2021 Audi A8: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Audi A8 has 6 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. 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 2021 model year

6
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Audi A8 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
2
power train
2
engine
1
fuel/propulsion system
1
structure
1

Recalls affecting the 2021 A8

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 21V825000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Seda…

seat belts:rear/other:retractor

Campaign 21V606000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Qua…

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…

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.

Other A8 model years

2020 A82019 A82017 A82015 A82014 A82013 A82012 A82011 A82010 A82008 A82007 A82006 A82005 A82004 A82003 A82002 A82000 A81999 A81998 A81997 A81996 A8
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