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 we did. I then came back on September 30, and again after 2 hours of waiting, they told me the USB port in the car is not working and that I must pay over $1000 to replace the USB Port so that they can perform the recall. As such we could not get the update done. I followed up with Audi North America Headquarters in Michigan, and they basically told me the same thing that the dealer told me. This issue is very disappointing for two reasons: 1) How can a $100,000+ car be updated using a USB. I have never used the USB port until this Recall. 2) If Audi has no other way to take care of the recall, then Audi should take responsibility for replacing the USB port. The dealership said the USB Port is not part of the recall and it is not under warranty. I am driving a car that is under the federal safety agency recall violation and Audi should take responsibility for updating the software either by replacing the USB port or perhaps through Wi-Fi. Can the federal safety agency file a complaint with Audi North America?
The worst 2021 Audi A8 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Recalls 10
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is 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."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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 on December 23, 2025.
Recall number 25V900000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is 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.
- Risk
- An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 25V201000 · Recall details
Electrical system: propulsion system: charging: cable/cord: onboard
- What is 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 charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
- Risk
- An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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.
Recall number 23V842000 · Recall details
Equipment: electrical: infotainment: video (TOUCH)screen/monitor/unit
- What is 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 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."
- Risk
- An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 22V806000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: display function
- What is 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 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."
- Risk
- A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 22V742000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is 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 after the repairs for Recall 21V‑295 (42L1) were performed.
- Risk
- Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 22V034000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is 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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 21V825000 · Recall details
Seat belts: rear/other: retractor
- What is 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 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."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- 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).
Recall number 21V606000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
- What is 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 stress corrosion.
- Risk
- A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 21V295000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)
- What is 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.
- Risk
- An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 21V111000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Audi A8 1,281
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- For applicable vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to repair the Virtual Cockpit...
- Diagnosed and confirmed malfunction of the vehicle’s AEB system that resulted from failure or malfunction...
- This bulletin provides informaiton on the use of the PICO-NVH tool (VAS 611 015).
- This bulletin provides informtion when the exhaust emissions warning lamp lights up or flashes; sporadic...
- This bulletin provides information when the air spring symbol is illuminated; DTC U112100 or C1260F0.
- This bulletin provides information regarding the current top concerns being addressed by the Audi Digital...
- This bulletin proides service information when there is a prompt to take over the steering wheel (hands...
- This bulletin provides information when the starter battery is discharged or malfunctioning.
- This service information bulletin provides information when the convernience opening does not work.
- This bulletin provides information when there is an Audi pressense warning, warning jolt, and/or brake...
2021 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl Plug-in hybrid | AWD | 21 | 26 | 23 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl Hybrid | AWD | 17 | 26 | 21 |
| 4.0L 8‑cyl Hybrid | AWD | 15 | 23 | 18 |
What 2021 Audi A8 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Delay in change gear especially from full stop, vehicle recoil, jump, jolt, sometimes with loud noise
fuel pump leak, dealer claimed the seal is broken from the manufacture, gave out strong gasoline smell
I was driving in the morning on a November day on a rural road. The rear moon roof exploded outward. The sound was deafening and scared my passenger and I. The center glass exploded outward, scattering glass outside and inside of the car. I believe that if this happened that passengers in the car could be hurt. Other drivers on the highway could be startled on their car damaged by the flying glass. An accident could be induced by the incident either by the drive of my car or by nearby drivers.
Compare the 2021 Audi A8
Other model years
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Questions about the 2021 Audi A8
Is the 2021 Audi A8 reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2021 Audi A8, fewer than a typical A8 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Audi A8?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is transmission (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A8 have?
10 recalls, covering back over prevention, electrical system and equipment.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Audi A8 electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 25V201000, 23V842000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Audi A8 get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Audi A8 range from 18 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl plug-in hybrid, AWD) gets 21 city and 26 highway.
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