After water damage to the bottom level of the seat an electrical fire started. It burned through and melted the plastic facing on the right side of the seat near the seat adjustment mechanism releasing toxic fumes we have so far been unable to abate. The manufacturer has been unresponsive in addressing this hazard. The damage is available for inspection. The toxic fumes are a health hazard as was the fire. The dealer inspected the damage and refused to repair it. The Bureau of Auto Repairs in California also inspected the damage. There were no warning lights activated.
The worst 1999 Audi A8 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body2
- Electrical2
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body2
- Electrical2
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
- Seats1
- Tires1
Recalls 4
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.
Recall number 20V056000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 audi a8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may move out of position over time. With the locking cable out of position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
- Risk
- This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece that will secure the locking cable in place. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact audi at 1‑800‑822‑2834.
Recall number 08V397000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
- Risk
- If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Recall number 00V414000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
- Risk
- If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Recall number 99V248000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Audi A8 57
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion...
- This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19....
- This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries...
- This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the...
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the...
- This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing...
- Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians...
- This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
- Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 20 number 13-29 dated November 15, 2013
1999 Audi A8 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 8‑cyl | FWD | 15 | 24 | 18 |
| 4.2L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 23 | 18 |
What 1999 Audi A8 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
1999 audi a8. Consumer writes in regards to faulty airbag safety recall. The consumer stated while at the dealership awaiting a recall repair, the vehicle was flooded due to a rainstorm. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealership denied any responsiblity, other than the insurrance deductible. The consumer stated the dealer did not take any preventive efforts to save the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted, but did not offer any assistance.
After inspecting my michelin primacy mxv4 tires on my audi a8 I became alarmed about excesive sidewall cracking and searched for recalls...none? Began reading complaints and noticed many other sidewall "dryrot" issues. Will take back to retailer to seek help!? Hope to prevent a blowout!
Mine is a well-maintained, near-pristine, low-mileage car. Without warning or prior indication of a problem, the transmission suddenly ceased to operate correctly while traveling on a busy, four-lane urban highway. It resulted in the car having limited forward motion, poor control, and vastly diminished power, making it extremely difficult to maneuver in traffic. I narrowly avoided a collision with other cars. I managed to drive the car back about 20 miles to my residence in the limp-home mode--one forward gear, the engine revving between 3000 to 5000 RPM's with the forward speed no more than 35 MPH. I parked the car and left it for a week while traveling. When I returned it would not move in any gear. I had it towed on a flat-bed truck to an audi dealer. The problem was diagnosed as an inoperable, unrepairable transmission brought about when "a bolt separated from the transmission housing causing a hose to leak transmission fluid which resulted in burnt parts and gears. The cost of a new transmission was $6,800--on a car with only 50,546 miles! After reporting the incident to audi corporate, I was informed that audi could not be held responsible for this event because there were "no open campaigns or service actions" relative to this model. I was very dissatisfied with this response since I have been a long-time audi owner/driver of the a8 and other models. My internet research indicates that the transmission of the a8-d2 models (1997-99) has been a very weak component part on these cars. Please help.
Vehicle's rear passenger doors open automatically whenever power windows are rolled down. Doors will not shut unless owner pulls over and shuts door from the outside.
1999 audi a8 continues to erode the inside circumference of the rear tires, approx 1/32nd per 20 days, have placed 4 tires on it and the dealer has played with the alignment to attempt to correct. This has not correct the problem.
The front bumper fell off twice without hitting any objects. Please provide further details.
The vehicle's engine stops. Audi attempted to repair twice. The vehicle remained stopping without warning.
Consumer states that the transmission failed and was replaced, however the new transmission does not work properly, consumer states that the transmissions are clearly flawed, the faulty transmission also caused the ABS and brake lights to illuminate. *slc. Consumer states a front and rear wheel alignment was performed.
Compare the 1999 Audi A8
Other model years
1996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201920202021
Questions about the 1999 Audi A8
Is the 1999 Audi A8 reliable?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 1999 Audi A8, close to a typical A8 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Audi A8?
Body and structure, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Audi A8 have?
4 recalls, covering air bags, power train and steering.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Audi A8 get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Audi A8 range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.7L 8-cyl, FWD) gets 15 city and 24 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1999 Audi A8?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history