2005 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Audi A8 has a Good verdict with a complaint index of 40, ranking 13th among 21 model years. NHTSA lists 6 complaints, 1 recall, and 1 fire report, with the Engine area making up 67% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2005 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (67%)
- Other2 (33%)
- Structure & Body2 (33%)
- Brakes1 (17%)
- Electrical System1 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (17%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported, with one case tracing to overfueling in two cylinders that damaged the catalytic converter.
- Unintended acceleration reported, with the vehicle continuing to speed up after the accelerator pedal was released until the brake was applied.
- Steering wheel locking up combined with the emergency brake engaging and dashboard warning lights illuminating, traced to liquid spilled in the back seat affecting the computer system.
- Cruise control failing with an audible bell sound, requiring multiple dealer visits without the cause being identified.
- An adaptive module failure reported that owners say caused the brakes to seize while the vehicle was moving.
2005 Audi A8 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 06V324000Aug 31, 2006Airbags7,674 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
On certain passenger vehicles, during production of the driver's frontal air bag, the air bag may not unfold properly in the event of a crash and therefore may not inflate as designed.
Risk: Loss of frontal air bag deployment could occur which can increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new driver's frontal air bag free of charge. The recall began on october 6, 2006. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
2005 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Audi A8 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2005 A8 a Good verdict relative to other A8 model years, with a complaint index of 40 and only 6 complaints logged.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Audi A8?
- Engine problems dominate, making up 67% of complaints, including a reported engine compartment fire. Structure & Body issues account for another 33%.
- Does the 2005 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 A8, covering a driver's frontal airbag that may not inflate properly in a crash.
- How does the 2005 Audi A8 compare to other A8 years?
- The 2005 A8 ranks 13th worst out of 21 model years by complaint index, well below higher-complaint years like 2013 (index 100) and 2011 (index 80).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Audi A8?
- The 2005 A8 is EPA-rated at 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450.