2019 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2019 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 90, ranking 3rd-worst among 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA logged 14 complaints and 3 recalls, with electrical system failures making up 57% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2019 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System8 (57%)
- Engine4 (29%)
- Other4 (29%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (14%)
- Lane Departure1 (7%)
- Steering1 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicle loses motive power and stalls while driving, sometimes displaying an "Electrical Malfunction" message before shutting down.
- Owners report the alternator failing and needing replacement after the car quits moving.
- After coming to a stop, the vehicle hesitates for several seconds before abruptly accelerating.
- The trunk lid, air conditioning, and auto start/stop system have shut off unexpectedly during electrical malfunctions.
- Owners describe multiple error codes appearing at once along with transmission failure during a stall event.
- A drive system malfunction warning has appeared mid-intersection, forcing the vehicle to stop moving.
2019 Audi A8 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V900000Dec 19, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras356,894 vehicles
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."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
- NHTSA 21V111000Feb 24, 2021Engine238 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ECM)
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 control module malfunction.
Risk: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
- NHTSA 19V415000Jun 5, 2019Structure & Body66 vehicles
Seats
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with rear relaxation seats. The front passenger seat track rivet may fail and cause the spindle bracket to separate.
Risk: A failure of the seat track rivet increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger seat tracks, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72J3.
2019 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 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.
2019 compared with other A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Audi A8 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2019 A8 a complaint index of 90, the 3rd worst of 21 model years tracked, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other A8 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2019 Audi A8?
- Electrical System complaints dominate, accounting for 57% of all complaints filed, including reports of stalling and alternator failure at a median mileage of 45,000 miles.
- Does the 2019 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 A8, covering a rearview camera software error, a possible engine control module connector moisture issue, and a passenger seat track rivet defect.
- How does the 2019 Audi A8 compare to other years?
- Among A8 years, 2013 has the highest complaint index at 100, while 2018 and several recent years have a complaint index of 0-20; the 2019 model's index of 90 places it near the worse end of the range.