2020 Audi A8: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker A8 years.
3 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 A8?The 2020 Audi A8 has 3 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 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 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A8 years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the A8?
Across the 25 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 3 complaints, the 2020 A8 sits below 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 2020 A8
tires
Campaign 22V034000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
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.
suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Campaign 21V295000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboard
Campaign 23V842000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Show 1 more recall
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 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A8 against its rivals
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