2004 Audi A8
Only 20 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 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 20 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 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
6 of 20 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.
Vehicle speed control
5 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving and/or parking and/or putting key in ignition to start my vehicle ABS light; stabilization; and speedometer seems as though being hacked...sometimes especially in the summer when temperatures reach 100 degrees + my heater is hacked on...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-25
Also filed under Service brakes and electronic stability control (esc)
Electrical system
4 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Driver smelled smoke shortly after starting his vehicle and driving away from his home. The smell was of plastic, and it was assumed from an electrical short/fire. The driver stopped the car and inspected the engine area.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-09
Also filed under Service brakes
My Audi A8 2004 model [xxx] cop device burned with a wire fire on dec 28, 2OO4 - I could only stop a further fire by using a fire ext. And disconnecting the battery. I was told by the Audi shop dch maplewood n.j.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-05
Service brakes
3 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
3 of 20 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and front.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2006-10-06Air bags06V324000 On certain passenger vehicles, during production of the driver's frontal air bag, the air bag may not unfold properly in the event of a crash and therefore may not inflate as designed.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new driver's frontal air bag free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2006. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06V324000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2004 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 2004 Audi A8?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Audi A8 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.