1999 Audi A8
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1999
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1999: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 50 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
After water damage to the bottom level of the seat an electrical fire started.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-11-28
Also filed under Seats
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-24
Suspension
2 of 9 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-17
Consumer states that the transmission failed and was replaced, however the new transmission does not work properly, consumer states that the transmissions are clearly flawed, the faulty transmission also caused the ABS and brake lights to...
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-13
Also filed under Power train
Structure
2 of 9 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and bumpers.
Show complaint excerpts
The front bumper fell off twice without hitting any objects. Please provide further details.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-31
Power train
2 of 9 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-18
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Tires
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-08-10
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1999-10-05Steering99V248000 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
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R
2001-02-05Steering00V414000 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
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2008-09-12Power train08V397000 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…
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…
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R
2021-09-21Air bags20V056000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V248000 · Steering
- Recall 00V414000 · Steering
- Recall 08V397000 · Power train
- Recall 20V056000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 1999 Audi A8 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Audi A8?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Audi A8 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.