Audi A8 Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)

2013 Audi A8 Index 100 · 49 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2013 A8 is the worst year on record for this model, with a complaint index of 100, 49 complaints, and 6 recall campaigns. Engine problems dominate at 76% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 64,500. Owners described sudden loss of power and stalling in traffic, plus a turbocharger oil strainer blockage covered by recall. Additional recalls cover a fuel supply line that can leak fuel and an engine compartment seal that can contact hot components.

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2015 Audi A8 Index 95 · 31 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2015 A8 shows a complaint index of 95 with 31 complaints, one crash, and one injury reported. Engine problems make up 61% of complaints at a median failure mileage of 67,000, alongside brake and suspension complaints including vibration felt through the steering wheel and seats at various speeds. It carries the same turbocharger, fuel line, and engine seal recalls as 2013-2014. This is the 2nd worst A8 model year overall.

2015 engine problems →

2019 Audi A8 Index 90 · 14 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2019 A8 has a complaint index of 90 with 14 complaints and one crash. Electrical system issues account for 57% of complaints at a median failure mileage of 45,000, including reports of the car losing power and stalling at speed after an 'Electrical Malfunction' message, often traced to a faulty alternator. Three recalls apply, including a missing sealing pin that can let moisture into the engine control module and a rearview camera software error. It ranks 3rd worst among all A8 years.

2014 Audi A8 Index 85 · 18 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2014 A8 has a complaint index of 85 and 18 complaints, with engine issues making up 67% of reports at a median failure mileage of 57,534. Owners described turbo failure with metal debris in the engine, engine stalling that would not restart, and windshield leaks that reached electrical modules. It shares the turbocharger oil strainer, fuel line, and engine seal recalls with the 2013 model. It ranks 4th worst among A8 years.

2011 Audi A8 Index 80 · 15 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2011 A8 carries a complaint index of 80, driven mostly by engine problems (67% of complaints, median failure mileage 76,000) and electrical issues (27%, median mileage 81,000). Owners repeatedly described a coolant valve leaking onto the engine control module, causing the car to stall in traffic, sometimes at highway speeds. A related recall addresses this coolant valve leak. This year ranks 5th worst among all A8 model years.

2008 Audi A8 Index 75 · 8 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2008 A8 shows a complaint index of 75 with 8 complaints and 2 crashes reported. Airbags and engine issues each account for 38% of complaints, with a median failure mileage around 77,600 miles for both. Owners reported a Takata airbag recall that dragged on for months without replacement parts, plus reports of sudden loss of control and a structural stress fracture found after a low-speed collision. One recall covers a sunroof glass adhesion issue. Compared with other A8 years, 2008 ranks 6th worst out of 21 model years.