2021 Audi A8 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 45, ranks 12th of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict capped by 10 recall campaigns despite a moderate complaint count of 5. Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain problems each account for 40% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 45/100
- #12 of 21 A8 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 10
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 17 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Audi A8 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System2 (40%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (40%)
- Engine1 (20%)
- Fuel System1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- A rear moon roof reportedly exploded outward while driving, scattering glass inside and outside the car.
- A fuel pump seal reportedly leaked and produced a strong gasoline smell, which the dealer attributed to a manufacturing defect.
- Owners describe delayed gear changes from a full stop, along with recoil, jumping, or jolting, sometimes with a loud noise.
- One owner reported a total electrical shutdown lasting about two minutes that left the vehicle stranded, suspected to be linked to BSG/alternator issues.
- An owner described a lengthy, multi-visit dealer process to complete a recall repair involving software update tools.
2021 Audi A8 recalls
10 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 25V201000Mar 31, 2025Electrical System44,387 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
- NHTSA 23V842000Dec 13, 2023Electrical System93,196 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboard
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
2021 Audi A8 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 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.
2021 compared with other A8 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Audi A8 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 5 complaints and a complaint index of 45 for the 2021 A8, which is a moderate figure but the year still carries a Caution verdict because of 10 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
- How does the 2021 Audi A8 compare to other A8 years?
- The 2021 A8 ranks 12th worst out of 21 model years by complaint index, better than years like 2013 (index 100) and 2015 (index 95), but worse than 2022-2025 which score between 5 and 20.
- What recalls affect the 2021 Audi A8?
- NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns tied to the 2021 A8, covering issues including rearview camera software, instrument panel display software, infotainment unit software, charging cable use, rear axle alignment, and rear seat belt assemblies.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Audi A8?
- Electrical System complaints make up 40% of reported issues for the 2021 A8, tied with Transmission & Powertrain, also at 40%.
- Does the 2021 Audi A8 have any do-not-drive recalls?
- No. NHTSA data shows 0 do-not-drive recalls among the 10 recall campaigns listed for the 2021 A8.