This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Audi A8 suspension problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 3 suspension complaints filed for the 2011 Audi A8, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Suspension accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA suspension complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This TSB provides informaiton pertaining to noises from the guide link bush.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides informaiton pertaining to noises from the guide link bush.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft are reported.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on repairs on the air spring strut of the frong axle; additional sealing.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I was hearing a thumping noise coming from the front of my car every time I braked and came to a stop. I also noticed that the car leaned forward heavily when I braked and knew this was not normal. I also noticed a vibration on my steering when when traveling at around 40-50 MPH. I took the car (2011 Audi 8l) to my local Audi who first said the car was fine and nothing was wrong with it. The…
Control arm bushings subject to premature failure requiring frequent replacement. This results in extreme vibration and erratic handing during braking. Upper control arms were replace while under warranty but others soon failed once vehicle was out of warranty.
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 where is the coolant going? In trying to figure out where my coolant was going or why was it calling for so much I did some Audi research on my vehicle and saw that it had a prior recall. I purchased…
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2011 Audi A8?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 86,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.