2020 Audi A8: common problems and reliability

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 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 2020 model year

3
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2020 a good year for the A8?

Across the 22 A8 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 96 (2013). With 3 complaints, the 2020 A8 sits belowthe 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

electrical system
2
engine
1
power train
1

Recalls affecting the 2020 A8

tires

Campaign 22V034000

Volkswagen 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,

engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)

Campaign 21V111000

Volkswagen 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 co

suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly

Campaign 21V295000

Volkswagen 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,

electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboard

Campaign 23V842000

Volkswagen 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 20

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.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the A8. See the full A8 owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used A8 listings typically run $85,599–$95,190 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

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