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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-AUDI-A8
2005 · Audi

Audi A8 problems

1 safety recall. 6 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.8 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 A8 · electrical
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND PREPARING TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO…
09/26/2006 · NHTSA ODI #10169319.0
2005 A8 · brakes
ADAPTIVE MODULE J428 FAILED AND BRAKES SEIZED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.. AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THAT SINCE THEY COULD NOT FIND A RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NINE YEARS OLD THEY THOUGHT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. I THINK THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE E RESULTED IN A SERIOUS…
06/26/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10606131.0
2005 A8 · cruise control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 AUDI A8. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED THE CONTACT HEARD A BELL SOUND AND THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, BUT DID NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER APPROXIMATELY TEN TIMES, BUT THE CAUSE OF…
04/16/2007 · NHTSA ODI #10188022.0
2005 A8 · other
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A PROBLEM. A SECOND TIME, WHILE DRIVING 70…
03/20/2006 · NHTSA ODI #10153215.0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 06V324000 31/08/2006

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

LOSS OF FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Audi A8 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Audi A8 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Audi A8?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Audi A8 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Audi A8?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 6 complaints on file, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Audi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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