2020 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 2020 Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8, a full-size luxury sedan, has been known for its elegance and performance since its debut in 1994. However, like any vehicle, it has faced its share of issues and complaints from owners. Here are some of the most common problems reported for the Audi A8, primarily based on complaints from 2014 to 2015 model years:
- Rattling from the Dash: A significant number of Audi A8 owners have reported a rattling noise coming from the dashboard area. This issue is particularly prevalent in the 2015 model year, with an average cost to fix around $4,000 and an average mileage of 68,000 miles.
- Engine Problems: The 2014 model year is considered the worst for engine issues, despite having fewer overall complaints than the 2015 model year. The reasons for this rating include higher repair costs and problems occurring at lower mileage.
- Air Suspension Problems: The Audi A8's air suspension system has been a source of concern for some owners. These issues can be extremely costly to repair and may affect the overall driving experience.
- Recall Issues: There have been several recalls related to specific production periods, such as rear shock absorber forks, front passenger seat rails, gearbox oil leaks, and active headrests. It is essential to check with an Audi dealer to determine if your vehicle is affected by any of these recalls.
- Electrical Issues: The Audi A8, like its smaller sibling the A6, has faced a range of electrical issues. These problems include engine electrics, sat-nav/infotainment, non-engine electrics, and other electrical components. While many of these issues can be repaired for free, they may still cause inconvenience and require extensive repair time.
- Timing Chain Issues: Some Audi A8 models have experienced timing chain problems, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed promptly. Symptoms of timing chain issues include rattling noises from the engine, misfires, metal shavings in the oil, and the engine failing to start.
- Start-Stop Defects: Defects in the start-stop system, designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, can cause issues like the engine failing to restart, abrupt stops, or delayed engine response.
- Oil-Starved Turbochargers: Turbocharged engines 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.
- Cheating Diesel Emissions: Audi, as part of the Volkswagen Group, was involved in the diesel emissions scandal, where software in diesel engines manipulated emission tests. This issue can affect performance or fuel efficiency as vehicles are brought into compliance with emissions standards.
When considering purchasing an Audi A8, it is crucial to research the specific model year and thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any potential issues. Regular maintenance and addressing problems promptly can help extend the vehicle's lifespan and ensure a more enjoyable driving experience.
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.
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:
2020 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Audi A8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Audi A8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Audi A8.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-06
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-25
- VIN: WAU8EAF84LN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Start system malfunction causes the car to randomly lose ALL power and roll back when at a stopped, causing the car to be disabled and unable to start again. Faults indicate a failure of the 48V belt driven starter generator. Parts to repair defect are severely back ordered, taking months to obtain.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-23
- VIN: WAU8EAF82LN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 8/23/2021-I was slowing down at a red light and getting ready to stop but the light turned green and so high pushed on the gas to go before I got to a full stop. The battery warning light came on so I turned around to go back home can you swap cars. My fiancé had to go to work that day and took the vehicle. On his way back going 60 mph on the highway, The power to the vehicle shut down and he was unable to do anything other than slow down and pull off to the side of the road. The vehicle was sent into the Audi dealership and they changed out the 48V battery in the trunk. They also ordered an alternator but did not install it because it start it back up. A couple weeks later (9/25/2021) the same thing happened at a stop sign as I was slowing down but not at a complete stop and hit the gas and the battery light came back on. That light means the battery is disconnected from the engine and once the power runs out, it will shut down again. So I took it straight to the dealership and left it there until they can take a look at it. It’s at the dealership now. There seems to be a flaw in the (stop/go)system of the vehicle when the engine wants to turn off at a stop and when to restart the engine to go. Causing a disconnect of the battery in the trunk to the engine.
2020 Audi A8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2020 Audi A8.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
- Consequence: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
Positive 2020 Audi A8 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Audi A8 problems:
2020 Audi A8 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Audi A8? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
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Other years of Audi A8
Are you having problems with your 2020 Audi A8?
Raymundo Fay 2024-10-24
Exceptional ride, comfort, design, and features.
Mario Durgan 2024-08-03
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I was wondering if you could help me out with something. I'm having trouble figuring out how to start and stop something, and I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to turn it off permanently? Thank you so much!
Arlo Kilback 2024-05-20
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new A8! It sounds like the comfort, ride, and features are exceptional. The interior is so quiet that it feels like the person you're talking to on the phone is sitting right next to you, which is amazing. The audio and navigation systems are fantastic, and it's great to hear that your family loves the room and comfort of the rear seats, as well as having control of their own climate. It's wonderful that you find reasons to travel just to enjoy the ride and comfort. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
Fredy Witting 2024-05-01
I recently purchased a CPO 2020 Mythos Black A8L with 16K miles. It is fully loaded with everything except the Advanced B & O sound system. I opted for the 4.0L twin turbo V8 due to my previous awesome experience with the 2018 S6 I had a few years ago. Like the S6, the A8L is a flagship luxury sedan that is well-built and then some. The adaptable suspension is excellent in all modes, and I personally prefer driving in the individual mode which has the suspension and steering in Dynamic mode and the engine in Balanced mode. The car is a technology marvel that has more functions than you can possibly use. In my opinion, it is definitely better than the BMW 7 series which feels lighter and has technical gremlins that can be annoying. While the S Class has the edge if you want the full ultra luxury experience, the Audi A8L is the BEST choice if you want a well-balanced luxury sedan that not everyone has!
Cristopher Rohan 2024-03-25
The Audi A8 is truly a remarkable car. It boasts executive, luxury, all-leather, and 5-seat comfort packages. What sets it apart from other sedans is its reclining rear seats that are heated and ventilated, 2 sunroofs, and its incredibly quiet ride. As a proud Audi fan, this is my 4th Audi, following the 01 A4 1.8T, 04 A6 2.7 twin turbo, and the best car I ever owned, my 18 A5 sportback. I am happy to report that my A8 has been nothing short of great. Despite its MSRP of $109,000, I was able to purchase it for only $41,000 with 43,000 miles. While many people may prefer SUVs, I feel like I stole the most advanced Audi of all. I absolutely love it! 😍