Most common 2005 Audi A8 problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A8 complaints by model year
Best A8 years: 2018, 2022, 2009. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014, 2004. Compare all years →
2005 Audi A8 recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal
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.
What 2005 Audi A8 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
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 MPH, the accelerator pedal was released and the vehicle accelerated to 100 MPH. The brake pedal was applied and the vehicle slowed to 70 MPH then the vehicle sped up again. The contact used the parking brake to slow the vehicle to 45 MPH, and then applied both feet to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Once at a stop, the vehicle was put in neutral and the RPM's red lined. The vehicle was then put in park and the engine continued to rev. The dealership was called to tow the vehicle, but there would be an hour wait. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealership, but the dealership is unable to determine a problem. …
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 accident at high speeds and could have killed me. I paid for the repair but told them they should check into the problem because of the safety issue but did not receive a positive response. I feel the problem should be researched and I would like feed back on any information that would result from the research.
2005 Audi A8 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 6.0L 12-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Audi A8 a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 A8 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the A8 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Audi A8?
The speed control & acceleration — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cruise control. Next are the equipment & accessories (2) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Audi A8 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Audi A8, the most recent from August 31, 2006 (frontal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A8?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2022 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014 and 2004. See the full Audi A8 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Audi A8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 12,000 miles; 80% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.