Audi A8 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 17, 2026 · 252 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 252 owner complaints and 31 safety recalls on file for the Audi A8, across 32 model years (1995–2026). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (49). The most reported problem area overall is engine.

Audi A8
Audi A8L D5 (2021) at Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2013, with 49 complaints
1995: 019951996: 11997: 101998: 419981999: 92000: 32001: 620012002: 12003: 32004: 2020042005: 62006: 62007: 420072008: 82009: 52010: 120102011: 152012: 112013: 492013492014: 182015: 312016: 1120162017: 82018: 02019: 1420192020: 32021: 52022: 020222023: 02024: 02025: 020252026: 0

n = 252 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Audi A8 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical A8 year: 2004, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2013 A8: 49 complaints, 6 recalls
  2. 2015 A8: 31 complaints, 5 recalls
  3. 2004 A8: 20 complaints, 1 recall

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 1996 A8: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
  2. 2002 A8: 1 complaint, 1 recall
  3. 2010 A8: 1 complaint, 1 recall

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Audi A8 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine93111
Electrical System35150
Power Train24141
Vehicle Speed Control23102
Fuel/propulsion System18110
Service Brakes1460
Suspension1370
Structure12101
Air Bags1173
Visibility1160
Steering960
Engine and Engine Cooling880
Forward Collision Avoidance850
Visibility/wiper850
Tires770
Seats650
Fuel System, Gasoline550
Equipment440
Exterior Lighting440
Lane Departure440
Latches/locks/linkages440
Service Brakes, Hydraulic440
Wheels421
Electronic Stability Control (esc)221
Equipment Adaptive/mobility110
Parking Brake110
Traction Control System110

All Audi A8 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2026 A801——
2025 A801——
2024 A802——
2023 A802——
2022 A803——
2021 A8510—Electrical System
2020 A835—Electrical System
2019 A8143—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2018 A802——
2017 A883—Engine
2016 A8114—EngineMore complaints than other years
2015 A8315—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2014 A8185—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2013 A8496—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2012 A8111—EngineMore complaints than other years
2011 A8151—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2010 A811—Visibility
2009 A851—Electrical System
2008 A881—Air Bags
2007 A842—Air Bags
2006 A862—Vehicle Speed Control
2005 A861—Vehicle Speed Control
2004 A8201—VisibilityFar more complaints than other years
2003 A831—Exterior Lighting
2002 A811—Engine and Engine Cooling
2001 A862—Power Train
2000 A832—Fuel System, Gasoline
1999 A894—Electrical System
1998 A843—Air Bags
1997 A8102—Power TrainMore complaints than other years
1996 A812—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1995 A801——

More from Audi: all Audi models · Audi VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Audi A8 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2004 (20), 2011 (15), 2013 (49), 2014 (18), 2015 (31), 2019 (14) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical A8 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Audi A8?

Engine, with 93 complaints across 11 model years.

How many recalls does the Audi A8 have?

31 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.