Audi A8 electrical problems
25 complaint narratives mention electrical terms.
Key facts
249 owner complaints analyzed
31 distinct recall campaigns
62,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1995 to 2026 model years. Data snapshot: . 130 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Electrical and battery issues evidence
25 of 249 complaints match this topic (10.0%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.
Owner report 10028551 · 2003-07-18 (July 18, 2003)
THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY 1997 AUDI A8 FAILED INTERNALLY AND WAS DISABLED IN IT'S ABILITY TO SPRING BACK FROM THE START POSITION. WITH THE SWITCH CONTACTS IN A POSITION BETWEEN START AND RUN, NONE OF THE ELECTRICAL AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT WILL OPERATE. THIS INCLUDES THE HEADLIGHTS / TAILLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS , WIPERS AND OTHER SYSTEMS. THIS CONDITION CAN ALSO ALLOW THE STARTER TO REMAIN ENGAGED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. IN THIS INSTANCE, THIS OCCURRED THE FIRST TIME AT NIGHT WITH MY WIFE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS FAILURE REPRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSU…
Owner-reported narrative. 63,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10028551 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11495139 · 2022-11-28 (November 28, 2022)
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 we…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11495139 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10105799 · 2005-01-05 (January 5, 2005)
MY AUDI A8 2004 MODEL [XXX] COP DEVICE BURNED WITH A WIRE FIRE ON DEC 28, 2OO4 - I COULD ONLY STOP A FURTHER FIRE BY USING A FIRE EXT. AND DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY. I WAS TOLD BY THE AUDI SHOP DCH MAPLEWOOD N.J. AND MY REGULAR REPAIR SHOP LANGAN MOTORS, SCHENECTADY. N.Y. THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HAD SEEN SUCH A PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Owner-reported narrative. 28,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10105799 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10144136 · 2005-12-01 (December 1, 2005)
DT: THE CONTACT STATED A GALLON OF MILK SPILLED INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE MILK SPILLED UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT SHORTED OUT THE ELECTRICAL MODULE THAT OPERATED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS. AS A RESULT THE LIGHTS WERE BLINKING IN AND OUT. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS AT A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS.*AK UPDATED 12/27/2005 - THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE. THE TRUNK WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 14,433 miles reported. Look up ODI 10144136 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10693097 · 2015-03-09 (March 9, 2015)
DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE SHORTLY AFTER STARTING HIS VEHICLE AND DRIVING AWAY FROM HIS HOME. THE SMELL WAS OF PLASTIC, AND IT WAS ASSUMED FROM AN ELECTRICAL SHORT/FIRE. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE CAR AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE AREA. NO EVIDENCE OF FIRE, HOWEVER THE DRIVER TURNED BACK AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. STRONG BURNING PLASTIC SMELL AGAIN AS THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE CABIN WAS FILLING WITH SMOKE. DRIVER OPENED THE TRUNK AS THE BATTERY WAS LOCATED IN THE RIGHT REAR SECTION OF THE TRUNK. SMOKE WAS EMANATING FROM THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT. A …
Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10693097 at NHTSA ↗