A8 (D2)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Audi A8, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Recalls (2)
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FUEL AND VAPOR LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM. A "BLIND COVER" AT THE FILLER NECK OF THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY ALLOWING FUEL VAPOR TO ESCAPE.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2003 Audi A8 complaints?
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2003 Audi A8. The systems they name most often are the wheels and tires, the transmission and the exterior.
Is the 2000-2003 Audi A8 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2003 Audi A8. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2003 Audi A8 have?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2003 Audi A8 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2003 Audi A8?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2000-2003 Audi A8 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Audi A8?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the wheels and tires, the transmission and the exterior, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the A8 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2003 Audi A8. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 20 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-10-12.