Is the 2021 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 2021 Audi A8?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A8 have?

10 recalls on file for this model year.

2021 Audi A8

○ Not enough data

2021 Audi A8
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:18.012Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 5
Recalls: 10
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2021: 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

2 of 5 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

Total electrical shutdown over about 2 minutes. Stranded on road. All electrical systems failed rapidly. Strongly suspect this is part of known BSG/alternator issues with this model.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-04

Also filed under Electrical system and engine

Delay in change gear especially from full stop, vehicle recoil, jump, jolt, sometimes with loud noise

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-07-10

Electrical system

2 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system.

Structure

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving in the morning on a November day on a rural road. The rear moon roof exploded outward. The sound was deafening and scared my passenger and I. The center glass exploded outward, scattering glass outside and inside of the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-12-31

Fuel/propulsion system

1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

Show complaint excerpts

fuel pump leak, dealer claimed the seal is broken from the manufacture, gave out strong gasoline smell

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-07-10

Engine

1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine.

Safety timeline

10 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2021-03-12Engine, engine and engine cooling21V111000 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.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-06-04Suspension21V295000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-08-27Seat belts21V606000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-11-09Back over prevention21V825000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-03-03Suspension, tires22V034000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-10-25Back over prevention22V742000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-06-06Back over prevention, equipment22V806000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-03-28Electrical system23V842000 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.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-04-24Electrical system25V201000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2026-01-14Back over prevention25V900000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Audi A8 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V111000 · Engine, engine and engine cooling
Recall 21V295000 · Suspension
Recall 21V606000 · Seat belts
Recall 21V825000 · Back over prevention
Recall 22V034000 · Suspension, tires
Recall 22V742000 · Back over prevention
Recall 22V806000 · Back over prevention, equipment
Recall 23V842000 · Electrical system
Recall 25V201000 · Electrical system
Recall 25V900000 · Back over prevention

FAQ

Is the 2021 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 2021 Audi A8?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A8 have?: 10 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.