NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
The 2020 Audi A8 has 5 recalls, the most serious involving two separate issues that can cause sudden loss of control: a stalling engine and rear axle misalignment that can send the car off its intended path.
Moisture can enter the engine control module through a missing sealing pin in the connector, causing the module to malfunction and the engine to cut out without warning. On the chassis side, a rear axle lock nut can break and allow the rear axle to shift out of alignment, which can make the car unpredictable or unresponsive in a turn. A related but lower-severity concern stems from that same type of rear axle misalignment: even without a dramatic handling event, the rear wheels can run at an incorrect angle and wear through tires unevenly and faster than expected, which raises the risk of a tire failure over time.
This vehicle also has a charging system concern. The onboard charging cable can overheat the outlet or the cable itself during a charge session, raising the risk of fire. Owners who charge at home or at public stations should be aware this applies to the A8's plug-in hybrid charging hardware.
Rounding out the list, a software error can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing on the screen when reversing. The camera does not display a blank or error screen in every case, so a driver may not realize the feed has failed and back up without the visibility the system is meant to provide.
At a glance
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What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When charging at 100% using the 220V/240V portable charging cable, some home outlets lack sufficient capacity, causing the outlet or cable to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the 220V/240V charging cable with a new one equipped with a temperature sensor at no cost. Use only 110V charging or public stations until replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle alignment was not inspected after previous recall repairs were completed, which could result in improper wheel positioning and uneven tire wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle alignment, adjust if needed, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the trailing arm on the rear axle can break due to stress corrosion, potentially affecting rear suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A sealing pin may be missing from the engine control module connector, allowing moisture to enter and potentially causing the control module to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the connector for a missing sealing pin and install it if needed. The connector will also be checked for corrosion and replaced if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.