Audi A8 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
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.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 93 of 249 complaints (37.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 37 | 14.9% |
| Engine operation | 36 | 14.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 25 | 10.0% |
| Steering behavior | 20 | 8.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 16 | 6.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 4 | 1.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 93 |
| Electrical System | 33 |
| Unknown Or Other | 22 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 |
| Power Train | 18 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 |
| Service Brakes | 14 |
| Suspension | 11 |
Engine: 93; Electrical System: 33; Unknown Or Other: 22; Fuel/Propulsion System: 18; Power Train: 18; Vehicle Speed Control: 17; Service Brakes: 14; Suspension: 11
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 26 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 19 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 39 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 22 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 18 |
| 150,000 and above | 6 |
Under 25,000: 26; 25,000 to 49,999: 19; 50,000 to 74,999: 39; 75,000 to 99,999: 22; 100,000 to 149,999: 18; 150,000 and above: 6
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (39). 119 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 9 |
| 2005 | 7 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 4 |
2000: 4; 2002: 2; 2003: 7; 2004: 9; 2005: 7; 2006: 6; 2007: 4; 2008: 5; 2009: 4; 2010: 6; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2013: 4; 2014: 5; 2015: 6; 2016: 16; 2017: 8; 2018: 5; 2019: 23; 2020: 21; 2021: 33; 2022: 27; 2023: 13; 2024: 15; 2025: 12; 2026: 4
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 37 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 36 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 25 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 558574 · 2000-12-14 (December 14, 2000)
REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB OUT. NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 558574 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 875245 · 2000-11-20 (November 20, 2000)
BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE AT A RED LIGHT. CONSUMER HAS TO KEEP PUSHING BRAKES. TOOK TO DEALER 4 TIMES, AND EVERYTIME DEALER SAID ROTORS WERE DAMAGED. CONSUMER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 10000 MILES. *AK THE VEHICLE MAKER ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE A8 ROTORS WEAR QUICKLY. *YH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 875245 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10094618 · 2004-09-29 (September 29, 2004)
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 8,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10094618 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10343470 · 2010-07-15 (July 15, 2010)
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY CAR SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. RESTARTED CAR AND HAD IT STALL SEVERAL TIMES. CAR HAS BEEN SENT TO BE EVALUATED BY A MECHANIC. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10343470 at NHTSA ↗
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 10379393 · 2011-01-28 (January 28, 2011)
I OWN A 2004 AUDI A8 QUATRO, THIS MORNING THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. THE DRIVER SEAT, STEERING WHEEL, AND THE CAR SUSPENSION ADJUSTED AUTOMATICALLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AND IT WENT FROM 40MPH TO 150+ WITHOUT ME HAVING MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. FOR A MINUTE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. I SLOWLY STARTING PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL HOPING THE CAR WOULD NOT FLIP. IT TOOK ABOUT 2 TO 3 MINUTES FOR ME TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR. I PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED IT OFF. I TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL ACCELERATED, IT SOUNDED IT…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10379393 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11064890 · 2018-01-25 (January 25, 2018)
WHILE DRIVING AND/OR PARKING AND/OR PUTTING KEY IN IGNITION TO START MY VEHICLE ABS LIGHT; STABILIZATION; AND SPEEDOMETER SEEMS AS THOUGH BEING HACKED...SOMETIMES ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER WHEN TEMPERATURES REACH 100 DEGREES + MY HEATER IS HACKED ON AND MY INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE IS LIFE THREATENING HOT!!! HAVE TO OPEN WINDOWS TO 100 DEGREES TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE...MY INTERIOR LIGHTS JUST COME ON AND DRAIN MY BATTERY....AND MY SOUND SYSTEM FLIPS OPEN AND MUSIC PLAYS WHEN IM IN MY HOUSE AND HAS SHUT OFF MY CAR AND WHILE DRIVING MY SOUND SYSTEM COM…
Owner-reported narrative. 183,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11064890 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10002547 · 2003-01-10 (January 10, 2003)
WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A TERRIBLE NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER FEELS TRANSMISSION HAS A DEFECT.*JB
Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002547 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11222486 · 2019-06-25 (June 25, 2019)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A8. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER 25 MINUTES AND TOWED TO AUDI NASHVILLE (LOCATED AT 1576 MALLORY LN, BRENTWOOD, TN 37027, [phone removed]). THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A LOOSE CONNECTION WAS FOUND ON THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ON A…
Owner-reported narrative. 83,998 miles reported. Look up ODI 11222486 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11338981 · 2020-07-13 (July 13, 2020)
I HAD A STRONG GAS SMELL. I CHECKED INTERNET AND READ, 2013 AUDI A8 (VOLKSWAGEN) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2013-2015 AUDI S8 AND A8 VEHICLES. THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FOR THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MAY BECOME POROUS OVER TIME, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. IT COULD CAUSE FIRE. ACTION NEED TO FIX IT: AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE, FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN I NOTIFIED FLOW AUDI IN GREENSBORO, NC, THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT AUDI AMERICA. WHAT DO I DO?
Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11338981 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2013: 6; 2014: 5; 2015: 5; 2016: 4; 2017: 3; 2018: 2; 2019: 3; 2020: 5; 2021: 10; 2022: 3; 2023: 2; 2024: 2; 2025: 1; 2026: 1
Year-by-year records
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Change in recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 | 1 | Not available |
| 1996 | 0 | 2 | +1 |
| 1997 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| 1998 | 3 | 3 | +1 |
| 1999 | 9 | 4 | +1 |
| 2000 | 3 | 2 | -2 |
| 2001 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 | 1 | -1 |
| 2003 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2004 | 20 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| 2006 | 6 | 2 | +1 |
| 2007 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2008 | 8 | 1 | -1 |
| 2009 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 | 49 | 6 | +5 |
| 2014 | 18 | 5 | -1 |
| 2015 | 31 | 5 | 0 |
| 2016 | 11 | 4 | -1 |
| 2017 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| 2018 | 0 | 2 | -1 |
| 2019 | 14 | 3 | +1 |
| 2020 | 3 | 5 | +2 |
| 2021 | 5 | 10 | +5 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3 | -7 |
| 2023 | 0 | 2 | -1 |
| 2024 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| 2026 | 0 | 1 | 0 |