Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2020 Audi A8, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system2
- Power train1
- Engine1
- Unknown or other1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Registered new in Europe in 2020
3,037 new Audi A8 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2020; the largest markets were Germany (1,924), the United Kingdom (423), Italy (198).
- Average mass
- 2,169 kg
- Average CO₂
- 167 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 244 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 63% · Petrol/electric 25% · Petrol 12%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2020 Audi A8 cars on Dutch roads are the 3.0 hybrid (250 kW, 335 hp) and 4.0 hybrid (420 kW, 563 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 hybrid | 250 kW 335 hp | 85 |
| 4.0 hybrid | 420 kW 563 hp | 30 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
130 first registered in 2020 are on Dutch roads; 59% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €167,555.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde42
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld27
- Band beschadigd8
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm5
- Band onvoldoende profiel5
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage3
- Dim-, grootlicht; glas gerepareerd of bewerkt2
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht2
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
355 cars built in 2020 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 21 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 403 of these cars first registered in 2020 took their annual MOT test. 91% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2020 the figure was 88%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.0% | 4.9% |
| Visibility | 1.5% | 2.8% |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.2% | 0.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 1.0% | 3.0% |
| Brakes | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.5% | 0.6% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
37 of these cars first registered in 2020 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 100,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
6 2020 cars are on the New Zealand register; 17% arrived as used imports, 83% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2020 Audi A8.
| 2025713 19 Dec 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. Canadian regulations require the rearview i… |
| 2023659 13 Dec 2023 | Accessories Issue: Under certain conditions, the plug for the 220 V compact vehicle charging cable could become damaged by the house power outlet. As a result, the cable … |
| 2022022 26 Jan 2022 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear wheel alignment was not checked during recall 42L1 (Transport Canada Recall 2021-249). As a result, the steering could pu… |
| 2021249 26 Apr 2021 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the lock nuts for the rear trailing arm bolts may be defective. If a nut breaks, there could be sudden changes in rear wheel align… |
| 2020207 13 May 2020 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, a transmission fluid pipe was not properly welded. As a result, the pipe may leak transmission fluid. Safety Risk: A transmissio… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Audi told its dealers about the 2020 Audi A8: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011316 | Under this service action, Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. A defective starter-alternator may inhibit start/stop functionality which could increase CO2 and other emissions while the vehicle is stopped. Emissions still remain within certification standards. Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2021 model year. Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of the next wave of vehicles. |
| 11011314 | Under this service action, Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. A defective starter-alternator may inhibit start/stop functionality which could increase CO2 and other emissions while the vehicle is stopped. Emissions still remain within certification standards. Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2021 model year. Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of the next wave of vehicles. |
| 11011307 | This bulletin provides information when high beam assist, or traffic sign detection limited, DTC C12B3FD may be stored in the DAS control module. |
| 11011303 | This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate. |
| 11011296 | This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content. |
| 11011285 | This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings. |
| 11011282 | This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted. |
| 11011277 | This bulletin provides information when the parking brake does not work sporadically; DTC B107BF0 or B10FCF0 stored in the driver assist systems. |
| 11011274 | This bulletin provides information when the restricted function icon for Audi Pre sense is displayed after engine starts. |
| 11011272 | This bulletin provides information when the overhead view camera (TopView) calibration fails. |
| 11011271 | This bulletin provides general information and information when the laser scanner requires readjustment. |
| 11011268 | This bulletin pertains to complaints/general information regarding SOS Emergency Assist. |
| 11011263 | This bulletin provides information regarding cleaning exterior glass. |
| 11011256 | This bulletin provides information when the DTCs B200FF0 to B200FF5 are stored in the J775 suspension control unit. |
| 11011249 | This TSB provides info when there is a 48V vehicle electrical system warning, DTC U046900 stored in the ECM. |
| 11011247 | This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on, or the red coolant lamp lights up; DTC P218100 and/or P1BB400. |
| 11011246 | This bulletin provides information when the engine overheats, red coolant temperature warning, MIL on - 4.0 ltr. V8 TFSI; P029900. |
| 11011244 | This bulletin provides information when the engine oil level is too low, engine oil consumption is too high. |
| 11011240 | This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool |
| 11011239 | This bulletin advises that fuel additives are not permitted. |
| 11009990 | Under this service action, Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. A defective starter-alternator may inhibit start/stop functionality which could increase CO2 and other emissions while the vehicle is stopped. Emissions still remain within certification standards. Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2021 model year. Updated parts table in parts section. |
| 11009989 | Under this service action, Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. A defective starter-alternator may inhibit start/stop functionality which could increase CO2 and other emissions while the vehicle is stopped. Emissions still remain within certification standards. Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2021 model year.Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2022 model year. |
| 11009985 | Under this service action, Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. A defective starter-alternator may inhibit start/stop functionality which could increase CO2 and other emissions while the vehicle is stopped. Emissions still remain within certification standards. Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2021 model year. Updated parts table in parts section. |
| 11009984 | Under this service action, Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. A defective starter-alternator may inhibit start/stop functionality which could increase CO2 and other emissions while the vehicle is stopped. Emissions still remain within certification standards. Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2021 model year.Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2022 model year. |
| 11009983 | Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)