Most common 2019 Audi A8 problems
Share of the 14 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 →
2019 Audi A8 recalls (3)
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM)
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.
Seats
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with rear relaxation seats. The front passenger seat track rivet may fail and cause the spindle bracket to separate.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger seat tracks, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
What 2019 Audi A8 owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2019 Audi 8. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the message "Electrical Malfunction" was suddenly displayed before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Hello, On April 6th, 2023, at 12 pm, my car experienced a electrical malfunction within the Start/Stop system, which didn't posed an immediate threat to my life. Later that day, the car stalled on me while driving, causing a highly dangerous situation on a busy street during peak traffic hours. Multiple error codes appeared, and the transmission failed, leaving me in a perilous position. It is alarming that AUDI is aware of this life-threatening issue, yet no recall has been issued thus far. I urge NHTSA to take swift action and hold AUDI accountable for this critical failure, which endangers not only my life but the lives of others on the road. Please refer to the link below for evidence supporting my claim. The issue is widespread, affecting various models of Audi, including the 2019 A6, A7, and A8. https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a7-224/2019-a6-a7-a8-electrical-failures-3037487/
Engine & cooling
Complete Engine Failure - Audible Engine Knock Noise. Bank 2 Knock Sensor Faults stored & recorded at Audi of Hoffman Estates. Worked with Audi Of Amercia where they denied any wrongdoing or know issues. Bore socped engine at an independent shop & confirmed the cyclinder 6 bore was scored due to picton failure. Paid for a USED engine replacement & install out of my pocket on 8/5/2025 $4,655.57 Install Charge $6,760.49 Used Engine Cost On 9/8/2025 I recieved a letter in the mail from Auid Of America Outling a Piston Skirt Limited Warranty Extension. I reached out to Audi of Amercia the following day, outlined my experiece and was unaware how at no time during my phone calls & emails with Audi of America was a piston skirt issue never discussed. …
Vehicle engine would suddenly stop working, warning, "drive system malfunction: stop vehicle safely." It has happened 3 times within 3 days in the middle of the intersection. Dealers wouldn't take this issue seriously and they asked me to make an appointment online, which is scheduled to be 1 month away. The issue almost caused an accident twice. Adaptive cruise is also malfunctioning, engine random misfire, sunroof rattle, etc. This car is just so problematic it only has 20,000 miles on it and had scheduled maintenance performed just a month back.
2019 Audi A8 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 4.0L 8-cyl turbo hybrid | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Audi A8 a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 A8 rates use caution: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the A8 at the same age. It is one of the A8 years we suggest avoiding. 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 2019 Audi A8?
The electrical system — 8 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and driver assistance (2).
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi A8 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2019 Audi A8, the most recent from December 19, 2025 (camera). 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 2019 Audi A8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 100% 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.