Summary
The Audi A8 has 27 recalls spanning 1996 through 2021, with the most serious recent issue being a missing sealing pin on 2019-2021 models (including S8 trims) that lets moisture enter the engine control module connector, potentially causing the engine to stall without warning.
Several other recent issues round out the current generation. On 2021 models, the infotainment unit can fail and prevent the rearview camera from displaying when backing up, and a separate software fault can cause the same camera image to appear with a delay after shifting into reverse. A 2019 recall covers rear relaxation seat track rivets that can fail and allow the spindle bracket to separate, reducing seat stability in a crash.
The 2013-2018 era carries a notable concentration of fire-related issues. On 2015-2018 models, the left and right fuel rails can leak fuel near ignition sources. The 2013-2016 model years have a fuel supply line for the high-pressure pump that can become porous and leak. An engine compartment seal on 2013-2018 models can work loose and contact hot engine parts, also raising fire risk. The 2013 model year has an additional fuel supply line porosity issue and a sunroof glass panel that can shatter while driving, scattering glass inside the cabin.
Going back to 2010-2013, a coolant valve can leak fluid into the engine control module, causing electrical faults and engine stalls. The 2008 model has a sunroof glass panel that was not properly bonded and can separate from the vehicle at speed, becoming a road hazard.
On 2006 models, three separate recalls address the front passenger airbag: a wiring harness fault, an improperly routed ground in the seat heater harness, and a weak-battery low-voltage condition can each cause the passenger frontal airbag to deactivate when it should remain active. The 2004 model has a driver frontal airbag that may not unfold correctly during a crash and therefore fail to deploy, along with a steering wheel that does not lock when the key is removed using the emergency override device.
The 1998-2001 model years have a driver airbag inflator that may not protect the occupant adequately in a crash. Going back further, the 1996-1997 models have an automatic transmission locking cable that can slip out of position and allow the shifter to move out of Park without a key in the ignition, letting the vehicle roll freely.
