2004 Audi A8: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2006
1
recalls
20
owner complaints
2
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 20 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates.
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)5 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)3 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)1 complaint
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1 complaint
Tires1 complaint
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)1 complaint
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 audi a8. While the vehicle was parked, a strong fuel odor emitted from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 11v267000 (fuel system, other), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 170,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2016
“I own a 2004 audi a8 quatro, this morning the car accelerated on it's own. The driver seat, steering wheel, and the car suspension adjusted automatically while I was driving it and it went from 40mph to 150+ without me having my foot on the accelerator. For a minute I thought I was going to die. I slowly starting pressing on the brake pedal hoping the car would not flip. It took about 2 to 3 minutes for me to slow down the car. I put the emergency brake and turned it off. I turned it back on and the engine was still accelerated, it sounded it like the accelerator was stuck even though the car was on park. *tr”Owner report · Equipment · Jan 2011
“Two air suspension systems went out for no reason in my car. My car is a 2004 a8l with 64,000 miles. They were leaking. This was $5,000 expense. I think they are defective. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving down the highway car suddenly stalled without warning. Restarted car and had it stall several times. Car has been sent to be evaluated by a mechanic. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2010
“2004 audi a 8 l gas pedal sticks in acceleration mode. Has happened 4-5 times. Dealer was notified but did not respond or take action. I had to shift into neutral gear and pump pedal. This has happened several times when stepping on the accelerator hard. Last incident date below tim walker *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2008
“Emergency brake control module failed. Factory had a recall on car to reprogram this module, dealer said module couldn't be reprogrammed because it had failed. Parts and labor was $509.00 failure of this component I considered a safety related item as this also acts as emergency brake for vehicle. *nm”Owner report · Parking Brake · Dec 2006
“The windshield wipers will stop intermittently. They have stopped during heavy rain on an expressway several times resulting in a loss of vision. The dealers could not get the problem to repeat so they said that they couldn't do anything. I called the audi advocate phone line and was told that audi would not address the issue. Then I wrote audi and ask for a refund and the audi advocate returned the call and maintained the same response. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2005
“Dt: the contact stated a gallon of milk spilled into the driver's seat. The milk spilled underneath the seat. When this happened it shorted out the electrical module that operated the dashboard lights and headlights. As a result the lights were blinking in and out. Currently, the vehicle is at a certified dealership for repairs.*ak updated 12/27/2005 - the tire pressure monitoring light illuminated on the dash. The dealer replaced the module. The trunk would not close properly. *nm”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2005
“My audi a8 2004 model [xxx] cop device burned with a wire fire on dec 28, 2oo4 - I could only stop a further fire by using a fire ext. And disconnecting the battery. I was told by the audi shop dch maplewood n.j. And my regular repair shop langan motors, schenectady. N.y. That they have never had seen such a problem. *ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2004
“Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration from 30 to 80 miles pmh. Consumer had to stomp on brakes several times in order to stop the vehicle. Taken to dealer to reset the computer, but the cause was undetermined.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2004
Recalls - 1 campaign
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL06V324000 · Aug 2006
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
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 2004 Audi A8 reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2004 Audi A8. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Does the 2004 Audi A8 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. 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.