2017 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 70 and ranks 7th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 8 complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 crash, with Engine issues making up half of reported problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #7 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 18.5 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2017 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (50%)
- Brakes2 (25%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (13%)
- Fuel System1 (13%)
- Other1 (13%)
- Steering1 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Start-Stop system fails to restart the engine at stoplights, leaving the car immobile in traffic.
- Fuel rails leak gas, producing a noticeable smell from the engine bay.
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Brake Guard shut off after the forward-facing camera fails.
- A tire loses air pressure suddenly while driving, forcing a roadside change.
- The steering rack and pinion wears out due to what owners describe as inappropriate silicone use.
- The crankcase ventilation valve fails, a problem also seen on earlier A8 model years.
2017 Audi A8 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V178000Mar 23, 2022Engine26,093 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Risk: Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
- NHTSA 20V397000Jul 7, 2020Structure & Body12,964 vehicles
Structure:body:hood
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
Risk: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
- NHTSA 19V035000Jan 16, 2019Fuel System74,881 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
2017 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 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.
2017 compared with other A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Audi A8 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 A8 a complaint index of 70, ranking it 7th worst among 21 model years, with a Caution verdict relative to other A8 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi A8?
- Engine issues account for half of all complaints (4 of 8), followed by brakes at 25%. Owners also reported camera, fuel system, steering, and suspension problems.
- Does the 2017 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 A8: a turbocharger oil strainer blockage, a loose engine compartment seal, and leaking fuel rails. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do 2017 Audi A8 problems typically appear?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 51,000 miles for both engine and brake complaints.
- How does the 2017 Audi A8 compare to other A8 years?
- The 2017 A8 is safer than the worst years like 2013 (complaint index 100) and 2011 (index 80), but ranks worse than most other years, including 2018 through 2025.