2019 Audi A8 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
87/100
#3 most-complained of 16 A8 years
The 2019 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 87, ranking 3rd worst among 16 model years, and NHTSA marks it Avoid relative to other A8 years. It has 14 complaints, 3 recalls, and no fires or deaths, with the Electrical System accounting for 57% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 25 hwy
Top 2019 Audi A8 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the electrical system suddenly failing and displaying an "Electrical Malfunction" message before the vehicle loses power and stalls, sometimes at highway speed.
- Some describe the alternator or starter-alternator unit failing outright, causing the car to shut down completely including the dashboard and engine.
- Others report the trunk lid opening on its own, the A/C shutting off, and the auto start/stop system quitting at the same time as an electrical warning.
- One owner reported the engine hesitating for several seconds after pressing the accelerator from a stop, then abruptly accelerating.
- Another reported the drive system malfunctioning repeatedly in traffic with a message to stop the vehicle safely, along with adaptive cruise control issues.
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?
- Relative to other A8 model years, the 2019 ranks 3rd worst out of 16 years tracked, with a complaint index of 87 and 14 NHTSA complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict compared to other years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2019 Audi A8?
- Electrical System issues are the top problem area, making up 57% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 45,000 miles for that category.
- Does the 2019 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls: a rearview camera software issue, a possible engine control module connector defect from a missing sealing pin, and a passenger seat track rivet failure risk.
- Are there any do-not-drive recalls on the 2019 Audi A8?
- No, none of the 3 recalls for the 2019 Audi A8 are classified as do-not-drive.
- How does the 2019 A8 compare to other years?
- The 2019 A8's complaint index of 87 is close to the worst year, 2013, at 100, while years like 2021 with an index of 40 rank much better.