2006 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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Common 2006 Audi A8 problems
The 2006 Audi A8 has been reported to have several common issues, including busted timing chains, start-stop defects, and oil-starved turbochargers.
Busted Timing Chains: The Audi A8's timing chain system is responsible for synchronizing the crankshaft and camshaft rotations. A busted timing chain can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Symptoms of a busted timing chain include rattling noises from the engine, misfires, metal shavings found in the oil, and the engine failing to start.
Start-Stop Defects: The start-stop system in modern vehicles, including the Audi A8, is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by shutting off the engine when the car is stationary and restarting it. Defects in this system can cause issues like the engine failing to restart, abrupt stops, or delayed engine response.
Oil-Starved Turbochargers: Turbocharged engines, like those found in some Audi A8 models, rely on a steady oil supply to keep the turbocharger's moving parts lubricated and cool. Oil starvation can occur due to leaks, clogs in the oil supply lines, or insufficient maintenance, leading to turbocharger failure.
In addition to these common issues, the 2006 Audi A8 has been reported to have problems with the airbags. A recall notice was issued for the drivers' airbag, which may not fully deploy in the event of an accident.
Despite these issues, the 2006 Audi A8 has also been praised for its reliability and high-quality construction. Some owners have reported driving the car for many years without any major problems, while others have noted the need for regular maintenance and repairs to keep the car running smoothly.
In conclusion, the 2006 Audi A8 has been reported to have several common issues, including busted timing chains, start-stop defects, and oil-starved turbochargers. However, many owners have reported that the car is reliable and well-built, with regular maintenance and repairs necessary to keep it running smoothly.
How long do 2006 Audi A8 last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
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 Audi A8 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi A8 will amount to $2,843 after 5 years.
How long do 2006 Audi A8 last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
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?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
Does the 2006 Audi A8 have air suspension?
Powerfully reassuring brakes that are easily modulated have no problem reining in the Audi A8. The air suspension is well sorted; left in automatic mode the system works just fine providing a soft but not mushy ride and solid composure through the twisty bits.
2006 Audi A8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Audi A8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2006 Audi A8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Audi A8.
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-01
- VIN: WAUML44E76N
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 AUDI A8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR CLOSING MECHANISM FAILED AND CAUSED THE DOOR TO INADVERTENTLY ATTEMPT TO CLOSE WHILE THE DRIVER WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE MECHANISM WOULD FAIL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR, WHICH PREVENTED THE DOOR FROM OPENING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR CLOSURE MODULE AND DOOR LATCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 02/07/2017*CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-14
- VIN: WAUML44E56N
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE DUE TO WATER IN FOOTWELLS OF THE CAR. THIS OBVIOUSLY IS A COMMON PROBLEM I WAS NOT AWARE OF BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-15
- VIN: WAULL44E86N
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE PARKWAY MY CAR LOCKED AT 7000 RPM'S AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. I WAS FORCED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, IF I WERE NOT AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATALITY IN THE CAR WAS AT 80 MPH AND QUICKLY RISING. THE TACHOMETER CONTINUED AT 7000 RPM FOR ROUGHLY 20 SECONDS, ONLY AFTER CONTINUALLY TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR IT FINALLY BEGAN TO DECLINE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. ADDITIONALLY MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN WHEN ALL TIRES ARE AT THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED SETTINGS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-03
- VIN: WAUML44E06N
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND PROPELLED US ACROSS AM INTERSECTION INTO TRAFFIC. THIS IS 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ON A FREEWAY DEVOID OF OTHER TRAFFIC. I REPORTED THE FIRST EVENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM BUT NEVER RECEIVED ANY FEEDBACK. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE DRIVERS FACTORY FLOOR MAT COMING LOOSE FROM ITS RETAINING CLIPS, SLIDING FORWARD AND CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT WAS ONLY MY FAMILIARITY WITH THE PROBLEM AND HOW TO FIX IT THAT ALLOWED ME TO REACT QUICKLY ENOUGH TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT THE SECOND TIME. IF THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN BY A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER OR IF THIS HAD BEEN THE FIRST TIME THAT IT HAPPENED TO ME THIS COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A FATALITY. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-26
- VIN: WAUML44E06N
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 AUDI A8 L. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT APPROACHED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE HARDER HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE FASTER THE ENGINE WOULD RACE. HE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FLOORMAT WAS RESTING ON THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS. THE CONTACT CALLED AUDI AND FILED A COMPLAINT. APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES FOR THE ISSUE WITH THE FLOORMAT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AUGUST 7, 2008 AND ALMOST CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PEGS IN THE FLOOR AND THEN THEY REPLACED THE FLOORMAT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,683.
2006 Audi A8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2006 Audi A8.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WHERE A WEAK BATTERY EXISTS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LOW VOLTAGE CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT TO IMPROPERLY SET A FAULT CODE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL BECOME DEACTIVATED. HOWEVER, BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AS WELL AS THE 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' TELLTALE IN THE CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL ILLUMINATE AND PROVIDE VISUAL WARNING TO THE DRIVER.
- Consequence: IF THE CASE OF A FRONTAL CRASH, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A WIRING HARNESS CONDITION EXISTS THAT MAY DEACTIVATE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG EVEN UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN IT SHOULD REMAIN ACTIVATED.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" TELLTALE IN THE CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL PROPERLY ILLUMINATE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF A FRONTAL CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Negative 2006 Audi A8 car reviews
Positive 2006 Audi A8 car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you've finally decided to start looking at German luxury cars again! It can be a daunting decision, but it sounds like you made the right choice with the A8L. The interior quality is truly amazing and the MMI system is super easy to use. Plus, the handling is superior to other luxury cars like the Mercedes S550 and the Lexus LS430. And in bad weather, the Quattro All-Wheel-Drive is very reassuring and allows you to get everywhere you need to go. It's great to hear that you're so happy and satisfied with your purchase!
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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.
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I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share that I recently received a 2006 Audi A8 in quartz grey with a black interior and standard wheel base. I took it for a spin through Vermont yesterday and it was absolutely amazing! The car handled beautifully on both highways and back roads. I'm so happy with my decision to choose this car.
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Congratulations on your new purchase! I'm glad to hear that you found the A8L to be the perfect match for you, especially coming from other European cars like the MB500. It's impressive that you were able to save 17k compared to the new MB550. The A8L's power is truly remarkable, as evidenced by your ability to pass a Lexus in the snow. The transmission is also impressive, with a seamless feel. It's great that you were able to find a style that drops your jaw. The 'L' model was a smart choice for your height, and it's great that your kids can still stretch out. Overall, it sounds like you made an excellent choice and I hope you continue to enjoy your new car!
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Your car has been flawless for almost 2 years! I love the stealth factor and all the amazing gadgets and features. Your friends even refer to it as the James Bond car. How cool is that?
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Audi A8 problems:
2006 Audi A8 Quattro Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 2006 Audi A8 Quattro? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2006 Audi A8 Quattro.
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Other years of Audi A8
Are you having problems with your 2006 Audi A8?
Adolph Bartoletti 2024-02-05
The car I own is the best in terms of comfort and handling. Although there are a few issues with the suspension and timing belt, which can be expensive to replace, and some maintenance problems, it is otherwise a very luxurious car.