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Audi A8 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Audi A8 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
33
Years to Avoid
2021, 2020, 2019, 2014, 2013
Best Years
2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995
2027
0 complaints0 recalls15 TSBs
2026
0 complaints1 recalls179 TSBs
2025
0 complaints1 recalls526 TSBs
2024
0 complaints2 recalls778 TSBs
2023
0 complaints2 recalls895 TSBs
2022
0 complaints3 recalls953 TSBs
2021Avoid
7 complaints10 recalls1267 TSBs
2020Avoid
5 complaints5 recalls1291 TSBs
2019Avoid
22 complaints3 recalls1327 TSBs
2018
0 complaints2 recalls616 TSBs
2017
12 complaints3 recalls680 TSBs
2016
17 complaints4 recalls2 invest.872 TSBs
2015
46 complaints5 recalls2 invest.1106 TSBs
2014Avoid
27 complaints5 recalls2 invest.1325 TSBs
2013Avoid
67 complaints6 recalls2 invest.1506 TSBs
2012
17 complaints1 recalls1107 TSBs
2011
23 complaints1 recalls991 TSBs
2010
1 complaints1 recalls652 TSBs
2009
6 complaints1 recalls453 TSBs
2008
10 complaints1 recalls382 TSBs
2007
4 complaints2 recalls300 TSBs
2006
10 complaints2 recalls279 TSBs
2005
11 complaints1 recalls245 TSBs
2004
31 complaints1 recalls209 TSBs
2003
3 complaints1 recalls132 TSBs
2002Best Year
1 complaints1 recalls94 TSBs
2001Best Year
8 complaints2 recalls94 TSBs
2000Best Year
4 complaints2 recalls87 TSBs
1999Best Year
13 complaints4 recalls57 TSBs
1998Best Year
4 complaints3 recalls56 TSBs
1997Best Year
12 complaints2 recalls69 TSBs
1996Best Year
1 complaints2 recalls23 TSBs
1995Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls17 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Audi A8 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2021, 2020, 2019, 2014, 2013 Audi A8 are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Audi A8, consider the 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

33 model years analyzed