2006 Audi A8: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Audi A8: 2 recalls, 6 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #05V522000 · 2005 · 1,530 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this condition occurs, both the air bag warning light in the instrument cluster and the "passenger air bag off" telltale in the center of the instrument panel will properly illuminate. Consequently, the passenger side frontal air bag would not deploy in the case of a frontal crash.
The fix: Dealers will modify the wiring harness free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005.
Airbags Vehicle recall #06V454000 · 2006 · 5,902 vehicles
What's wrong: 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. However, both the air bag warning light in the instrument cluster as well as the 'passenger air bag off' telltale in the center of the instrument panel will illuminate and provide…
Why it matters: If the case of a frontal crash, the passenger side front air bag would not deploy which could cause injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software. The recall began on December 5, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2006 Audi A8 has 6 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 32 A8 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 8). Complaints peaked in 2014 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 44,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (6 complaints, 1 recalls), 2007 (4 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Audi A8.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2006 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Audi A8. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Audi A8 problems?
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (3), electrical (2), fuel system (1).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Audi A8 get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Audi A8 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.