Does the 2001 Audi A8 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Audi A8, the most recent reported on August 14, 2008 (Power train: automatic transmission). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Audi A8?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (2 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (2).

How many 2001 Audi A8 complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 6 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2001 Audi A8 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Audi A8.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Audi A8 recalls

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 08V397000 · reported August 14, 2008 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 13,900 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
The fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly, filler pipe and cap

NHTSA campaign 01V259000 · reported August 15, 2001 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC · 600 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a fuel and vapor leak detection system. A "blind cover" at the filler neck of the fuel tank may not seal properly allowing fuel vapor to escape.
The risk: Should this happen, the fuel tank pressure will be reduced, which will activate the leak detection system and alert the driver of a system's fault indicated by an instrument panel light.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filler neck/expansion tank assembly. Owner notification began march 21, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact audi at 1-866-892-2834.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train2
Vehicle speed control2
Electrical system1
Engine and engine cooling1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Wheels1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 16, 2019 · Wheels · 172,000 miles · crash reported
A8L [QUATTRO, ALL WHEEL DRIVE] IN EARLY DECEMBER OF 2018, I ORDERED 4 TIRES FROM WALMART ONLINE FOR MY 2001 AUDI . THEY WERE 245/45/18 SUPERMAX 100V TM-1. THE TIRE SIZE WAS EXACTLY AS RECOMMENDED ON THE B-PILLAR AND EXACTLY THE SAME SIZE AS THE TIRES THAT WERE ON THE CAR WHEN THESE NEW TIRES WERE ORDERED. THE ONLINE…

Jul 23, 2015 · Fuel/propulsion system · 86,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 AUDI A8. UPON TRYING TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE UPON PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, BUT NOT INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED…

Jan 10, 2007 · Electrical system
2001 AUDI A8L GAUGE CLUSTER PROBLEMS* THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN THE VEHICLE, THE TEMPERATURE OR THE VEHICLE SPEED, BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.

Nov 9, 2004 · Power train
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN INCONSISTENCY WITH ACCELERATION WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN HE DRIVES THE VEHICLE IT FEELS LIKE HE IS STARTING OFF IN THIRD GEAR.

Sep 29, 2004 · Engine and engine cooling · 8,600 miles
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

A8 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	2	3	0	1
2001	2	6	1	0
2002	1	1	0	0
2003	1	3	0	0
2004	1	20	0	2

Across all years, the 2013 A8 has the most complaints (50). All Audi A8 years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Audi A8 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Audi A8, the most recent reported on August 14, 2008 (Power train: automatic transmission). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Audi A8?: Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (2 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (2).
How many 2001 Audi A8 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 6 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 16, 2019.