2020 Audi A8: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Audi A8: 5 recalls, 3 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
_1X7A6342.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling, Engine Vehicle recall #21V111000 · 2021 · 238 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi a8 and 2020-2021 Audi s8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin May allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
Why it matters: An engine control module malfunction May cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V295000 · 2021 · 40,993 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 q7, q8, q5 sportback, sq5 sportback, rs6 avant, rs7, rs q8, 2020-2021 Audi s6 sedan, q5, a8, s8, a7, a6 allroad, a5 cabriolet, a4 sedan, a4 allroad, sq5, s7, a6 sedan, s5 coupe, s4 sedan, s5 cabriolet, a5 coupe, 2019-2021 rs5 coupe, a5 sportback, s5 sportback, rs5 sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle May break due to…
Why it matters: A broken lock nut May misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021.
Tires, Suspension Vehicle recall #22V034000 · 2022 · 31,058 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi a5 sportback, rs5 coupe, rs5 sportback, s5 sportback, 2020-2021 a4 allroad, a4 sedan, a5 cabriolet, a5 coupe, a6 allroad, a6 sedan, a7, a8, q5, s4 sedan, s5 coupe, s5 cabriolet, s6 sedan, s7, s8, sq5, 2021 q5 sportback, q7, q8, rs6 avant, rs7, rsq8, sq5 sportback, sq7, and sq8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment May not have been inspected…
Why it matters: Rear axle misalignment May cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V842000 · 2023 · 93,196 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 rs e-tron gt, e-tron gt, q4 e-tron sportback, q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi a8, 2019-2024 e-tron quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron sportback quattro, q5, and 2021-2022 a7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220v/240v plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets May be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact…
Why it matters: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use the 220v/240v compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110v home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220v/240v compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V900000 · 2025 · 356,894 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error May prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2020 Audi A8 has 3 owner complaints, ranking #22 of 32 A8 model years for complaints (well below the 8 average). Neighboring years: 2019 (14 complaints, 3 recalls), 2021 (5 complaints, 10 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Premium and Electricity |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 4.0 L 8-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
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 2020 Audi A8.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads 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 2020 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2020 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 2020 Audi A8 problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (2), transmission & drivetrain (1), other / unknown (1).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi A8 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 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.