Audi A8 reliability
The Audi A8 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 19.8% of 5,648 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
24 DVSA recalls for the Audi A8
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Software update for battery control unit
On affected vehicles there may be defective battery modules which may result in a fire hazard when charging the high-voltage battery.
Fix: Update the software of the high-voltage battery to improve the self-diagnosis capabilities. Vehicle owners are advised to not charge the high-voltage battery using external charging sources and also not use the e-tron modes “Battery charge” and “Battery hold” until the update is applied.
Recalled models: A8 · 185 vehicles
Replacing front suspension link
A suspension link on the front axle that has invisible cracks may have been fitted to your vehicle. This possible damage means the service life of the suspension link can no longer be guaranteed and the component may fail. A failure particularly at higher speeds may result in vehicle behaviour that is difficult to control.
Fix: For safety reasons it is necessary to replace the front upper left suspension link
Recalled models: A8 · 9 vehicles
The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small
The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small.
Fix: The oil strainer will be replaced with a revised version with a larger mesh size.
Recalled models: A8 · 4,690 vehicles
Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed
Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Fix: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A8 · 5,327 vehicles
Function of the driver airbag might be restricted due to its age
On vehicles with 3-spoke steering wheel manufactured within a specific period the function of the driver airbag may be restricted due to its age.
Fix: The gas generator in the driver airbag must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A8 · 9,536 vehicles
The deployment of the takata airbag may be delayed or insufficiently powerful due to a potential reduction in the performance of the gas generator
On vehicles with TAKATA driver airbag and NADI gas generator manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the function of the driver airbag may be restricted due to its age.
Fix: The driver airbag unit must be checked on the vehicles affected and the gas generator must be replaced if necessary
Recalled models: A8 · 57,169 vehicles
Rear axle suspension links nuts do not meet specifications
One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Fix: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A8 · 10,089 vehicles
The engine compartment seal may become deformed and loose
The engine compartment seal may become deformed and come loose in unfavourable circumstances
Fix: A retaining plate will be fitted on the affected vehicles to prevent the engine compartment seal from coming loose.
Recalled models: A8 · 798 vehicles
Gear oil may escape due to a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line
It is possible that gear oil may escape due to a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line.
Fix: The production date of the gear oil line must be checked first on the vehicles affected and the gear oil line must be replaced if necessary.
Recalled models: A8 · 1,568 vehicles
The rigidity of the rear shock absorber forks may be impaired
The rigidity of the rear shock absorber forks may be impaired
Fix: Replace the rear shock absorber forks on affected vehicles
Recalled models: A8 · 6 vehicles
Fluid may leak out of the return hose for the hydraulic power steering
Fluid may leak out of the return hose for the hydraulic power steering.
Fix: The return hose for the hydraulic power steering must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A8 · 353 vehicles
A component securing seat rail for front passenger seat may be impaired
The rigidity of a component securing the seat rail for the front passenger seat may be impaired
Fix: Both guide rails for the front passenger seat must be replaced on the vehicles affected
Recalled models: A8 · 2 vehicles
Fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails
It is possible that fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails (low-pressure side).
Fix: The fuel rails for the low-pressure side of both cylinder banks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A8 · 2,763 vehicles
An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork
A casting process error may affect the rigidity of the front shock absorber fork.
Fix: Replace the affected shock absorber forks.
Recalled models: A8 · 31 vehicles
The retaining clip in the active head restraint assembly may not be installed
On vehicles with active head restraints the retaining clip which holds the extendible part of the head restraint in its end position may not have been installed.
Fix: Manufacturer to recall all affected vehicles to check for missing clip and replace if necessary.
Recalled models: A8 · 6 vehicles
Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seta belt pretensioner where necessary.
Recalled models: A8 · 2,622 vehicles
Sunroof glass may become loose
The sunroof glass panel may not be correctly bonded to the sunroof sliding frame.
Fix: Rebond glass panel.
Recalled models: A8 · 42 vehicles
Fuel may leak
Fuel may leak from the injector rails. Drivers may notice a smell of fuel and or evidence of a leak
Fix: On affected vehicles replace injector rails and seals.
Recalled models: A8 · 1,073 vehicles
Glass sunroof may unexpectedly break
Glass sunroof manufactured within a specific period due to stress distribution during production may break unexpectedly.
Fix: Check production date of glass roof panel and replace if necessary. Not all of the range of vins are affected.
Recalled models: A8 · 140 vehicles
Air bag may not deploy in an impact
It may be possible that the driver's airbag may not inflate in an optimum manner during a collision.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the driver's airbag replaced.
Recalled models: A8 · 1,543 vehicles
Replace drivers airbag
On vehicles in the affected range there is a possibility that the cover of the driver's airbag can come into contact with the driver if the airbag is triggered.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to replace the driver's airbag
Recalled models: A8 · 235 vehicles
Potential premature wear of steering ball joints
Faulty seals could lead to premature wear of the track rod bearings (ends) and if the warning noises are ignored it is possible that the track rod bearing pin could work loose and affect steering control.
Fix: Recall vehicles in order to replace the track rod ends with ones fitted with an improved seal.
Recalled models: A8 · 38,307 vehicles
Unscheduled deployment of drivers air bag
In weather conditions which favour the build up of static electricity the air bag may deploy spontaneously if the driver enters or leaves the vehicle while carrying a high static charge. This can only happen when the car is stationery and not while it is in motion.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled for the installation of an earth cable to the steering wheel to conduct any static charge to earth.
Recalled models: A8 · 50,523 vehicles
Loss of tyre pressure
In high stress conditions the tyres fitted to the subject vehicles may lose pressure. The tyres concerned are Michelin size 225/60R 1698W CXKA.
Fix: The affected vehicles are being recalled to Audi dealers to allow the tyres to be identified and replaced where appropriate.
Recalled models: A8 · 144 vehicles
Checking a Audi A8 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.