2020 Audi A8 Problems & Complaints

Average29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A8 at the same age

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2020 Audi A8 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the A8 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (2 complaints). 5 recalls cover this model year.

3complaints
5recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2020 Audi A8 problems

  • Electrical system
    267%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    133%
  • Other / not specified
    133%
  • Engine & cooling
    133%

Share of the 3 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Audi A8 complaints by model year

’96’97’98’99’00’01’04’05’06’07’08’09’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’241104936206648515114918311181435
Owner complaints per model year, Audi A8. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best A8 years: 2018, 2022, 2009. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2019, 2014, 2004. Compare all years →

2020 Audi A8 recalls (5)

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 25V-900 · Dec 19, 2025 · 356,894 vehicles

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.

Electrical system › Propulsion system › Charging › Cable/cord › Onboard

NHTSA recall 23V-842 · Dec 13, 2023 · 93,196 vehicles

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.

Tires

NHTSA recall 22V-034 · Jan 26, 2022 · 31,058 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8,…

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.

Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly

NHTSA recall 21V-295 · Apr 26, 2021 · 40,993 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback,…

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.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM)

NHTSA recall 21V-111 · Feb 24, 2021 · 238 vehicles

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.

2020 Audi A8 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid8-speed automaticAWD21 / 27 / 23
3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybrid8-speed automaticAWD17 / 26 / 21
4.0L 8-cyl turbo hybrid8-speed automaticAWD15 / 23 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Large car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Audi A8 a good car?

Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 A8 rates average: 29% 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 2020 Audi A8?

The electrical system — 2 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (1) and engine & cooling (1).

How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A8 have?

There are 5 recalls for the 2020 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.

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.