from the fuel rails: one campaign in 2015 (built between April 2011 and April 2012) and another in 2019 (low-pressure rails, built between 2014 and 2016). You notice it by a smell of petrol; the fix is to replace the rails.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingLeak at the thermostat housing and water pumpTechnical guides cite coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing and from the water pump of the supercharged 3.0 TFSI, and Audi also replaced the thermostat in a 2015 campaign. You notice it by falling coolant and, if ignored, by overheating.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)Like any direct-injection engine, the 3.0 TFSI accumulates carbon on the intake valves, because the fuel does not wash them; guides put it at around 95,000 km and it causes rough idle and loss of power. The 333 hp versions from 2014 add indirect injection.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)The PCV valve in the 3.0 TFSI's crankcase ventilation can fail with age and mileage: parts supplier and workshop guides cite rough idle, vacuum leaks and higher oil consumption. It is a minor fault, with no campaign or published statistics.
Faults outside the engine in the 2011 Audi A8
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionLeaks in the air suspension and failure of the compressor or height sensorsA buyer's guide notes bellows that sag or leak, and compressors or height sensors that fail with age, on A8 D4s with adaptive air suspension.
- Low severityFrequency: RareElectronics and infotainmentRetractable MMI screen that jams and software faultsA D4 buyer's guide cites the retractable MMI screen jamming and software errors or freezes in the multimedia system as common faults.
Buying a 2011 Audi A8?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Audi A8 reliable?
The 2011 Audi A8 was sold with 2 engines that we have documented: the 3.0 TDI V6 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2011 cars, such as leaks in the air suspension and failure of the compressor or height sensors.
Is the 2011 Audi A8 better than the 2010?
Our score goes from 7.2 in 2010 to 7.0 in 2011. Starts to be affected by: control unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue) (3.0 TDI V6) and fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns) (Audi 3.0 TFSI V6).
What is the best year for the Audi A8?
According to our score, the best is 2010 (7.2/10). The year with the worst score is 2016 (6.7/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2011 Audi A8 have?
The most important ones documented for 2011 cars are: failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns) (Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, high severity) and leaks in the air suspension and failure of the compressor or height sensors (suspension, high severity).
Own a 2011 Audi A8? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Llamada a revisión de 127.000 Audi diésel por emisionescoches.com · Motoring press · published 27 January 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Audi A8Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
- Undichtigkeit im Einspritzsystem: Audi-Rückruf läuft bereitsÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A6 C7 4G 2011-2018 Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A6 C7: typische Probleme und Diagnose mit ODISKfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich (blog de taller) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Gebrauchter Audi A6 und S6 C7 ZuverlässigkeitsleitfadenEuro Premium Parts (blog de recambista) · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi Q5: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German