Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Audi A8
The 2017 Audi A8 stands as a solid luxury sedan, though some owner complaints about the service brakes and vehicle speed control require attention. No major recalls reported, but inspecting the brakes and addressing any speed control issues during test drives is crucial.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Audi A8 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 6 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V178000 Blocked Turbocharger Oil Strainer NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V397000 Engine Compartment Seal May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V035000 Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes 2 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 2 complaints
- Engine 1 complaint
- Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint
- Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
- Power Train 1 complaint
Of the 6 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Service brakes malfunction
How to check: Test pedal pressure and listen for grinding noises
Speed control problems
How to check: Verify cruise control and throttle response
Forward collision avoidance issues
How to check: Test collision sensors and emergency brakes
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Knocking or excessive noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test steering and brake responsiveness
Red flag: Vague steering or brake issues
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check speed control and power delivery
Red flag: Laggy or inconsistent acceleration
- 05
Hard braking
What to check: Assess brake efficiency and noise
Red flag: Squealing or grinding brakes
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Listen for steering noise and test handling
Red flag: Clunking noise or resistance
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the vehicle had brake service?
- Any speed control issues reported?
- Collision avoidance system repairs?
- Recent engine maintenance completed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full maintenance records
- Brake service receipts
- Collision system inspection report
- Vehicle title
- Current registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Audi A8 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Audi A8? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.