The 2005 Audi A8 has 6 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and service brakes. Owners most often flag high maintenance and repair costs — very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs. frequency: very frequent.
Safety record for the 2005 model year
6
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2005 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
vehicle speed control
3
service brakes
1
hydraulic
1
equipment adaptive/mobility
1
equipment
1
Recalls affecting the 2005 A8
air bags:frontal
Campaign 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.
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. The D5 is frequently descr
High maintenance and repair costs — very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs. Frequency: very frequent.
Mild Hybrid System (Belt Starter Generator/BSG) failures — a known issue on D5 (2018+) models with the 48V system, potentially leading to expensive repairs; subject to a technical service campaign (27BQ). Frequency: recurrent.
Electronic gremlins — concerns over long-term reliability of complex infotainment, driver aids, and other electronic systems; some isolated reports of issues requiring multiple resets. Frequency: recurrent.
Air suspension failures — a noted point of potential failure and high repair cost, particularly on higher-mileage examples of all generations. Frequency: recurrent.
Rapid depreciation — significant loss in value, especially in the first few years, though this makes the car a strong used value. Frequency: very frequent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the A8.
Typical used price
Used A8 listings typically run $85,599–$95,190 across 2012 to 2026 model years.