RoadVitals

1999 Audi A8

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
9
Latest Nov 28, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jan 31, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Audi A8, most frequently naming the suspension, body & structure and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 56 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Suspension215.4%
  • Body & structure215.4%
  • Electrical215.4%
  • Interior & seats17.7%
  • Powertrain (other)17.7%
  • Tires & wheels17.7%
  • Airbags17.7%
  • Transmission17.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V056000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 31, 2020
106,857 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69BTView on NHTSA.gov
08V397000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Aug 14, 2008
13,900 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
The risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number 37D5/J2View on NHTSA.gov
00V414000

STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING

Dec 6, 2000
83,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
The risk: IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCManufacturer number WL/LWView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 9
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Nov 28, 2022
Fire reported

After water damage to the bottom level of the seat an electrical fire started. It burned through and melted the plastic facing on the right side of the seat near the seat adjustment mechanism releasing toxic fumes we have so far been unable to abate. The manufacturer has been unresponsive in addressing this hazard. The damage is available for inspection. The toxic fumes are a health hazard as was the fire. The dealer inspected the damage and refused to repair it. The Bureau of Auto Repairs in California also inspected the damage. There were no warning lights activated.

NHTSA ID
11495139
Incident
Nov 28, 2021
Airbags
Filed Jan 10, 2022

1999 AUDI A8. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAULTY AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING A RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS FLOODED DUE TO A RAINSTORM. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY RESPONSIBLITY, OTHER THAN THE INSURRANCE DEDUCTIBLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT TAKE ANY PREVENTIVE EFFORTS TO SAVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ID
11446879
Incident
Jan 10, 2022
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 10, 2015

AFTER INSPECTING MY MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TIRES ON MY AUDI A8 I BECAME ALARMED ABOUT EXCESIVE SIDEWALL CRACKING AND SEARCHED FOR RECALLS...NONE? BEGAN READING COMPLAINTS AND NOTICED MANY OTHER SIDEWALL "DRYROT" ISSUES. WILL TAKE BACK TO RETAILER TO SEEK HELP!? HOPE TO PREVENT A BLOWOUT!

NHTSA ID
10747646
Incident
Aug 10, 2015
Mileage
206,228 mi
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 18, 2013

MINE IS A WELL-MAINTAINED, NEAR-PRISTINE, LOW-MILEAGE CAR. WITHOUT WARNING OR PRIOR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CEASED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON A BUSY, FOUR-LANE URBAN HIGHWAY. IT RESULTED IN THE CAR HAVING LIMITED FORWARD MOTION, POOR CONTROL, AND VASTLY DIMINISHED POWER, MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER IN TRAFFIC. I NARROWLY AVOIDED A COLLISION WITH OTHER CARS. I MANAGED TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK ABOUT 20 MILES TO MY RESIDENCE IN THE LIMP-HOME MODE--ONE FORWARD GEAR, THE ENGINE REVVING BETWEEN 3000 TO 5000 RPM'S WITH THE FORWARD SPEED NO MORE THAN 35 MPH. I PARKED THE CAR AND LEFT IT FOR A WEEK WHILE TRAVELING. WHEN I RETURNED IT WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR. I HAD IT TOWED ON A FLAT-BED TRUCK TO AN AUDI DEALER. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN INOPERABLE, UNREPAIRABLE TRANSMISSION BROUGHT ABOUT WHEN "A BOLT SEPARATED FROM THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING CAUSING A HOSE TO LEAK TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH RESULTED IN BURNT PARTS AND GEARS. THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS $6,800--ON A CAR WITH ONLY 50,546 MILES! AFTER REPORTING THE INCIDENT TO AUDI CORPORATE, I WAS INFORMED THAT AUDI COULD NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS EVENT BECAUSE THERE WERE "NO OPEN CAMPAIGNS OR SERVICE ACTIONS" RELATIVE TO THIS MODEL. I WAS VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS RESPONSE SINCE I HAVE BEEN A LONG-TIME AUDI OWNER/DRIVER OF THE A8 AND OTHER MODELS. MY INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION OF THE A8-D2 MODELS (1997-99) HAS BEEN A VERY WEAK COMPONENT PART ON THESE CARS. PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10498549
Incident
Jan 28, 2012
Mileage
50,546 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Nov 24, 2004

VEHICLE'S REAR PASSENGER DOORS OPEN AUTOMATICALLY WHENEVER POWER WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN. DOORS WILL NOT SHUT UNLESS OWNER PULLS OVER AND SHUTS DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. *NM

NHTSA ID
10101607
Incident
Nov 1, 2004
Suspension
Filed Feb 17, 2004

1999 AUDI A8 CONTINUES TO ERODE THE INSIDE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE REAR TIRES, APPROX 1/32ND PER 20 DAYS, HAVE PLACED 4 TIRES ON IT AND THE DEALER HAS PLAYED WITH THE ALIGNMENT TO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT. THIS HAS NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ID
10058323
Incident
May 29, 2003
Mileage
71,534 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 31, 2003

THE FRONT BUMPER FELL OFF TWICE WITHOUT HITTING ANY OBJECTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

NHTSA ID
10052198
Mileage
51,275 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 10, 2003

THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE STOPS. AUDI ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR TWICE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED STOPPING WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

NHTSA ID
754110
Incident
Nov 5, 2001

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A0023742052680_4

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.

AWC 19-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.

AWC 19-04

EQUIPMENT

This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 TT, 2008-2018 R8

A0019212052680_1

AIR BAGS; EQUIPMENT; SEAT BELTS

This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage). 2008-2021A3, 2015-2021A3 Cabrio, 2005-2016 A3 Sportback, 1999-2021 A4, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 1999-2012 A4 Avant, 2003-2009 A4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 A5 Cabrio, 2008-2021 A5 Coupe, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 1999-2021A6, 1999-2011A6 Avant, 2008-2020 A7, 1999-2021 A8, 2008-2019 e-tron, 2019-2021 e-tron quattro, 2015-2021 Q3, 2009-2021 Q5, 2007-2021 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2008-2020 R8 Coupe, 2011-2020 R8 Spyder, 2017-2019 RS3, 2007-2008 RS4, 2008 RS4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 RS5, 2010-2020 RS5 Cabrio, 2016-2018 RS6, 2016-2018 RS7, 2004-2012 S4, 2004-2009 S4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 S5 Cabrio, 2008-2021 S5 Coupe, 2018-2021 S5 Sportback, 2007-2021 S6, 2008-2020 S7, 2007-2009 S8, 2018-2021 SQ5, 2000-2021 TT Coupe, 2001-2021 TT Roadster, 2012 TT/RS Coupe

A941791 2012749-

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.

SM 44-2017 EN

EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi A8 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2025010—
2024020—
2023020—
2022030—
20215100—
2020350—
2019143054.2
2018020—
2017830—
2016114255.5
2015315254.5
2014185249.2
2013496255.9
2012111030.2
2011151039.6
2010110—
2009510—
2008810—
2007420—
2006620—
2005610—
2004201038.9
2003310—
2002110—
2001620—
2000320—
1999Viewing940—
1998430—
1997102046.1
1996120—
1995010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.