Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and now in its fourth generation, the A8 has been offered with both front- or permanent all-wheel drive—and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. The first two generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB platform. After the original model's 1994 release, Audi released the second generation in late 2002, the third in late 2009, and the fourth and current iteration in 2017. Noted as the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have used this construction method co-developed with Alcoa and marketed as the Audi Space Frame.
A mechanically upgraded, high-performance version of the A8 debuted in 1996 as the Audi S8. Produced exclusively at Audi's Neckarsulm plant, the S8 is fitted standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. The S8 was only offered with a short-wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant for the fourth generation.
D2 (Typ 4D; 1994–2002)
Development
In 1982, Ferdinand Piëch signed an agreement with Aluminum Company of America. The objective was to design and develop a car that would be substantially lighter than any other vehicles in its class (to compensate for the fact that standard all-wheel drive was around 100 kg (220 lb) heavier than competitors' rear-wheel drive). In the late 1980s, it was decided that the target vehicle would be a successor to the V8 (Typ 4C) flagship introduced in 1988. By 1990, a final design by Chris Bird and Dirk van Braeckel was chosen and frozen for series production in mid-1991. In September 1993, the Audi Space Frame (ASF) Concept was unveiled at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) as a D2 Typ 4D prototype in polished aluminum. Pilot production began in December 1993 and development ended in early 1994, at a total cost of $700 million (£418.1 million).
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Audi A8 model years
Common Audi A8 problems
Common Problems with Audi A8 Cars:
- Engine Problems: The 2014 Audi A8 has the worst category rating for engine problems, although there are not many complaints on file for this model year. The average cost to fix engine problems in the Audi A8 is $11,200, and they typically occur at around 70,000 miles.
- Front Passenger Seat Rails: A problem has been found with the seat rails for the front passenger seat of some Audi A8s built between 10 January and 25 March 2019. Both guide rails will need to be replaced by an Audi dealer if yours is among those affected.
- Gearbox Oil Leak: Oil may escape from a faulty join in the gearbox oil line of Audi A8s manufactured from 1 September to 31 December 2019. Speak to an Audi dealer to find out if your car is affected, because the line will need to be replaced to solve the problem.
- Active Headrest: A retaining clip could be missing from the active headrests of some Audi A8s made between 1 to 31 January 2018. Speak to an Audi dealer for further information about whether or not your car is affected.
- Transmission Troubles: Several issues, including transmission troubles, have been reported with the Audi A8. These problems can lead to catastrophic engine failure and may be indicated by rattling noises from the engine, misfires, metal shavings found in the oil, and the engine failing to start.
- Electrical Issues: The Audi A8 has been reported to experience electrical issues, including problems with the start-stop system and oil-starved turbochargers. These issues can cause abrupt stops, delayed engine response, and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Cheating Diesel Emissions: Audi, as part of the Volkswagen Group, was involved in the diesel emissions scandal, where software in diesel engines was found to manipulate emission tests to meet U.S. standards during testing but not in real-world conditions. This issue affects performance or fuel efficiency as vehicles are brought into compliance with emissions standards.
- Overheating Due to Failing Thermostat: 59 people have reported overheating due to a failing thermostat in the Audi A8 Quattro.
- Water in Footwell: This problem is usually caused by a blocked scuttle drain. Give them a good cleanout, and this will resolve the problem.
- Timing Chain Rattle: When the timing chain starts to rattle, you’re going to have to replace them before it causes catastrophic engine damage.
- Electronic Handbrake Problems: It has been known for the electronic handbrake to remain on when you have switched it off. If this has been happening, you will notice a loss of power or/and a screeching noise coming from the brake discs.
- Air Temperature Sensor Failure: The air temperature sensor is common to fail on the A8. You may have noticed that the temperature reading seems pretty inaccurate, this is due to a problem with the air temperature sensor.
- MMI (Multi Media Interface) Problems: The A8 is known for having problems with the MMI. As this is an advanced piece of technology, there can be a number of things that could go wrong from software faults to hardware failure.
- Door Micro Switch Failure: If you are noticing that the doors on your A8 are sticking, not opening as easily as they should or that they are not locking properly with the remote key, then there is an issue with the door micro switches.
- Loss of Power Steering: This caused a recall by Audi and is being caused by a fluid leak on the return hose for the hydraulic power steering. Replacing the return hose is relatively easy.
- Bumpy Driving: The air suspension on the Audi A8 is fantastic, but it can fail. Often, this will be the air compressor itself, which we always have in stock for quick delivery and is an unusually easy part to install yourself.
- Engine Rattle: It’s likely that your engine compartment seal has deformed and then come loose. You can order a retaining plate from our online store for quick delivery, and installing the plate is very easy.
- Grinding Noise On Gear Changes: This shouldn’t affect too many A8s, but if yours was built between September and December 2019, gear oil might escape into a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line. Audi will usually replace the oil line for free, but if not, you can easily do this work yourself with a new hose from BreakerYard.
Is the Audi A8 a reliable car?
According to whatcar.com, the Audi A8 has a decent reputation for reliability. Some years are terrible, but most come out about average. According to audicomplaints.com, the Audi A8 ranks 7th out of 19 Audi models. It's far from the worst, but it's not even close to the best.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
What to look for when buying a used Audi A8. Considering its near-unequalled list of tech and catalogue of advanced features, the A8 has proven to be a surprisingly dependable car that rarely goes wrong. Although electrical gremlins have reared their head for some owners, this is fortunately not a common occurrence.
How many miles will an Audi A8 last?
200,000 miles
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.
What are the common issues with the Audi A8 D3?
Audi A8 Common Problems and Solutions
- Water in Footwell. Problem: ...
- Timing Chain Rattle. Problem: ...
- Electronic handbrake problems. Problem: ...
- Air temperature sensor failure. Problem: ...
- MMI (Multi Media Interface) problems. Problem: ...
- Door micro switch failure. Problem: ...
- Loss of Power Steering. Problem: ...
- Bumpy Driving. Problem:
Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi A8 years
We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi A8 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Audi A8 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi A8 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi A8 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Audi A8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Audi A8 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Audi A8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by A8 model years
A total of 7 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by A8 model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by A8 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 223 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi A8 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi A8 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Audi A8 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-05
- VIN: WAUR2AFD0EN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I was driving along on the highway, at normal speeds. When my engine started surging, causing me to speed up and slow down rapidly. Putting the safety of others behind and in front of me in danger. No check engine or any light of that nature turned on. then after another mile or so my engine sputtered then just died. I had to pull to the left side of the road since there way a semi truck to my right and it was rush hour here on [XXX] in Denver, CO. I don't know what the issue was but I was worried if the people behind me could easily get out from behind me as I almost caused a rear end collision. I'm taking my A8 into the mechanic this coming Monday to find out exactly what was wrong. But engines shouldn't just die out on you on the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Audi A8 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-22
- VIN: WAURGAFD0DN
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Audi, A8L 2013, also has the stuck piston. Rings end oil blow by like the other Volkswagen, defected engines of the same year yesterday while driving my car ended up stalling on a road with traffic behind me going up a hill because too much oil I'd burnt in the cylinders, causing the spark plugs to become completely coated in oil and the cars. Electronic system registered multiple misfires, multiple cylinders. Are misfired and multiple other safety epc codes, causing the vehicle to not be able to drive more than 5 miles an hour, stuttering. Which also caused the engine to almost stall, losing power steering. If this was on the highway this could have been exceptionally bad. I request the Audi AH. L and 8 series to be added to the current recall. For the A6Q5A4 A seven with the exact same problem
Audi A8 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-28
- VIN: WAUR2AFD9DN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brake pedal is hard when starting the vehicle. Brake pedal turns soft when engine is started. The brake pedal is so hard that it requires significant force to depress sufficiently to start the engine. This indicates loss of vacuum in brake booster when engine is off. The vehicle is equipped with a start/stop system and it seems likely that the brakes would not sufficiently hold the vehicle when the start/stop system turns off the engine.
Audi A8 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-16
- VIN: WAURGAFD0DN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Unknown at this moment service vist is next week. The problem is a know piston ring issues on other years of same engine with massive oil consumption 1 qt a week with minimal driving less then 100 miles. Spent 3k on pvc and coolant pump that are a known issue of totaling engine but burning oil non stop and risk or seized engine if on highway
Audi A8 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WAU8EAF83LN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Audi 2020 A8L Engine Fire 3/6/2024 Confirmed by Fire Department, American Family Insurance Unclear if it has been inspected by the Audi U.S. No indication has been received. Incident occurred March 6th, 2024 at approximately 3pm. Operated vehicle in early morning to meet friends for coffee at a nearby coffee shop. Returned home, parked in home garage, turned engine off and went to my home office in lower floor. Wife came home after running errands, opened garage door and massive, thick black smoke escaped. Wife ran to front door and called for me to "come quickly." I grabbed the hose, connected it and sprayed front of car. By that time fire was arrived, fire from engine compartment was reaching four-feet high, as well as from passenger-side front wheel well and from rear of front hood at windshield area. CAR TOTALED. Significant fire damage to the Garage interior.
Audi A8 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-04
- VIN: WAU8EAF88MN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Total electrical shutdown over about 2 minutes. Stranded on road. All electrical systems failed rapidly. Strongly suspect this is part of known BSG/alternator issues with this model.
Audi A8 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-26
- VIN: WAUR2AFD3DN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: Me and my son were traveling on a business road trip from my home in Lincoln, CA to do business at several companies and end up at a customer located in Anaheim, CA. We started on [XXX] in Roseville, CA highway Interstate [XXX] traveling towards Anaheim with stops along the way. We were coming down [XXX] on the southside of the grapevine at the speed limit of 70 MPH, when the engine began to stall, and the steering also began to lock up. We began losing control of the vehicle and engine power was failing and stalling. In addition, the stall was impacting the car battery. We had difficulty steering the car and controlling the direction of the car and getting the car to the side of the road. Once we were at the side of the road, we looked up the closest Audi dealership, fortunately we were 3.9 miles away from Audi Dealership in Van Nuys, CA. Once on the side of the road the vehicle initially would not restart the engine stalling had drained the battery. We waited on the side of the road for approx.. 40 minutes and were able to restart the car and drive with much difficulty to the Keys Audi Van Nuys dealership. We were able to barely get into the dealership parking lot when the car completely stalled, we went in and met with the service manager. We explained what had happened, and with the service teams help we pushed the vehicle into a bay to get reviewed. I have purchased eight (8) Audi’s over the past years for me and my wife. The service manager promised to review the problem. Typically, Audi service will give you a vehicle to drive but the had no vehicles available, so they told us they would take us to a rental car company and cover the cost of the vehicle except for the insurance on rental car, which we had to pickup at a rate of $ 35.00 per day. As we were on a work trip we had to hustle to our customers as we had a meeting scheduled for 2:30 PM at Manna Beverage in Anaheim, CA. We went to our meeting and then returned to the Audi Dealership in Van Nuys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Audi A8 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-24
- VIN: WAUR2AFD3DN
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Me and my son were traveling on a business road trip from my home in Lincoln, CA to do business at several companies and end up at a customer located in Anaheim, CA. We started on [XXX] traveling towards Anaheim with stops along the way. We were coming down highway [XXX] on the southside of the grapevine at the speed limit of 70 MPH, when the engine began to stall, and the steering also began to lock up. We began losing control of the vehicle and engine power was failing and stalling. In addition, the stall was impacting the car battery. We had difficulty steering the car and controlling the direction of the car and getting the car to the side of the road. Once we were at the side of the road, we looked up the closest Audi dealership, fortunately we were 3.9 miles away from Audi Dealership in Van Nuys, CA. Once on the side of the road the vehicle initially would not restart the engine stalling had drained the battery. We waited on the side of the road for approx.. 40 minutes and were able to restart the car and drive with much difficulty to the Keys Audi Van Nuys dealership. We were able to barely get into the dealership parking lot when the car completely stalled, we went in and met with the service manager. We explained what had happened, and with the service teams help we pushed the vehicle into a bay to get reviewed. I have purchased eight (8) Audi’s over the past years for me and my wife. The service manager promised to review the problem. Typically, Audi service will give you a vehicle to drive but the had no vehicles available, so they told us they would take us to a rental car company and cover the cost of the vehicle except for the insurance on rental car, which we had to pickup at a rate of $ 35.00 per day. As we were on a work trip we had to hustle to our customers as we had a meeting scheduled for 2:30 PM at Manna Beverage in Anaheim, CA. We went to our meeting and then returned to the Audi Dealership in Van Nuys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Audi A8 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-22
- VIN: WAU32AFD0FN
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Water leaking from passenger side top right corner from windshield. Glass isn’t damaged. Just started leaking for no reason
Audi A8 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-17
- VIN: WAU32AFD0FN
- Components: STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Leaking windshield on passenger side top left corner
Audi A8 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-28
- VIN: WAUR2AFD9DN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Audi A8. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V178000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact had scheduled three separate appointments with a dealer and was cancelled after each scheduled appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Audi A8 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-04
- VIN: WAUAVAFD8BN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 leak that I personally can’t find and my car was just worked on by Audi Indianapolis and they did not see any coolant leaks either. It was mentioned to me by another Audi A8 owner and it’s making sense to me as the way everything began to fail on my car until I detached the battery and attached it back it worked fine but sometimes the ECU will begin to fail for Adaptive Cruise Control randomly, then it will work again. These are symptoms of coolant leaking and affecting the ECU, and I can’t afford to pay for that to be fixed because it would cost more than what the car is worth but I would like to see if my car was affected by this recall because i genuinely believe this is what is happening
Audi A8 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-30
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-06
- VIN: WAUAGAFD3EN
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The oil strainer needs to be replaced in my car. This is a known issue with Audi and there are many recalls on Audis, with the exception of mine. I read that this can lead to the engine stopping and causing an accident and it can ruin the engine. This has been problem has been reported to me by an independent service center.
Audi A8 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-01
- VIN: WAUMR44E77N
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Audi A8. The contact stated that the sunroof glass was loosened. The contact was concerned that the sunroof glass had detached from the sunroof frame. The dealer was made aware of the failure and determined that the sunroof glass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V415000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Audi A8 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-28
- Date Complaint: 2022-11-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: Waubg34d7xn
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
- Summary: After water damage to the bottom level of the seat an electrical fire started. It burned through and melted the plastic facing on the right side of the seat near the seat adjustment mechanism releasing toxic fumes we have so far been unable to abate. The manufacturer has been unresponsive in addressing this hazard. The damage is available for inspection. The toxic fumes are a health hazard as was the fire. The dealer inspected the damage and refused to repair it. The Bureau of Auto Repairs in California also inspected the damage. There were no warning lights activated.
Latest 5 recalls Audi A8
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 65 recalls for different components of the Audi A8.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Audi A8 2021
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-13
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
- Consequence: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
- Model: Audi A8 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-13
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARD
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
- Consequence: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
- Model: Audi A8 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-26
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
- Model: Audi A8 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-05
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
- Model: Audi A8 1998
- Report Received Date: 2022-07-01
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V-056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.
Latest negative Audi A8 car reviews
Latest positive Audi A8 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1998
I bought a Quattro A8 that had just come off a lease and I must say, it's been a great car. Even after two years and 96K miles, I've only experienced a few minor electrical glitches (outside mirror motor). The quality and performance of this car is truly superb.
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Vehicle year: 2002
The car I own is the best! Although it may not be as quiet or functionally/logically laid-out as my wife's Lexus, it's still fun to drive and has excellent fuel economy. Plus, it's rare to see another one on the road!
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Vehicle year: 2010
I've owned several VW products, but the Audi A8 is by far the best they've made. I purchased mine with 55k miles and have since put 40k more on it. The only maintenance I've needed to do is brakes, oil, and battery, but I would do anything else necessary as well. This car truly elevates the driving experience and exudes class, taste, and charisma, topped off with talent. And let's not forget about the Quattro... I absolutely love it!
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Vehicle year: 2013
It's really impressive how this car combines both luxury and sportiness. I think it's even better than Mercedes and BMW, which is surprising.
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Vehicle year: 2006
The A8L is not only Audi's finest, but also the class's finest. The car is immaculate, with alcantara inserts in all the right places, more than enough grunt, gorgeous, muscular, understated style, and nimble handling. I must say, there is not one problem with the saloon. I also looked at the 750li, but found it to be too cold and business-like in one place, where the A8L pampers you most: the interior. Both cars have powerful V8s, with the BMW being more powerful, but in a luxury sedan, you simply must have a gorgeous interior.
Are you having problems with your Audi A8?
Dominic Borer 2024-11-20
Vehicle year: 2005
I have been the owner of this car for almost four years now. Unfortunately, the electronics in the car have been quite problematic. Despite having taken it to the shop over a dozen times, the issues still persist. However, I must say that many of the problems are not constant and only occur episodically. For instance, sometimes the lights won't go off unless you restart the car and drive it around for a few minutes before turning it off. At other times, it will indicate that a tire is low on air pressure when it is actually fine. I have decided to dispose of it and switch to a Lexus. I would not recommend buying this car as its reliability is not up to par.
Sean Borer 2024-11-20
Vehicle year: 2001
The car has had multiple issues, including rattling and electronic failures. Despite attempts to fix the problems, they persist. Audi has not provided any assistance in resolving these issues, even after speaking with high-level customer service personnel. Overall, I would not recommend purchasing this car.
Edd McGlynn 2024-11-09
Vehicle year: 2010
I have replaced an identical 06 with this vehicle. However, I am experiencing issues with the engine management of the new car. The car idles roughly, hesitates upon acceleration, and downshifts with unexpected surges.
Roy Weber 2024-10-22
Vehicle year: 2014
I have owned a 2011 A8 and 2012 A6, and I have found that the basic cars work very well. However, I have had some issues with the technical service department and the national sales team at Audi. Unfortunately, my A8 had an electrical/mechanical issue with the relay that controls the power brake system. I was disappointed to learn that Audi's technical support instructed the local Audi mechanic to wrap insulation around the relay so that I would not hear it closing and opening. They also relocated the relay to another spot in the car so that I would not hear it. I felt that these approaches did not address the core issue of the problem, and instead, it appeared that Audi was trying to mask the issue and hope that I would go away. This is a serious problem with this car, and I did not expect Audi to try to cover it up. I also asked the local sales manager to see what Audi would do for a trade value on my car towards a newer one. Unfortunately, he informed me that Audi would not help out in this matter besides not fixing the issue. Needless to say, I am disappointed with the way Audi has handled this matter, especially for a company that is trying to make inroads in the high-end market.
Ray Murazik 2024-10-18
Vehicle year: 2002
Your vehicle has been a constant source of satisfaction from both a design and function point of view. The Quattro is simply amazing, especially when you live on top of a mountain in NE. Your car gets many looks and is both classy and understated, yet luxurious, especially with the rear and side shades up. The formula shifting and 310 HP make it a powerful and luxurious vehicle. It's a shame that Audi can't engineer a car that's as reliable as it is enjoyable.