2021 Audi A8 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 A8 years
The 2021 Audi A8 has a complaint index of 40, ranking 10th worst out of 16 model years, and NHTSA lists it as "Good" relative to other A8 years. It has 5 complaints and 10 recalls, with Electrical System issues the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 17 city / 26 hwy
Top 2021 Audi A8 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the rear moon roof exploding outward while driving, scattering glass inside and outside the car.
- Owners report a fuel pump leak with a broken seal from manufacture, producing a strong gasoline smell.
- Owners describe delayed gear engagement from a full stop, along with recoil, jumping, or jolting sometimes accompanied by a loud noise.
- Owners report a total electrical shutdown lasting about two minutes that left the car stranded, suspected to relate to known BSG/alternator issues.
- Owners describe long, repeated dealer visits to complete a software recall fix, including waits and rescheduling.
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 the 2021 A8 with a complaint index of 40 and only 5 complaints, ranking it 10th worst out of 16 model years, so it is rated "Good" compared with other A8 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi A8?
- NHTSA complaint data shows the Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain as the top problem areas, each accounting for 40% of complaints, followed by Engine, Fuel System, and Structure & Body issues.
- Does the 2021 Audi A8 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2021 Audi A8, covering areas including Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Electrical System, Seat Belts, and Suspension, none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2021 Audi A8 compare to other A8 years?
- With a complaint index of 40, the 2021 A8 ranks better than years like 2013 (index 100), 2015 (93), and 2019 (87), which are rated "Avoid."