Audi
A8
Audi A8: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditMakeAudi
ClassLarge car
Model years (US)2000–2027
New registrations (EU)2000–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
Generations and technical specifications
Audi A8 – Fourth generation (D5/4N)2017–2026
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | November 2017–2026 |
| Model years | 2018–2026 |
| Platform | MLB Evo |
| Engines | Petrol engines 3.0 L biturbo FSI V6 3.0 L biturbo FSI V6 MHEV 3.0 L biturbo FSI V6 PHEV 4.0 L biturbo FSI V8 MHEV Diesel engines 3.0 L biturbo V6 4.0 L biturbo V8 |
| Electric motor | 48-volt system Belt alternator starter (BAS): MHEV 108 hp AC induction motor: PHEV |
| Transmissions | 8-speed Tiptronic automatic 8-speed Plug-In Hybrid ZF 8HP90 Tiptronic automatic |
| Drivetrain | MHEV (60 TFSI / S8 TFSI) PHEV (60 TFSI e) |
| Battery | 14.1 kWh lithium-ion (PHEV) |
| Electric range | 27 km (60 TFSI e) |
| Wheelbase | 2,998 mm 3,128 mm (LWB) 3,258 mm (Horch) |
| Length | 5,172 mm 5,302 mm (LWB) 5,422 mm (Horch) |
| Width | 1,945 mm |
| Height | 1,485 mm |
| Assembly | Germany: Neckarsulm |
| Designer | Sascha Heyde, Amar Vaya |
Audi A8 – Third generation (D4/4H)2009–2017
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 2009–2013 (FWD) 2009–2017 (quattro 4WD) |
| Model years | 2010–2017 |
| Platform | Volkswagen MLB |
| Engines | petrol 2.0 TFSI I4 2.0 TFSI Hybrid I4 2.5 FSI V6 (China) 3.0 TFSI V6 4.0 TFSI V8 4.2 FSI V8 6.3 CEJA FSI W12 diesel 3.0 TDI V6 4.2 TDI V8 |
| Electric motor | 54 PS Disc-shaped electric motor |
| Transmissions | 8-speed ZF 8HP Tiptronic automatic |
| Drivetrain | FHEV (A8 Hybrid) |
| Battery | 1.3 kWh Li-ion |
| Wheelbase | 2,992 mm 3,122 mm (LWB) |
| Length | 5,131 mm 5,267 mm (LWB) |
| Width | 1,948 mm |
| Height | 1,461 mm 1,471 mm (LWB) |
| Kerb weight | 1,977 kg A8L 3.0TL 2,000 kg A8 4.2L 2,020 kg A8 L 4.2L 2,165 kg A8 L 6.3L |
| Assembly | Germany: Neckarsulm Russia: Kaluga (Volkswagen Group Rus: 2013–2016) |
| Designer | Christian Winkelmann (2006) |
Audi A8 – Second generation (D3/4E)2002–2010
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | August 2002 – November 2010 |
| Model years | 2003–2010 |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D3 |
| Engines | 2.8 L V6 3.0 L V6 3.1 L V6 FSI 3.7 L V8 4.2 L V8 4.2 L V8 FSI 5.2 L V10 FSI 6.0 L W12 3.0 L V6 TDI 3.9 L V8 TDI 4.1 L V8 TDI |
| Transmissions | 6-speed ZF 6HP26 Tiptronic automatic LuK multitronic CVT |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,944 mm LWB: 3,074 mm |
| Length | SWB pre 2007: 5,051 mm post 2007: 5,062 mm LWB pre 2007: 5,181 mm post 2007: 5,192 mm |
| Width | 1,894 mm |
| Height | SWB: 1,444 mm LWB: 1,455 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,670–1,990 kg |
| Assembly | Germany: Neckarsulm |
| Designer | Miklós Kovács, Imre Hasanic, Dany Garand (1999) |
Audi A8 – First generation (D2/4D)1994–2002
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | June 1994 – 4 August 2002 |
| Model years | 1995–2002 (Worldwide) 1997–2002 (US) |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D2 ("Audi Space Frame") |
| Engines | 2.8 L AAH SOHC V6 2.8 L ALG/AMX 30v V6 3.7 L AEW V8 4.2 L ABZ/AHC V8 6.0 L W12 2.5 L TDI V6 3.3 L TDI V8 |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed ZF 4HP24 automatic 5-speed ZF 5HP19 automatic 5-speed ZF 5HP24 automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,882 mm LWB: 3,010 mm |
| Length | SWB: 5,138 mm LWB: 5,164 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm |
| Height | 1,438 mm |
| Kerb weight | 2.5: 1,630 kg (TDI) 2.5: 1,735 kg (TDI AWD) 3.3: 1,860 kg (TDI AWD) 2.8: 1,540 kg 3.7: 1,645 kg 3.7: 1,725 kg (AWD) 4.2: 1,750 kg (AWD) 4.2: 1,845 kg (US) 4.2: 1,790 kg (AWD A8L) 4.2: 1,885 kg (US) 6.0: 1,950 kg 6.0: 1,980 kg (AWD A8L) S8: 1,730 kg S8: 1,845 kg (US) |
| Assembly | Germany: Neckarsulm |
| Designer | Chris Bird; Dirk van Braeckel (1990, 1991) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021, 2023–2027 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2022 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2020–2021 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl plug-in hybrid | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) and electricity |
| 2019–2021 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2013–2018 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2013–2018 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2014–2016 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Diesel |
| 2012–2016 | 6.3 L, 12 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2011–2012 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl | 8-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2010 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl | 6-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2004–2009 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2005–2009 | 6.0 L, 12 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| +1 more configurations |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021, 2023–2027 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 10.7–11.2 L/100 km | 11.8–13.8 L/100 km | 8.4–9.0 L/100 km | – |
| 2022 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · Four-wheel drive | 10.7 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2020–2021 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl plug-in hybrid · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.2 L/100 km | 8.7–9.0 L/100 km | 27–29 km |
| 2019–2021 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 15.7 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | – |
| 2013–2018 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 8.4–11.2 L/100 km | 9.8–13.1 L/100 km | 6.5–8.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2013–2018 | 4.0 L, 8 cyl · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 10.7–12.4 L/100 km | 13.1–14.7 L/100 km | 7.8–9.0 L/100 km | – |
| 2012–2016 | 6.3 L, 12 cyl · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 14.7–15.7 L/100 km | 16.8–18.1 L/100 km | 10.7–11.8 L/100 km | – |
| 2011–2012 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl · 8-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 11.2 L/100 km | 13.1–13.8 L/100 km | 8.4–8.7 L/100 km | – |
| 2010 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl · 6-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | – |
| 2004–2009 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.2–10.7 L/100 km | – |
| 2005–2009 | 6.0 L, 12 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 15.7 L/100 km | 18.1 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2000–2003 | 4.2 L, 8 cyl · 5-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 15.7 L/100 km | 10.2–10.7 L/100 km | – |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 2995 cm³ | 250 kW (340 PS) | 2005–2055 kg | 213–228 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 3996 cm³ | 338 kW (460 PS) | 2120–2155 kg | 259–281 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2025 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 2995 cm³ | 250 kW (340 PS) | 2370–2465 kg | 42–66 g/km (WLTP) | 51–59 km · 210–233 Wh/km |
| 2019–2025 | Diesel hybrid | 2967 cm³ | 210 kW (286 PS) | 2050–2120 kg | 188–198 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2016–2021 | Petrol | 2995 cm³ | 250 kW (340 PS) | 1995–2030 kg | 218–229 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2017–2019, 2021 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 210 kW (286 PS) | 2050–2075 kg | 188–196 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2021 | Diesel hybrid | 3956 cm³ | 320 kW (435 PS) | 2265–2285 kg | 217–227 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2013–2017 | Petrol | 3993 cm³ | 320 kW (435 PS) | 1995–2050 kg | 210–216 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2017 | Petrol | 6299 cm³ | 368 kW (500 PS) | 2130–2150 kg | 254–277 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2015–2017 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 193 kW (262 PS) | 1955–2010 kg | 151–159 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2013–2017 | Diesel | 4134 cm³ | 283 kW (385 PS) | 2115–2170 kg | 193–197 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2013–2016 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 190 kW (258 PS) | 1955–2010 kg | 155–158 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2014 | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 184 kW (250 PS) | 1915–1965 kg | 169–171 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2011–2013 | Diesel | 4134 cm³ | 258 kW (351 PS) | 2070–2120 kg | 195–199 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2010–2012 | Petrol | 4163 cm³ | – | 1910 kg | 219 g/km (NEDC) | – |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Large car, Midsize car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2000–2027 |
| Powertrains | Mild hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, Petrol, Diesel |
| Engine displacement | 3.0–6.3 L |
| Cylinders | 6, 8, 12 |
| Transmission types | Automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive, Four-wheel or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium), Petrol (premium) and electricity, Diesel |
| Configurations listed | 70 |
| Forced induction | Turbo- and supercharged (on some versions) |
| Start-stop system | On some versions |
| Electric motor (EPA) | 100kW AC Induction |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 368–510 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,832–3,143 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol, Petrol hybrid, Petrol plug-in hybrid, Diesel, Diesel hybrid |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 2,967–4,163 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 184–283 kW (250–385 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,910–2,465 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,992–3,128 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2027 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2000–2026 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 87 | 2013, 2014, 2015 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 2001, 2011, 2015 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 18 | 2001, 2003, 2013 |
| Speed control and cruise | 18 | 2001, 2005, 2006 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 17 | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Tyres | 13 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Brakes | 12 | 2001, 2013, 2015 |
| Visibility and wipers | 12 | 2013, 2014, 2015 |
| Suspension | 9 | 2000, 2011, 2013 |
| Steering | 8 | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2000–2003, 2005–2015: 196 complaints, 5 with a crash and 2 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.
Recalls
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