2001 Audi A8: common problems and reliability
One of the worst A8 years.
One of the Audi A8 years to avoid. All A8 years
18 owner complaints, most about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2001 A8?The 2001 Audi A8 has 18 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and vehicle speed control.
Safety record for the 2001 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2001 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A8 years only. How we score it
Is 2001 a good year for the A8?
Across the 25 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 18 complaints, the 2001 A8 sits above the model's median of 8.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2001 A8
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 08V397000VOLKSWAGEN 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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Campaign 01V259000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FUEL AND VAPOR LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM. A "BLIND COVER" AT THE FILLER NECK OF THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY ALLOWING FUEL VAPOR TO ESCAPE.
What owners say across generations
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the A8. See the full A8 owner picture and every model year.
Other A8 model years
Compare every A8 year side by side to see how 2001 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A8 against its rivals
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