Audi A8 problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 123 owner complaints and 21 recalls on file for the Audi A8 (2006–2026). The 2013 A8 has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 123
Recalls: 21
Model years: 21
Worst year: 2013

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Audi A8 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Audi A8 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2013 Audi A8 — 37 complaints; top problem: Engine
2015 Audi A8 — 21 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Engine
2014 Audi A8 — 14 complaints; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (0 complaints).

Every Audi A8 model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2026 A8	0	0	0	0	1	—
2025 A8	0	0	0	0	1	—
2024 A8	0	0	0	0	2	—
2023 A8	0	0	0	0	2	—
2022 A8	0	0	0	0	3	—
2021 A8	5	0	0	0	10	Transmission & Drivetrain
2020 A8	3	0	1	0	5	Electrical System
2019 A8	14	1	0	0	3	Electrical System
2018 A8	0	0	0	0	2	—
2017 A8	8	1	0	0	3	Engine
2016 A8	9	0	0	0	4	Engine
2015 A8	21	1	0	1	5	Engine
2014 A8	14	0	0	0	5	Engine
2013 A8	37	0	0	0	6	Engine
2012 A8	2	0	0	0	1	Airbags
2011 A8	5	0	0	0	1	Engine
2010 A8	0	0	0	0	1	—
2009 A8	2	0	0	0	1	Body & Structure
2008 A8	0	0	0	0	1	—
2007 A8	2	0	0	0	1	Visibility & Wipers
2006 A8	1	0	0	0	0	Electrical System

Most common Audi A8 problem areas (all years)

Engine
73 complaints
Electrical System
20 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
12 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
9 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
8 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Body & Structure
6 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Visibility & Wipers
6 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Audi A8 received by NHTSA each month.

Audi A8 recalls

Recall 25V900000Dec 19, 2025356,894 vehiclesModel years 2019–2026
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 25V201000Mar 31, 202544,387 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 24V251000Apr 3, 202491 vehiclesModel years 2024
Risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 23V842000Dec 13, 202393,196 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 23V084000Feb 15, 20231,047 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023
Risk: In a crash, an incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury to a child or small person who is seated and unbelted on the front passenger seat and very close to the instrument panel.
Recall 22V806000Oct 26, 20226,076 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V742000Oct 5, 2022170,296 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V178000Mar 23, 202226,093 vehiclesModel years 2013–2017
Risk: Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V034000Jan 26, 202231,058 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V825000Oct 20, 20212,857 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V606000Aug 5, 202145,496 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Recall 21V295000Apr 26, 202140,993 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V111000Feb 24, 2021238 vehiclesModel years 2019–2021
Risk: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 20V397000Jul 7, 202012,964 vehiclesModel years 2013–2018
Risk: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Recall 19V415000Jun 5, 201966 vehiclesModel years 2019
Risk: A failure of the seat track rivet increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Recall 19V057000Jan 28, 20198,985 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016
Risk: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
Recall 19V035000Jan 16, 201974,881 vehiclesModel years 2015–2018
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Recall 18V430000Jun 25, 20186,633 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 16V619000Aug 24, 20169,067 vehiclesModel years 2010–2013
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 16V415000Jun 9, 2016536 vehiclesModel years 2007–2009
Risk: If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 13V448000Sep 23, 20131,120 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Audi models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology