A8 (D3)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Audi
6.0L 12-cyl / 450 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Recalls (5)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012. The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING PRODUCTION OF THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT UNFOLD PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND THEREFORE MAY NOT INFLATE AS DESIGNED.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WHERE A WEAK BATTERY EXISTS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LOW VOLTAGE CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT TO IMPROPERLY SET A FAULT CODE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL BECOME DEACTIVATED. HOWEVER, BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AS WELL AS THE 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' TELLTALE IN THE CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL ILLUMINATE AND PROVIDE VISUAL WARNING TO THE DRIVER.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A WIRING HARNESS CONDITION EXISTS THAT MAY DEACTIVATE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG EVEN UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN IT SHOULD REMAIN ACTIVATED.
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Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2010 Audi A8 problems?
The 2004-2010 Audi A8 has accumulated 40 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Body/Trim, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Audi A8 engine is most reliable?
The 2004-2010 Audi A8 was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.988000L 12-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2004-2010 Audi A8 a good used car?
The 2004-2010 Audi A8 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 40 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 2004-2010 Audi A8 have?
The 2004-2010 Audi A8 has 40 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 2004-2010 Audi A8?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2010 Audi A8 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — 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 Safety Systems, Body/Trim, Electrical System, 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 2004-2010 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. 40 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-07.