Generation-specific owner insights from 24+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2002–2010 A8?66
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2002–2010
11
recall campaigns
vehicle speed control
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners describe the 2002-2010 A8 as a superb driving and luxury experience that is undermined by high running costs and aging component failures.
16 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 11 isolated) · high confidence
Owners show a slight preference for the 4.2L V8 over other petrol options, describing it as the most reliable of the petrol engines and noting it does not suffer the catastrophic timing chain issues of the same-displacement engine in other Audi models. The 3.0 TDI is mentioned as the best overall bet where available. The W12 is admired but described as prohibitively expensive to maintain due to unique parts and zero aftermarket support. No single model year emerges as a clear consensus winner, though 2007 is noted as the transition year from timing belts to chains.
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class.
Is a 2002–2010 A8 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners describe the 2002-2010 A8 as a superb driving and luxury experience that is undermined by high running costs and aging component failures. The consensus is that these cars are not for the budget-conscious: maintenance budgets of $800-$1,200 annually are considered low estimates, with dealer service costing significantly more. Early model years (2004-2006) with the belt-driven 4.2 are seen as more serviceable, while 2007+ models with the chain-driven 4.2 FSI present a major rear-mounted timing chain service concern. Owners who are handy, have a trusted independent VAG mechanic, and accept the costs report genuine satisfaction and high mileage; others describe the car as a financial trap.
Owners position the A8 against the S-Class and 7 Series as comparable in luxury but note that all three carry similarly high repair costs. Several owners explicitly recommend the Lexus LS as a more reliable alternative for those wanting luxury without the expense. A recurring theme is that executive cars (A6, E-Class, 5 Series) are cheaper to own and more fun to drive than flagship luxury sedans, with one owner stating luxury cars are for rear-seat passengers while executive cars suit self-drivers.
Owners recommend the 4.2L V8 as the most reliable petrol choice, with the 3.0 TDI mentioned as the best diesel option. For 2005-2006 models, the timing belt is a known service item with a 60-70k mile interval. For 2007+ models, buyers should be aware the timing chain is at the rear of the engine and requires engine removal to service. No owner recommends the W12 for practical ownership.
Owners strongly advise against purchasing this generation as a first car or as a primary daily driver unless the buyer has substantial financial reserves. A pre-purchase inspection by a VW/Audi specialist is universally recommended, along with verification of complete service records. Owners suggest budgeting $1,500 or more for unexpected repairs even after a clean inspection, and warn that depreciation only affects purchase price, not parts and labor. Model years 2004-2006 with the belt-driven engine are considered more approachable for DIY owners; 2007+ models carry the risk of the rear timing chain service. Buyers should specifically check air suspension condition, timing belt/chain history, control arms, and electrical system health.
Owners frequently note that the 4.2 FSI in the A8 is not the same problematic engine as the one in the B6/B7 S4, and that the ZF6 transmission is cross-platform and reliable. The driving experience is repeatedly praised as "unparalleled" and "amazing for the money" in the current used market. One owner reports spending over $15,000 in four years on a 2007 A8L with 114k miles, while another reports 260k+ miles on a 2004 with minimal issues, illustrating the wide variance based on maintenance history. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 1 | visibility |
| 2009 | 5 | 1 | visibility |
| 2008 | 8 | 1 | air bags |
| 2007 | 4 | 2 | visibility |
| 2006 | 6 | 2 | vehicle speed control |
| 2005 | 6 | 1 | vehicle speed control |
| 2004 | 20 | 1 | visibility |
| 2003 | 8 | 1 | power train |
| 2002 | 8 | 1 | tires |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2010 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 16V619000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012. The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.
2009 · visibility:sun/moon roof assemblycampaign 16V415000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.
2008 · visibility:sun/moon roof assemblycampaign 16V415000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.
2007 · visibility:sun/moon roof assemblycampaign 16V415000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.
2007 · air bags:frontalcampaign 06V454000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WHERE A WEAK BATTERY EXISTS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LOW VOLTAGE CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT TO IMPROPERLY SET A FAULT CODE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL BECOME DEACTIVATED. HOWEVER, BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AS WELL AS THE 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' TELLTALE IN THE CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL ILLUMINATE AND PROVIDE VISUAL WARNING TO THE DRIVER.
2006 · air bagscampaign 05V522000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A WIRING HARNESS CONDITION EXISTS THAT MAY DEACTIVATE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG EVEN UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN IT SHOULD REMAIN ACTIVATED.
2006 · air bags:frontalcampaign 06V454000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WHERE A WEAK BATTERY EXISTS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LOW VOLTAGE CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT TO IMPROPERLY SET A FAULT CODE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL BECOME DEACTIVATED. HOWEVER, BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AS WELL AS THE 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' TELLTALE IN THE CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL ILLUMINATE AND PROVIDE VISUAL WARNING TO THE DRIVER.
2005 · air bags:frontalcampaign 06V324000
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.
2004 · air bags:frontalcampaign 06V324000
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.
2003 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 08V397000
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
2002 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 08V397000
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.