Most common 2006 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 →
2006 Audi A8 recalls (2)
Air bags › Frontal
On certain vehicles where a weak battery exists, it is possible that a low voltage condition could cause the air bag control unit to improperly set a fault code. If this occurs, the passenger side frontal air bag will become deactivated.
Remedy: Dealers will update the air bag control module software. The recall began on December 5, 2006. Owners May contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Air bags
On certain passenger vehicles, a wiring harness condition exists that May deactivate the passenger side frontal air bag even under circumstances when it should remain activated.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the wiring harness free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005. Owners May contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
What 2006 Audi A8 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl contact owns a 2006 Audi A8 l. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact approached another vehicle and attempted to apply the brakes, but the vehicle would not stop. The harder he depressed the brake pedal, the faster the engine would race. He pulled to the side of the road and noticed that the floormat was resting on the gas and brake pedals. The contact called Audi and filed a complaint. Approximately four months later, the failure recurred and the dealer was notified. He took the vehicle to the dealer approximately six times for the issue with the floormat. The failure recurred on August 7, 2008 and almost caused the contact to crash into another vehicle. The dealer replaced the pegs in the floor and then they replaced the floormat; however, the failure persists. The failure mileage was 95 and current mileage was 39,683.
Car suddenly accelerated without warning and propelled us across am intersection into traffic. This is 2nd time this has happened, the first time it happened was on a freeway devoid of other traffic. I reported the first event to the local dealer that I purchased the vehicle from but never received any feedback. After researching the issue I was able to determine that the problem is caused by the drivers factory floor mat coming loose from its retaining clips, sliding forward and causing interference with the accelerator pedal. It was only my familiarity with the problem and how to fix it that allowed me to react quickly enough to avoid an accident the second time. If the car had been driven by a less experienced driver or if this had been the first time that it happened to me this could have easily resulted in a fatality.
2006 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 2006 Audi A8 a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 A8 rates average: 33% fewer complaints than 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 2006 Audi A8?
The speed control & acceleration — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the electrical system (2) and fuel & propulsion system (1).
How many recalls does the 2006 Audi A8 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2006 Audi A8, the most recent from November 30, 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 2006 Audi A8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 44,000 miles; 60% 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.