NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 Audi A8 Recalls & Complaints
The 2021 Audi A8 has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 5 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Audi A8. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2021 Audi A8 owner complaints
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi A8, describing incidents dated December 3, 2021 to February 2, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Power Train 2 complaints
- Engine 1 complaint
- Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
- Structure 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11728863 · Filed
See attached document for complaint. I took my 2021 AUDI A8 to Audi Rockville located at 1125 Rockville Pike; Rockville, MD 20852 on July 18 to fix the recall. After waiting for 2 hours at the dealership, they told me they must go to BestBuy to buy a USB stick and asked if we could re-schedule which…
ODI #11581253 · Filed
Total electrical shutdown over about 2 minutes. Stranded on road. All electrical systems failed rapidly. Strongly suspect this is part of known BSG/alternator issues with this model.
ODI #11473200 · Filed
Delay in change gear especially from full stop, vehicle recoil, jump, jolt, sometimes with loud noise
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2021 Audi A8, or a version of it filed under another name, in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023 · Filed for the A8 PHEV
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
NHTSA #25V900000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice
Reported December 19, 2025 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 356,894 vehicles
Repair completion: 69.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 90TV · Owners notified January 14, 2026 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety consequence
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Instrument Panel Display Failure
NHTSA #25V201000 · Electrical System — Instrument Cluster/Panel · NHTSA notice
Reported March 31, 2025 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 44,387 vehicles
Repair completion: 83.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 90VC · Owners notified April 24, 2025
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Safety consequence
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Power Outlet May Cause Charging Cable to Overheat
NHTSA #23V842000 · Electrical System — Propulsion System — Charging — Cable/Cord — Onboard · NHTSA notice
Reported December 13, 2023 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 93,196 vehicles
Repair completion: 88.54% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 93U6/93U8 · Owners notified March 28, 2024
Defect description
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. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Safety consequence
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer 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. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Inoperative Rearview Camera Display/FMVSS 111
NHTSA #22V806000 · Equipment — Electrical — Infotainment — Video (TOUCH)Screen/Monitor/Unit · NHTSA notice
Reported October 26, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 6,076 vehicles
Repair completion: 92.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 91Ei · Owners notified June 6, 2023
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety consequence
An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Rearview Display Inoperative/FMVSS 111
NHTSA #22V742000 · Back Over Prevention — Display Function · NHTSA notice
Reported October 5, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 170,296 vehicles
Repair completion: 95.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 91DZ · Owners notified October 25, 2022
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety consequence
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Rear Axle May Be Misaligned
NHTSA #22V034000 · Tires · NHTSA notice
Reported January 26, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 31,058 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 42L5 · Owners notified March 3, 2022
Defect description
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, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Safety consequence
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Rear-View Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
NHTSA #21V825000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice
Reported October 20, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 2,857 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.28% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 91CR · Owners notified November 9, 2021
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety consequence
A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
NHTSA #21V606000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other — Retractor · NHTSA notice
Reported August 5, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 45,496 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.51% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 69CR, 69CS · Owners notified August 27, 2021
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Safety consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break
NHTSA #21V295000 · Suspension — Rear — Axle — Non-Powered Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported April 26, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 40,993 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.66% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 42L1 · Owners notified June 4, 2021
Defect description
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, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Safety consequence
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Engine Control Module Malfunction
NHTSA #21V111000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Engine Control Module (ECU/ECM) · NHTSA notice
Reported February 24, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 238 vehicles
Repair completion: 99.16% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 97EV · Owners notified March 12, 2021
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Audi A8 model years
Check your 2021 Audi A8 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi A8 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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