Audi A8 Recalls

The Audi A8 has 41 recalls spanning 1996 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue being a front passenger airbag that can deploy with excessive force on 2022-2023 models, raising the risk of injury to a child or small unbelted occupant seated close to the dashboard.

On the most current production years, 2024 models have a passenger seat sensor that can fail to detect an occupant correctly, causing the front passenger airbag to remain deactivated in a crash. The 2019-2026 model years share a software error that can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing when reversing. Related rearview camera display failures also affect 2021-2022 models through a separate infotainment unit fault, and 2021 models have an instrument panel software error that can cause the speedometer and warning lights to go dark while driving.

On the mechanical side, 2020-2021 models have a rear axle lock nut that can break and misalign the rear wheels, causing loss of control. Those same years also have a charging cable that can overheat and start a fire. The 2019-2021 model years have a missing sealing pin in the engine control module connector that lets moisture in, potentially stalling the engine. A rear axle alignment issue on 2020-2021 vehicles can also cause uneven tire wear that raises crash risk. The 2021 model year has a seatbelt anchor concern affecting child restraint compatibility.

Going back to the mid-2010s, fuel system fire risks are the dominant theme. The fuel supply line to the high-pressure fuel pump can become porous and leak on 2013-2016 models, and fuel rails on 2015-2018 models can leak from both sides of the engine. An engine compartment seal on 2013-2018 models can work loose and contact hot components, creating another fire path. The turbocharger oil strainer on 2013-2017 models can clog, starving the bearings and causing the turbine shaft to break or the turbine wheel to contact its housing, which can stall the engine.

The 2010-2013 model years have a coolant valve that can leak fluid into the engine control module, causing an electrical short and engine stall. The 2007-2009 and 2008 model years share a sunroof glass bonding defect where the panel can detach at speed and become a road hazard. A 2013 sunroof is also susceptible to glass breakage while driving.

Earlier production covers several airbag concerns. The 2006 model year has multiple overlapping issues where a low battery voltage or a wiring harness fault can deactivate the front passenger airbag without the driver knowing. The 2004 model year has a driver airbag that may not unfold correctly and fail to inflate in a crash, and a compliance issue where the steering wheel does not lock when the key is removed. The 1998-1999 model years have a driver airbag inflator that can absorb moisture and explode during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. The 1996-1997 model years have a transmission shift cable that can slip out of position and allow the vehicle to roll out of park without the key in the ignition.