2002 Audi A8: common problems and reliability

An average A8 year.

8 owner complaints, most about tires. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2002 A8?

The 2002 Audi A8 has 8 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are tires and vehicle speed control.

Safety record for the 2002 model year

8
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other A8 years only. How we score it

Is 2002 a good year for the A8?

Across the 25 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 8 complaints, the 2002 A8 sits about the same as 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

tires
3
vehicle speed control
2
visibility
1
engine and engine cooling
1
power train
1

Recalls affecting the 2002 A8

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 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.

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 2002 ranks against the rest.

2021 A82020 A82019 A82017 A82016 A82015 A82014 A82013 A82012 A82011 A82010 A82009 A82008 A82007 A82006 A82005 A82004 A82003 A82001 A82000 A81999 A81998 A81997 A81996 A8

Compare the A8 against its rivals

A8 vs Bentley Flying SpurA8 vs BMW 7 SeriesA8 vs Cadillac CT6A8 vs Cadillac Seville

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