1994-2025 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1994-2025 Audi A8 has 18 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are AGA/ACK 2.8 V6 air mass meter grid detaches and jams throttle valve ($150-$600 repair), D2 A8 4.2 V8 Timing Belt — Interval Retroactively Cut from 105k to 75k Miles (Interference Engine) ($1,500-$3,000 repair), ZF 6HP26 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder and Failure ($900-$5,500 repair), 2013-2014 A8 4.0T Turbo Coolant-Line Seepage - TSB 2036167/2 / Action 21F7, 1998-1999 A8 Takata NADI Driver-Airbag Inflator Recall 69BT (20V056/22V471) and Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module Internal Failure (EBCM) ($200-$600 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $30 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen 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."
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1994-2025 Audi A8 has 18 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AGA/ACK 2.8 V6 air mass meter grid detaches and jams throttle valve, D2 A8 4.2 V8 Timing Belt — Interval Retroactively Cut from 105k to 75k Miles (Interference Engine), ZF 6HP26 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder and Failure. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1994-2025 Audi A8 has 18 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: AGA/ACK 2.8 V6 air mass meter grid detaches and jams throttle valve and D2 A8 4.2 V8 Timing Belt — Interval Retroactively Cut from 105k to 75k Miles (Interference Engine) and ZF 6HP26 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder and Failure and 2013-2014 A8 4.0T Turbo Coolant-Line Seepage - TSB 2036167/2 / Action 21F7 and 1998-1999 A8 Takata NADI Driver-Airbag Inflator Recall 69BT (20V056/22V471) and Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module Internal Failure (EBCM). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Audi A8 issues range from $30 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AGA/ACK 2.8 V6 air mass meter grid detaches and jams throttle valve, typically costs $150-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the Audi A8. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1994-2025 Audi A8 with 18 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S8 and A8 vehicles. During air bag assembly, the front-passenger occupant protection flap of the air bag may not have been folded correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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On 2.8 V6 A8 models fitted with the AGA and ACK engines, engine misfiring may result in damage to the air grid in the air mass meter which could cause the grid to detach and jam the throttle valve. A jammed throttle can cause sudden loss of power control or a stuck-open throttle,… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: high.
The D2 A8 4.2L V8 (both the early 32-valve ABZ and the later 40-valve AUX/AWN/AKB) is an interference engine driven by a rubber timing belt. The original published interval was 105K miles on the C5 and D2 4.2, until Audi retroactively changed it to 75,000 miles. Many original-own… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. Severity: high.
Multiple D3-generation A8 owners report shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement, and harsh shifting traced to the ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission, especially the torque converter lock-up clutch. The problem often begins as a light vibration at steady cruise or a flare on 3-4/4-5… Repairs typically run $900-$5,500. Severity: high.
Audi TSB 2036167/2 applies to 2013 A8 4.0T vehicles with VIN serial 000001-027858 when coolant is low and black residue or crust is found at the turbocharger coolant-pipe connections. Audi also ran service action 21F7 for certain VIN-eligible 2013-2014 A8/S8 4.0T vehicles whose t… Severity: high.
Certain 1998-1999 Audi A8 vehicles may contain a Takata non-azide driver inflator that can absorb moisture and deploy improperly. NHTSA 20V056 originally listed the 1999 A8 branch, Audi 69BT campaign material lists 1998-1999 A8 vehicles, and NHTSA 22V471 corrects the filing to ad… Severity: high.
The Bosch 5.3 ABS/EBCM control module mounted to the side of the hydraulic pump unit suffers from internal solder joint and fine aluminum bond-wire fatigue, causing intermittent then permanent loss of ABS function. The Audi ABS pump & module system has been a very common failure… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.
The D2 A8's hydraulic system uses Pentosin mineral oil shared between the power steering pump, ZF rack with Servotronic module, and (on non-NA self-leveling cars) the rear shock accumulators. Owners report leaks in the middle of the pump where the two-piece housing is bolted toge… Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: medium.
A recurring D3 A8 complaint involves exterior door handle microswitches and comfort access components failing, which prevents the car from recognizing touch-to-lock or handle-pull unlock requests. Owners report one or more doors becoming inoperative with advanced key, intermitten… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: medium.
On air-suspension-equipped 2019-2025 Audi A8 vehicles, the cluster may show an air-suspension malfunction warning while the suspension controller stores C1260F0 or U112100 with symptom code 262400. Audi directs diagnosis toward communication, wiring and connector contacts between… Severity: medium.
All A8 models with direct-injection engines (3.0T, 4.0T, 60 TFSI) suffer from severe carbon buildup on intake valves. In direct-injection engines, fuel bypasses the intake valves, leaving them exposed only to oil vapors from the PCV system. These vapors bake onto valve backs as h… Repairs typically run $1,000-$1,800. Severity: medium.
Factory-fitted options included halogen, D2S/H7 single-xenon, and D2R/H7 single-xenon headlights manufactured by Bosch (Automotive Lighting); the halogen H7 reflectors lose their reflective layer as it peels off from bulb heat and ageing, and the single-xenon 2.5-inch projectors… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.
D3 A8 owners frequently report clogged sunroof drains or blocked plenum drains that allow water to enter the cabin, soak carpets, and damage modules mounted low in the vehicle. This can lead to musty odors, wet front or rear footwells, battery drain, central locking issues, and s… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The 4.2 V8 in the D2 A8 (both the early 32-valve ABZ and the later 40-valve AKB/AUX/AYS/BFM) runs a vacuum-operated secondary air injection system with one combi valve per cylinder head, fed by small-diameter hard plastic vacuum lines that become brittle with heat and crack. Both… Repairs typically run $80-$1,400. Severity: medium.
Audi TSB 2030465/12 covers 2010-2015 A8 vehicles with MMI3G+ Navigation, PR code 7T6, for software-group-dependent conditions including random freezes or resets, a blank screen after startup, a stuck splash screen, slow response and listed audio, navigation or Bluetooth complaint… Severity: medium.
On adaptive-cruise-equipped 2011-2018 Audi A8 vehicles, ACC may be unavailable and the distance-regulation controller may store C110BF0, adaptive cruise control sensor restricted view. Audi identifies environmental obstruction, sensor contamination, bumper or bracket influence an… Severity: low.
The VDO-built instrument cluster in the D2 A8 develops the same fading-pixel problem common across the VAG/VDO family: rows or columns of the central LCD (odometer, on-board computer, gear indicator, time) go dark or missing. <cite index="2-1">Replacement LCD screens are useful t… Repairs typically run $30-$800. Severity: low.
The A8 is prone to various electrical gremlins due to its complex electronics and luxury features. Common issues include parking sensor malfunctions, blind spot monitoring failures, tire pressure sensor errors, climate control glitches, warning lights that come and go, and batter… Repairs typically run $200-$2,500. Severity: low.
Audi TSB 2039995/2 covers 2013-2015 A8 vehicles with the 3.0 TFSI engine when a rattle is heard from the rear timing-chain area for approximately one to three seconds after the first start of the day. Audi attributes the noise to an upper timing-chain tensioner and expressly stat… Severity: low.
