2004 Audi A8: common problems and reliability
· 2002-2010One of the worst A8 years.
One of the Audi A8 years to avoid. All A8 years
20 owner complaints, most about visibility. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2004 A8?The 2004 Audi A8 has 20 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag air suspension collapse and strut leaks.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A8 years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the A8?
Across the 25 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 20 complaints, the 2004 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 2004 A8
air bags:frontal
Campaign 06V324000ON 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.
What owners report on the 2002-2010 A8
Owners describe the 2002-2010 A8 as a superb driving and luxury experience that is undermined by high running costs and aging component failures.
- Very frequentAir suspension collapse and strut leaks
- Very frequentElectrical issues including battery drain, module failures, and sensor problems
- RecurrentTiming chain service required at rear of engine on 2007+ models, requiring engine removal
- RecurrentTiming belt service due at 60-70k miles on 2005-2006 models
- RecurrentControl arm and bushing wear
Owner insights for the 2002-2010 A8. Read the full 2002-2010 owner report.
Other A8 model years
Compare every A8 year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A8 against its rivals
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