Audi A8 problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every A8 from 1995 to 2026: 252 owner complaints and 81 recalls across 32 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2013 (49), 2015 (31), 2004 (20). Best fuel economy: 28 mpg combined (2016).
Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 | 0 | – | |
| 1996 | 2 | 1 | – | |
| 1997 | 2 | 10 | 18 | |
| 1998 | 3 | 4 | 18 | |
| 1999 | 4 | 9 | 18 | |
| 2000 | 2 | 3 | 18 | |
| 2001 | 2 | 6 | 18 | |
| 2002 | 1 | 1 | 18 | |
| 2003 | 1 | 3 | 18 | |
| 2004 | 1 | 20 | 18 | |
| 2005 | 1 | 6 | 18 | |
| 2006 | 2 | 6 | 18 | |
| 2007 | 2 | 4 | 18 | |
| 2008 | 1 | 8 | 18 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 5 | 18 | |
| 2010 | 1 | 1 | 18 | |
| 2011 | 1 | 15 | 21 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 11 | 21 | |
| 2013 | 6 | 49 | 21 | |
| 2014 | 5 | 18 | 21 | |
| 2015 | 5 | 31 | 22 | |
| 2016 | 4 | 11 | 28 | |
| 2017 | 3 | 8 | 22 | |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | 22 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 14 | 22 | |
| 2020 | 5 | 3 | 23 | |
| 2021 | 10 | 5 | 23 | |
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | 22 | |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | 22 | |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 22 | |
| 2025 | 1 | 0 | 22 | |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | 22 |
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Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Audi A8.
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Audi A8?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2013 (49), 2015 (31), 2004 (20).
How many recalls has the Audi A8 had?
Across 1995–2026, NHTSA lists 81 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).