Avoid: 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2004, 2001 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2010 (few owner reports)
21 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 25 model years, the Audi A8 has 389 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 69 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 2013 drew the most complaints (96), 2010 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 20 |
| 2015 | 61 |
| 2014 | 36 |
| 2013 | 96 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2004 | 20 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2002 | 8 |
| 2001 | 18 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 1999 | 12 |
| 1998 | 7 |
| 1997 | 11 |
| 1996 | 1 |
Highest: 2013 (96 complaints). Lowest: 2010 (1).
Sentiment is generally positive among long-term owners, particularly for the D5 generation (2018+), which is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet cabin, advanced technology, and strong value proposition on the used market.
Very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs.
Significant loss in value, especially in the first few years, though this makes the car a strong used value.
A known issue on D5 (2018+) models with the 48V system, potentially leading to expensive repairs; subject to a technical service campaign (27BQ).
Concerns over long-term reliability of complex infotainment, driver aids, and other electronic systems; some isolated reports of issues requiring multiple resets.
A noted point of potential failure and high repair cost, particularly on higher-mileage examples of all generations.
Owner insights cover all generations of the A8. Individual model years are broken down above.
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