MotorDeets

2004 Audi A8: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Audi A8: 1 recall, 20 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
20owner complaints
0mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2004 Audi A8
Photo: OSX · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #06V324000 · 2006 · 7,674 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, during production of the driver's frontal air bag, the air bag May not unfold properly in the event of a crash and therefore May not inflate as designed.

Why it matters: Loss of frontal air bag deployment could occur which can increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.

The fix: Dealers will install a new driver's frontal air bag free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Visibility (wipers, glass)6
Speed control / throttle5
Electrical4
Suspension2
Brakes2
Seats1
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Tires1

What owners describe

The 2004 Audi A8 has 20 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 32 A8 model years for complaints (2.5× the average A8 year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 28,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (3 complaints, 1 recalls), 2005 (6 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.2 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive162218Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

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 2004 Audi A8.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2004 Audi A8 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2004 Audi A8 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2004 Audi A8 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Audi A8 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2004 Audi A8 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2004 Audi A8 problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (6), speed control / throttle (5), electrical (4).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Audi A8 get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 Audi A8 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other A8 years

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