Audi

A8 (D2)

2000-2003 · Full-Size Sedan ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.9)
33 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
Includes data from: A8S8
View all 4 generations of the Audi A8 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Audi A8 Unidentified Engine

โš ๏ธ Caution (2.6)
12 complaints 3.0 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
3
exterior
3
electrical
2
engine
2
cooling
2

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (3 complaints)
Exterior Issues (3 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

4.2-V8-Gas

4.2L 8-cyl / 310 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.3)
7 complaints 2.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
4
fuel system
2
wheels tires
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (4 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (2 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Audi A8 regardless of engine variant.

Wheels & Tires Issues (8 complaints)
wheels_tires cosmetic
Transmission Issues (7 complaints)
transmission cosmetic

Recalls (2)

08V397000Aug 13, 2008serious
Powertrain

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.

01V259000Aug 14, 2001cosmetic
Fuel System

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.

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2003 Audi A8 problems?

The 2000-2003 Audi A8 has accumulated 33 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Wheels & Tires, Transmission, Exterior. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Audi A8 engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2003 Audi A8 was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.7L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2003 Audi A8 a good used car?

The 2000-2003 Audi A8 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 33 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2003 Audi A8 have?

The 2000-2003 Audi A8 has 33 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2003 Audi A8?

There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2003 Audi A8 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Audi A8?

Before buying a used Audi A8, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Wheels & Tires, Transmission, Exterior, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 33 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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