2019 Audi A8: common problems and reliability
One of the worst A8 years.
One of the Audi A8 years to avoid. All A8 years
12 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 A8?The 2019 Audi A8 has 12 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag 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).
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A8 years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the A8?
Across the 25 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 12 complaints, the 2019 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 2019 A8
engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)
Campaign 21V111000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
seats
Campaign 19V415000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with rear relaxation seats. The front passenger seat track rivet may fail and cause the spindle bracket to separate.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 25V900000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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.
- RecurrentMild 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).
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 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A8 against its rivals
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