Audi A8

The Audi A8 is a five-seat sedan that has been in production since 1994. This petrol-powered model features a 3.6-litre engine with 7 cylinders producing 226 kW, enabling a top speed of 248 km/h, whilst weighing 2,038 kg and measuring 5,151 mm in length. In Norway, new registrations of the A8 totalled 9 vehicles between 2019 and 2022, with peaks of 3 registrations in both 2019 and 2022, and emissions of 312 g/km CO₂.
| Manufacturer | Audi |
|---|---|
| Production | From 1994 |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Fuel | Plug-in hybrid (petrol) |
| Engine power | 237 kW (317 hp) |
| CO₂ (WLTP) | 130 g/km |
| Kerb weight | 2,270 kg |
| Displacement | 3,276 cc |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Top speed | 248 km/h |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (comb.) | 12.2 l/100 km |
| Length | 5,215 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,949 mm |
| Height | 1,465 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
Engine power, CO₂ and kerb weight are registration-weighted averages across the 26 European countries that registered the Audi A8 in 2025 (1,605 cars). Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).
New registrations in Norway
Number of Audi A8 registered for the first time in Norway per year.
Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0).
New registrations by country (2025)
Number of Audi A8 cars registered for the first time across 26 European countries in 2025.
| Country | Registrations |
|---|---|
| Germany | 1,021 |
| United Kingdom | 154 |
| Austria | 115 |
| Italy | 104 |
| Spain | 36 |
| Poland | 31 |
| Belgium | 24 |
| Czechia | 19 |
| France | 12 |
| Ireland | 11 |
| Netherlands | 11 |
| Luxembourg | 9 |
| Bulgaria | 8 |
| Hungary | 8 |
| Romania | 8 |
Source: EEA CO₂ monitoring (CC BY 4.0), 2025 data.
Engine variants
Different engine versions of the Audi A8 (from registration data). 8 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 l · 6-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 11 l/100 km | 2013–2015 |
| 3.7 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 1997–1999 |
| 4.0 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 11 l/100 km | 2013–2015 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 1997–1998 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 2003 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 2005–2009 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 13.1 l/100 km | 2010 |
| 4.2 l · 8-cyl | Petrol | Automatic | – | 11.2 l/100 km | 2011–2012 |
Source: EPA (US). Fuel economy converted to l/100 km.
Generations
Other Audi models
Similar Sedan models
Common problems & reliability
US owners have filed 8 complaints for the Audi A8, most often about electrical system, power train, engine, unknown or other. These are owner-reported issues, useful for spotting recurring weaknesses before you buy. In the UK, 89% of Audi A8s pass their MOT test first time, based on 11,784 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: NHTSA (US, public domain), DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
10 recalls recorded in the EU Safety Gate (European market) and 20 in the US-market NHTSA database for the Audi A8. Recalls can flag known weaknesses of the model.
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-09-25
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
This can cause the rivet connection to fail in the event of an accident, impairing the restraining effect of the seat and belt system and increasing the risk of injuries.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2019-07-12
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
The adhesion of the glass cover on the sunroof may be insufficient due to impurities in the area of the adhesive surfaces. The glass cover may consequently fall onto the road while driving, endangering traffic following behind.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2016-07-08
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-05-08
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2021-07-30
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2025-11-07
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-07-10
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
As a consequence, the tyre may press against the wheel arch which poses a risk of accidents.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2019-04-12
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Germany)
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-02-28
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (Spain)
The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2025-01-10
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERAUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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."
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.
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · reported 19/12/2025
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERAUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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."
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.
NHTSA campaign 21V825000 · reported 20/10/2021
- SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTORUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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."
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).
NHTSA campaign 21V606000 · reported 05/08/2021
- TIRESUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · reported 26/01/2022
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)US · NHTSAModel year 2021
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. 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V111000 · reported 24/02/2021
- SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLYUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · reported 26/04/2021
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTIONUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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."
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.
NHTSA campaign 22V742000 · reported 05/10/2022
- EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNITUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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."
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.
NHTSA campaign 22V806000 · reported 26/10/2022
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARDUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 23V842000 · reported 13/12/2023
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANELUS · NHTSAModel year 2021
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 25V201000 · reported 31/03/2025
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERAUS · NHTSAModel year 2020
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."
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.
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · reported 19/12/2025
- TIRESUS · NHTSAModel year 2020
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · reported 26/01/2022
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)US · NHTSAModel year 2020
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. 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V111000 · reported 24/02/2021
- SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLYUS · NHTSAModel year 2020
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · reported 26/04/2021
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ONBOARDUS · NHTSAModel year 2020
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 23V842000 · reported 13/12/2023
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
NHTSA campaign 18V430000 · reported 25/06/2018
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAILUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
NHTSA campaign 19V035000 · reported 16/01/2019
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
NHTSA campaign 19V057000 · reported 28/01/2019
- STRUCTURE:BODY:HOODUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
NHTSA campaign 20V397000 · reported 07/07/2020
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGERUS · NHTSAModel year 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
NHTSA campaign 22V178000 · reported 23/03/2022
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Audi recalls.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top speed of the Audi A8?
- The Audi A8 has a rated top speed of 248 km/h.
- How much power does the Audi A8 have?
- The Audi A8 produces 237 kW (317 hp).
- What are the dimensions of the Audi A8?
- The Audi A8 is 5,215 mm long, 1,949 mm wide and 1,465 mm tall.
- How much does the Audi A8 weigh?
- The Audi A8 has a kerb weight of about 2,270 kg.
- What are the CO2 emissions of the Audi A8?
- The Audi A8 emits 130 g/km of CO2 (WLTP).
- How many seats does the Audi A8 have?
- The Audi A8 has 5 seats.