1999 Audi A8: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 9 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1999 audi a8. Consumer writes in regards to faulty airbag safety recall. The consumer stated while at the dealership awaiting a recall repair, the vehicle was flooded due to a rainstorm. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealership denied any responsiblity, other than the insurrance deductible. The consumer stated the dealer did not take any preventive efforts to save the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted, but did not offer any assistance.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2022
“After water damage to the bottom level of the seat an electrical fire started. It burned through and melted the plastic facing on the right side of the seat near the seat adjustment mechanism releasing toxic fumes we have so far been unable to abate. The manufacturer has been unresponsive in addressing this hazard. The damage is available for inspection. The toxic fumes are a health hazard as was the fire. The dealer inspected the damage and refused to repair it. The Bureau of Auto Repairs in California also inspected the damage. There were no warning lights activated.”Owner report · Seats · Nov 2021
“After inspecting my michelin primacy mxv4 tires on my audi a8 I became alarmed about excesive sidewall cracking and searched for recalls...none? Began reading complaints and noticed many other sidewall "dryrot" issues. Will take back to retailer to seek help!? Hope to prevent a blowout!”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2015
Show 3 more owner reports
“Vehicle's rear passenger doors open automatically whenever power windows are rolled down. Doors will not shut unless owner pulls over and shuts door from the outside. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2004
“1999 audi a8 continues to erode the inside circumference of the rear tires, approx 1/32nd per 20 days, have placed 4 tires on it and the dealer has played with the alignment to attempt to correct. This has not correct the problem. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · May 2003
“Consumer states that the transmission failed and was replaced, however the new transmission does not work properly, consumer states that the transmissions are clearly flawed, the faulty transmission also caused the ABS and brake lights to illuminate. *slc. Consumer states a front and rear wheel alignment was performed.*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2002
Recalls - 4 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1999 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact A8 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Audi A8 reliable?
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Audi A8. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1999 Audi A8 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.