A8 (D3)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
4.2-V8-Gas
4.2L 8-cyl / 335 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
5.2-V10-Gas
5.2L 10-cyl / 450 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
Audi A8 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
6.0-V12-Gas
6.0L 12-cyl / 450 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
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.
What to check on a used 2004-2010 Audi A8
On a used 2004-2010 Audi A8, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (11), the body and structure (7) and the brakes (6). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 Audi A8 about the electrical system.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 Audi A8 about the body and structure.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 Audi A8 about the brakes.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 Audi A8 about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 Audi A8 about the engine, all engines combined.
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 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, 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 PASSENGER VEHICLES, A WIRING HARNESS CONDITION EXISTS THAT MAY DEACTIVATE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG EVEN UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN IT SHOULD REMAIN ACTIVATED.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2010 Audi A8 complaints?
Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2010 Audi A8. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the body and trim and the brakes.
Is the 2004-2010 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 58 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2010 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 2004-2010 Audi A8 have?
NHTSA has 58 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2010 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 2004-2010 Audi A8?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2004-2010 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 electrical system, the body and trim and the brakes, 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 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. 58 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.