2017 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 2017 Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8, a full-size luxury sedan, has been known for its elegance and performance since its inception in 1994. However, like any vehicle, it has faced its share of issues over the years. This article will focus on the 2017 Audi A8 and its common problems based on complaints from owners.
One of the most frequently reported issues with the 2017 Audi A8 is related to the front passenger seat rails. Some examples, built between January 10 and March 25, 2019, have been found to have a problem with the seat rails for the front passenger seat. Both guide rails will need to be replaced by an Audi dealer if your vehicle is affected.
Another issue concerns the gearbox oil line. Audi A8s manufactured from September 1 to December 31, 2019, may have oil leaking from a faulty join in the gearbox oil line. This problem can be solved by replacing the line at an Audi dealer.
The active headrests of some A8s, built between January 1 and 31, 2018, may be missing a retaining clip. If your vehicle is affected, speak to an Audi dealer for further information.
In addition to these specific issues, the Audi A8 has faced a range of electrical problems, particularly affecting engine and non-engine electrical systems or the sat-nav/infotainment system.
While the 2017 Audi A8 has not been specifically mentioned in the What Car? Reliability Survey, its smaller sibling, the Audi A6, finished bottom of the luxury car class.
In summary, while the 2017 Audi A8 has been known for its elegance and performance, it has faced several common problems, including issues with the front passenger seat rails, gearbox oil line, and active headrests. Additionally, the Audi A8 has experienced a range of electrical issues, particularly affecting engine and non-engine electrical systems or the sat-nav/infotainment system. It is essential to thoroughly check a prospective A8 purchase and address any issues promptly to ensure the best possible ownership experience.
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 Audi A8 engines last?
Audis can 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.
How long do Audi A8 engines last?
How Many Miles Does an Audi Last? Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
What are the common issues with 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:
2017 Audi A8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Audi A8.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2017 Audi A8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2017 Audi A8.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
- Consequence: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Negative 2017 Audi A8 car reviews
Positive 2017 Audi A8 car reviews
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The second generation V-6 TDI is an amazing car. It is unfortunate that VW/Audi resorted to cheating on the emissions tests, as the repairs made to meet the standards had little impact on the car's performance. However, due to the cheating, diesel cars may no longer be viable in the US market. While one could argue that the emission standards are excessively high, the issue is that VW/Audi cheated to bypass them, when they could have complied. As a result, the value of these cars has plummeted. Nevertheless, if you can find one at a reasonable price, you will not be disappointed. The car is powerful, handles beautifully, rides comfortably, and has impressive fuel economy for its size. I have easily achieved mid-40 mpg on freeway trips (according to the computer). The only downside is the navigation system, which has poor voice activation and struggles to locate specific addresses. It is also slow. Audi connect, which overlays Google Earth on the map, is a cool feature, but it is too expensive for what it offers. Another issue is the cost of repairs. Once the warranty expires, this car will be expensive to maintain. It uses non-standard tire sizes, which wear out quickly. I paid around $1600 for a set of four new Michelins. At least they are good tires. The original Pirellis were terrible, very noisy. The brakes also wear out quickly. I had to replace the front pads and rotors at around 30K miles. One independent shop quoted $1200, but I found another that did it for around $800. I can't imagine what the dealer would charge. The dealer charges $100 for a set of wiper blades, for Pete's sake. However, the Audi A8 diesel is truly an exceptional car, better than the several BMW and Mercedes I've owned in the past. I have no regrets about buying this car!
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** May 2020 Update** Added Michelin Pilot Sport 4s summer tires. Car has 51k on it, no problems. Added Apple Car Play. Tweaks: needle sweep @ start & close windows/roof via remote. Still in motoring Nirvana ** Nov 2019 Update ** Turned 45k today. The car continues to amaze. Regularly scheduled maintenance is all it's needed. On the highway, the car is an absolute beast...... It is so hard to keep within 10mph of the limit... other cars line up behind me and we convoy. Just completed a paint refresh with total detail, and the car looks showroom new inside and out. This is not a head-turning exterior design like Jaguar, so don't expect folks to be staring at you. Interior looks like it came over on the boat from Germany... no creases in the leather or creaks in the cabin. The 22-way seats with massage really dial you in to your preferred seating position. 2015 did not offer Apple Car Play, but I've ordered an aftermarket unit to make sure I can enjoy my music on the go. The new A8's are almost all touch-screen controlled, which is a bit of a step back in my opinion. However, all systems work as they are supposed to. The 4.0 twin turbo-charged V8 sings so sweetly... I was cruising along at 85 when circumstances dictated I maximize output by completely opening the throttle, and looked down to see 120 in a flash. I hope this car is as reliable as it is fun to drive.... it certainly qualifies as a 10-year or more keeper. I did find a new dealer who is responsive, communicative, and intelligent. They are a 40-minute drive into downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to having a nice meal downtown while my car is serviced, I drive right by the old dealer and give them a wave! ** Nov 2018 Update ** When you play in this league, you expect to be satisfied and the A8 delivers in every arena. The lone blight is the dealer experience. I cannot overstate the supreme confidence this engine inspires.It's amazing how the Audi S8 can make you feel alive with its powerful acceleration and precise handling. Even the accident mitigation system is impressive, as it stopped the car just in time to avoid a collision. The car's engineering is truly remarkable. The S8 is versatile too, with Comfort mode providing a smooth ride for long trips and Dynamic mode making twisty roads a thrill. The only downside is the dealership experience, as they initially misdiagnosed a known issue. However, the car itself is a joy to drive and the winter wheels/tires provide added confidence in inclement weather. The interior is well-designed, allowing for easy access to controls without taking your eyes off the road. Overall, the Audi S8 is a fantastic car that will make any journey enjoyable.To find the intended information target, I simply run my finger and use tactile sensation to locate the correct command. It seems like nearly every manufacturer is heading down TouchScreen Avenue, but unfortunately, when I bought CPO, I couldn't pick the options I wanted. However, the only one I long for now that winter has arrived is the heated steering wheel, which I have remedied with a very nice pair of driving gloves from Orvis. In my original review from May 2018, I mentioned that I was moving from a CTS6 Performance with its awesome chassis, but the A8 outshines GM's iron in virtually every category. To be fair, the A8 is $30k MORE so it should be better. This engine is magnificent, rocketing to 60 in 4.3 seconds. No matter where you are in the rev range, stomping on the gas just plants you back in the seat. Whether it's 0-60, 40-80, or 80-??, it does not matter; this car is just Point and Shoot. The Dynamic Steering and Sports Differential give me a degree of confidence and road feedback unparalleled in cars this size. The interior is better than MB or BMW, coddling, expansive, and made of top quality materials deftly blended to accent and compliment each other.
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When I was younger, I dreamed of owning a BMW, but now that I'm older, I'm actually glad I don't. The Audi A8 is a rare gem compared to other luxury cars like the BMW 7-Series or the MB S-Class. Its exclusivity comes with many privileges, and it definitely turns heads. The exterior is beautifully crafted with an all-aluminum frame and sheet metal, but the plastic grill could use some improvement. Once inside, you're greeted with a plethora of buttons and eye candy, including heated seats and a Sirius-equipped radio. The engine power is impressive, boasting 430hp and a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, which is comparable to a Corvette. The safety features are also top-notch, with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and an optional infrared camera. Unfortunately, U.S. regulations prohibit the car from driving itself, but you can still sit back and enjoy all the creature comforts of this 100k beast. As with any car of this magnitude, repairs can be expensive, but luckily I have an extended warranty that covers me up to 105k miles. Overall, I have no regrets about owning this car, and I always hate having to park it. On a drive from NY to GA, I was able to get 30 mpg, and on the way back, I got 32 mpg while cruising around 70-80 mph. I highly recommend this car to anyone considering it. Update 7/20: It's been over two years since I bought this car, and I still smile every time I drive it. I even take a glance over my shoulder after I park it. Maintenance-wise, there were two recalls dealing with the fuel lines, but they were fixed free of charge. I've done regular oil changes, and the most expensive repair I've had to do was replacing the brakes. Next time, I'll buy aftermarket slotted and drilled brakes and have a regular shop install them to save money.Other than that, I still receive compliments on how beautiful the car is. An update as of 1/16/21, with almost 72k on the clock and one replaced Pirelli tire, the smiles are still there. However, I am experiencing a small water leak during heavy and prolonged rainfall. Although the headliner isn't wet, I have researched forums and found that the sunroof drain holes could be blocked. I have read that some weed wacker feed line should fix it. Additionally, I am hearing creaking noises while going over bumps. As it is freezing in NYC now, I have read in the forums that the rubber bushings on the front control arms could be causing the issue. When I bring it in for service, I will have them look at it. Perhaps it's covered under the extended warranty. As of 1/19/2023, I still love the car, even though the turbos went kaput at 86000 miles. This is a known issue, where the factory-installed oil strainer gets clogged and starves the turbo, causing them to fail. The NHTSA has received several complaints and is investigating. Audi has sent out a bulletin to all owners of the 4.0TT engine and has extended the warranty to 10 years and 90000 miles. The repair cost is $14,000. Audi America was great at covering the faulty part and replacing the new turbochargers. My advice to anyone buying one of these cars second hand is to make sure this repair was done. It is important to note that if there were any engine modifications, Audi will not cover the repairs.
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This is an exceptional car that I look forward to owning for many years. I purchased mine gently used (strongly recommended given the depreciation) from an Audi dealer after a year of patient research. I needed a daily driver with all-wheel drive, good-great gas mileage, and comfort, as I was commuting 120 miles daily. I landed a 2015, fully loaded 4.0L, after exclusively researching diesels, and I've not looked back. It's extremely fast and nimble in Sport Mode and a world-class, gas-sipping luxury saloon in Comfort Mode. The car has incredible range, and although it's fantastic to drive, riding in the back seat (with the Rear Seat Executive Package) is equally wonderful. Although some may disagree, I strongly recommend the Bang and Olufsen sound option. Just watch a few of the videos online about the perfectionistic development of the system, and listen to one against the other. I've been grateful I held out until one came available. I'd strongly recommend AudiCare, as it's a total bargain given the frequency and cost of services, and it transfers with the car, which I'd imagine increases residual value. I could go on and on about all of the details that make the vehicle exceptional. I'd just recommend you go drive one.
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I've had the pleasure of driving many top-end cars over the years, but the Audi A8L 4.0 Engine is truly a beast. From the sound system to the seats and the ride, everything about this car is top-notch. After test driving the M/B-S and the B/M/W 750iL, I ultimately chose the Audi A8L. The only downside is that the 20
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Other years of Audi A8
Are you having problems with your 2017 Audi A8?
Cameron Mertz 2025-07-17
After only 3 months of driving, my 2015 A8 Turbo experienced a clogged oil filter and a faulty turbo. Unfortunately, Audi will not cover repairs for vehicles with over 120,000 miles, despite the known issue and recall for that part. However, I am confident in my decision to pursue legal action, as the cost to fix the problem ranges from $6,000 to $11,000. While this experience has left me with a negative impression of Audi, I remain optimistic about finding a more reliable vehicle in the future. Best of luck to anyone facing a similar situation.
Kane Rippin 2024-09-16
Your car seems to be a bit noisy and the technology may not be as up-to-date as your 2013 Jag XJ.
Kale Quigley 2024-09-03
If you are in the market for an Audi, rest assured that I can provide you with valuable information. Although some models have common issues, I can confidently say that these problems can be resolved. When I purchased my 2015 A8L a year and a half ago, I was thrilled with my purchase. As a long-time Audi enthusiast, I had previously owned a 2005 A6 without any major issues. With over 40k miles on my new A8, and with every factory recommended maintenance record, I was confident that I wouldn't encounter any problems. However, after a year, I noticed that the water pump was going to fail soon. My mechanic informed me that it's normal for these cars to have the water pump replaced at around 60-80k miles. Although I was initially skeptical, I soon realized that my car was not immune to these issues. Despite this setback, I was able to resolve the issue and continue to enjoy my Audi. I hope that this information has been helpful to you, and I am confident that you will make the right decision when purchasing your next car.The steering wheel vibration I noticed when touching the brake pedal on the highway is a clear indication that the front rotors are going bad. When the brakes are due, I will need to replace them at a cost of around $300 per rotor for this particular model. It is surprising that this flagship Audi sedan with just over 60k miles on it, and currently wearing its second set of brakes ever, is already experiencing bent rotors. As a loyal Audi customer, I had high hopes for this car as a great alternative to the 7-series or S-Class. However, I am disappointed with this issue. Despite this, I will continue to drive the car for now, as I have already invested a significant amount of money in it. However, I will not be purchasing another Audi in the future.
Jeffrey Fay 2024-05-28
I had to replace the front brakes and disks twice, once at 7,500 miles and again at 15,000 miles. The only explanation given was rust development from not driving the vehicle each week. This requirement was not discussed in the Owner's Manual. Although the brakes were covered by their warranty, I was disappointed to find out that I needed a 4th brake service at 30k and a 5th brake job at 32.5k. I turned the car in while there was still some warranty, but unfortunately, the brakes were considered a “wearable” item!
Stephan Gleason 2024-05-07
The A8L seems like a fantastic car, but there is an important piece of information that Audi has not shared with its customers. In the unfortunate event of a collision, it can take up to three months to repair the vehicle. I personally experienced a rear-end collision over six weeks ago, and the repair work has not even begun. This is because Audi limits collision repairs to one shop per city, and in my city of five million people, there is only one shop with a single authorized technician. With five other cars ahead of mine, it will be at least another month before I can expect to see my car again. I did file a complaint with Audi, but they explained that the vehicle is made of aluminium and requires special training to repair. While I understand this, there are many other cars made of aluminium and many other repair shops that can perform the repair. Unfortunately, Audi will not sell the parts to these shops, making it impossible for them to do the repair. Audi also refused to provide me with an alternative vehicle or buy the car back. It is frustrating to spend between $90 and $100k on a car only to find out that it cannot be repaired in a reasonable amount of time. I will be taking legal action against Audi soon and will update on the results.