2021 Audi A8: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Audi A8: 10 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
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Recalls
10 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling, Engine Vehicle recall #21V111000 · 2021 · 238 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine control module malfunction May cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V295000 · 2021 · 40,993 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A broken lock nut May misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V606000 · 2021 · 45,496 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #21V825000 · 2021 · 2,857 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021.
Tires, Suspension Vehicle recall #22V034000 · 2022 · 31,058 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Rear axle misalignment May cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #22V742000 · 2022 · 170,296 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022.
Equipment, Backup camera Vehicle recall #22V806000 · 2022 · 6,076 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V842000 · 2023 · 93,196 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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…
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #25V201000 · 2025 · 44,387 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V900000 · 2025 · 356,894 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026.
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
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Audi A8 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 32 A8 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 8). Complaints peaked in 2022 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old. Neighboring years: 2020 (3 complaints, 5 recalls), 2022 (0 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Premium and Electricity |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 4.0 L 8-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 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 2021 Audi A8.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recalls for the 2021 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 2021 Audi A8 problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (2), electrical (2), body & structure (1).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Audi A8 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 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.